Senapati of Mataram facts for kids

Panembahan Senapati was a very important leader in Javanese history. He founded the powerful Mataram Sultanate. His full name was Panembahan Senapati ing Ngalaga Sayyidin Panatagama. He passed away in 1601 in a place called Jenar (which is now Purwodadi, Purworejo).

Who Was Panembahan Senapati?

Panembahan Senapati was born with the name Danang Sutawijaya, also known as Dananjaya. His father was Ki Ageng Pamanahan, a Javanese chief. His father worked for Joko Tingkir, who was the Sultan of Pajang. Some stories say that Panembahan Senapati's father came from the last king of the Majapahit kingdom.

His mother was Nyai Sabinah. Javanese stories say she was related to Sunan Giri, a famous Muslim religious leader. Nyai Sabinah's brother, Ki Juru Martani, became the first main advisor (called patih) for Mataram. He helped plan how to stop a rebellion in 1549.

Sutawijaya was adopted by Sultan Hadiwijaya (Joko Tingkir) because the Sultan and his wife didn't have children yet. Hadiwijaya gave him a home in the north of a market. This is why he was sometimes called "Raden Ngabehi Loring Pasar," which means "Prince North of the Market."

Early Life and Important Actions

As a young man, Senapati played a key role in the politics of the time. He was the foster son of Sultan Hadiwijaya. According to Javanese tradition, Senapati defeated Arya Penangsang. This event was important because it helped establish the Sultanate of Pajang as the main power.

Becoming a Leader

In 1556, Senapati's father, Ki Ageng Pamanahan, was given control of the Mataram region. When his father died in 1575, Sutawijaya took over as the chief of Mataram. He was given the title Senapati Ing Ngalaga, which means "commander in the battlefield."

In 1576, officials from Pajang visited Mataram. They wanted to check on Senapati's loyalty because he hadn't visited Pajang in over a year. Senapati didn't pay much attention to them at first. However, the officials managed to report back to Sultan Hadiwijaya in a way that didn't upset him.

Seeking Power and Spiritual Help

Old Javanese stories, like the Babad Tanah Jawi, say that Senapati wanted to become the main ruler of Java. To do this, he sought help from powerful spiritual figures.

He was said to have a special connection with Nyai Roro Kidul, who is known as the Javanese goddess of the Indian Ocean. The stories also say he had support from Sunan Kalijaga, a respected Muslim saint. Sunan Kalijaga was one of the Wali Songo, or 'Nine Apostles,' who helped spread Islam in Java. Senapati also connected with the ruler of Mount Merapi. Besides spiritual preparations, he also built strong defenses and trained his soldiers well.

Challenging Pajang

Senapati began to show his growing power. He even convinced tax collectors from other regions to give their taxes to him instead of Pajang. They then promised to be loyal to him.

Sultan Hadiwijaya became worried about Senapati's growing influence. He sent messengers to Mataram to investigate. Senapati welcomed them with a party. However, there was an argument between Senapati's son, Raden Rangga, and one of the messengers.

Later, in 1582, Sultan Hadiwijaya exiled an official named Tumenggung Mayang. This was because Tumenggung Mayang had helped his son meet the Sultan's youngest daughter in secret. The Sultan's daughter was a princess of Mataram. The son himself was sentenced to death.

Senapati's sister was the mother of the sentenced son. So, Senapati sent his own officials to free Tumenggung Mayang from exile.

This made Sultan Hadiwijaya very angry. He attacked Mataram with his army. Even though Pajang's army was larger, Mataram's soldiers managed to defeat them.

On his way back to Pajang, Sultan Hadiwijaya became sick and later died. Before he died, he asked his children to treat Senapati like their older brother. Senapati himself attended his adoptive father's funeral.

Becoming King of Mataram

After Sultan Hadiwijaya's death, his son-in-law, Arya Pangiri, took control of Pajang in 1583. He was supported by Panembahan Kudus. Arya Pangiri removed Prince Benawa, the rightful heir, and made him the Duke of Jipang.

Prince Benawa then joined forces with Senapati in 1586. They believed Arya Pangiri's rule was harming the people of Pajang. A war broke out, and Arya Pangiri was captured and sent back to Demak.

Prince Benawa offered the throne of Pajang to Senapati, but Senapati refused. He only asked for some important Pajang treasures to be kept safely in Mataram.

Prince Benawa became the Sultan of Pajang in 1587. He then asked for Pajang to become part of Mataram. He wanted Senapati to be the king of Mataram. Pajang then became a state that was loyal to Mataram. Senapati's brother, Prince Gagak Baning, governed it.

From that time on, Senapati became the first king of Mataram. He took the title Panembahan. He chose not to use the title Sultan to show respect for Sultan Hadiwijaya and Prince Benawa. His royal court was located in Kotagede.

Senapati's Rule

During his time as king, Mataram followed Javanese traditions. This was true even though Islam had already arrived in Java. Senapati focused on building his spiritual strength through meditation. The stories about Senapati relying on both Sunan Kalijaga (a Muslim saint) and Nyai Loro Kidul (a Javanese goddess) show how the Mataram rulers balanced Islam with older Javanese beliefs. The idea of a straight line connecting Mount Merapi in the north, the southern sea, and the Mataram kingdom in the middle was a very important belief for the Javanese people.

Senapati's grandson, Sultan Agung, who ruled later, was known as a great Muslim leader. However, both Senapati and Sultan Agung were said to have connections with the Goddess of the Southern Ocean, Nyai Loro Kidul.

Expanding Mataram's Power

After Hadiwijaya died, many smaller states in East Java broke away from Pajang. The strongest group of these states was led by Surabaya. They fought against Mataram in Mojokerto. However, a messenger from Giri Kedaton helped them make peace.

Besides Pajang and Demak, the region of Pati also joined Mataram peacefully. Pati was led by Duke Pragola I. His sister, Queen Waskitajawi, became one of Mataram's main queens. This made Duke Pragola I hope that his sister's children would rule Mataram someday.

In 1590, combined armies from Mataram, Pati, Demak, and Pajang attacked Madiun. Madiun was led by Rangga Jumena, who had a large army ready. Mataram used a clever trick and conquered Madiun. Rangga Jumena fled, and his daughter, Retno Dumilah, married Senapati.

In 1591, there was a change in power in Kediri. Raden Senapati of Kediri was removed by a new leader, supported by Surabaya.

Panembahan Senapati adopted Raden Senapati of Kediri as his son. He helped him try to get his throne back. The war ended with the deaths of both Raden Senapati and his uncle.

In 1595, the Duke of Pasuruan wanted to join Mataram peacefully. But his commander, Rangga Kaniten, stopped him. Panembahan Senapati defeated Rangga Kaniten in a duel. The Duke of Pasuruan then killed Rangga Kaniten and promised loyalty to Mataram.

In 1600, Duke Pragola I of Pati rebelled against Mataram. This happened because Retno Dumilah of Madiun was made the second queen. Pati's army took control of some areas north of Mataram. A battle took place near the Dengkeng River. Senapati himself led the Mataram forces and defeated Pati's army.

Death of Panembahan Senapati

Panembahan Senapati, also known as Danang Sutawijaya, died in Kajenar village in 1601. He was buried in the Mataram Cemetery in Kotagede. His son, Mas Jolang, who was born to Queen Mas Waskitajawi, became the next king.

Children of Panembahan Senapati

• Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Pambayun / Retna Pembayun, who married a chief named Ki Ageng Mangir.
• Pangeran Ronggo Samudra (Duke of Pati)
• Pangeran Puger / Raden Mas Kentol Kejuron (Duke of Demak)
• Pangeran Teposono
• Pangeran Purbaya / RM. Damar
• Pangeran Rio Manggala
• Pangeran Adipati Jayaraga / Raden Mas Barthotot, Duke of Ponorogo
• Panembahan Hadi Prabu Hanyokrowati (He became the 2nd King of Mataram, ruling from 1601 to 1613)
• Gusti Raden Ayu Demang Tanpa Nangkil
• GRAy. Wiramantri
• Pangeran Adipati Pringgoloyo I (He was the Regent of Madiun from 1595 to 1601)
• Ki Ageng Panembahan Juminah / Pangeran Juminah / Pangeran Blitar I (He was the Regent of Madiun between 1601 and 1613)
• Pangeran Adipati Martoloyo / Raden Mas Kanitren (He was the Regent of Madiun between 1613 and 1645)
• Pangeran Tanpa Nangkil