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Ishana dynasty facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Ishana dynasty was a family of rulers who led the Mataram Kingdom, an ancient Hindu kingdom on the island of Java in what is now Indonesia. This dynasty followed the Sanjaya dynasty.

The name "Ishana" comes from a Sanskrit word that refers to a Hindu god. This god is often seen as one of the forms of Shiva, who is known as a powerful destroyer and transformer in the Hindu religion.

Founding the Dynasty

The Ishana dynasty was started by a powerful leader named Mpu Sindok. He became king around the year 929 AD. Mpu Sindok is famous for moving the capital city of the Mataram Kingdom. It used to be in Central Java, but he moved it all the way to East Java. This was a very important change for the kingdom.

Historians believe that Mpu Sindok, also known by his royal name Sri Isyana Vikramadharmatungadeva, was the person who truly established Javanese power in the eastern part of the island.

Important Rulers

After Mpu Sindok, his daughter, Isanatungavijaya, became the next ruler. She continued to lead the kingdom.

Later, her son, Makutavamsavardhana, took over the throne. The last known ruler of the Ishana dynasty was Dharmawangsa.

The End of the Dynasty

The rule of the Ishana dynasty came to an end in a dramatic way. An old stone carving, called the Pucangan Inscription, tells us what happened. In the year 1016, a king named Wurawari, who was a vassal (meaning he ruled a smaller area but was loyal to the Mataram king), rebelled. King Wurawari attacked and destroyed the capital city of the Mataram Kingdom. This event marked the end of the Ishana dynasty's direct rule.

What Happened Next?

Even though the Ishana dynasty ended, the kingdom was eventually brought back to life. A new ruler named Airlangga managed to restore and reunite the kingdom. He called this new kingdom Kahuripan.

Airlangga's children and grandchildren continued to rule. They led the Kingdom of Kediri. Many historians believe that the rulers of Kediri were a continuation of the Ishana dynasty, keeping its legacy alive.

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