Trenggana facts for kids
Trenggana (who lived from 1521 to 1546), also known as "Trenggono", was an important ruler of the Demak Sultanate. He became the third Sultan of Demak, taking over after Pati Unus.
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Who Was Sultan Trenggana?
Trenggana became the leader of Demak after being crowned by Sunan Gunungjati. Sunan Gunungjati was one of the Wali Songo, a group of respected religious leaders who helped spread Islam across the island of Java. Trenggana is remembered as the third and one of the most powerful rulers of the Demak Sultanate. The title "sultan" is an Arabic word for ruler, and it was given to him by people who lived much later.
Expanding Demak's Power
Sultan Trenggana worked hard to make Demak stronger and larger. He led his armies to conquer Hindu kingdoms in Central Java, bringing them under Demak's control.
Taking Control of Important Ports
In 1527, Trenggana learned that the Portuguese and the Kingdom of Sunda were planning to team up against Demak. To stop this, he ordered his forces to attack Banten and Sunda Kelapa. These were important port cities belonging to the Kingdom of Sunda. After Demak took over Sunda Kelapa, its name was changed to Jayakarta. Trenggana then turned these areas into the new sultanate of Banten. This new sultanate became a "vassal state," meaning it was a smaller kingdom that was loyal to and controlled by Demak. Hasanudin was put in charge of this new sultanate.
Demak's Influence Spreads East
Sultan Trenggana also expanded Demak's power towards the east. During his time as ruler, he conquered what was left of the Majapahit Empire. Majapahit was once a very strong Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in Java. After its defeat, many valuable items and treasures from Majapahit were brought to Demak. These items, like special thrones, crowns, and traditional daggers called krises, became royal treasures for the Demak palace (known as the Kraton).
Demak also helped spread Islam and gain control over other major port cities in East Java. Sultan Trenggana's military campaigns ended in 1546 when he was killed in a place called Panarukan, in East Java.
