Vikramavardhana facts for kids

Vikramavardhana was a powerful Javanese emperor. He became the fifth ruler of the Majapahit empire, a large kingdom in Southeast Asia. He ruled for a long time, from 1389 to 1429. His royal name was Bhra Hyang Wisesa. He took over the throne after his father-in-law, King Hayam Wuruk.

Early Life and Royal Connections

Vikramavardhana's birth name was Raden Gagak Sali. He was the nephew of the previous king, King Hayam Wuruk. He was also King Hayam Wuruk's son-in-law. His mother was Princess Rajasaduhiteswari, the king's younger sister. She was known as the Princess of Pajang. His father was Singhawardhana, the Prince of Paguhan.

A famous ancient poem, the Nagarakretagama, describes Vikramavardhana. It says he was seen as a special prince, important to the royal court.

Vikramavardhana had two younger sisters. One was Nagarawardhani, who later married his rival. The other was Rajasawardhani. Vikramavardhana himself held the title of Prince of Mataram.

When he was young, Vikramavardhana was arranged to marry his cousin, Kusumawardhani. She was the only child of King Hayam Wuruk and his main queen. This marriage was very important. It made Vikramavardhana the chosen heir to the throne.

Becoming King and Challenges

After his grandmother, Queen Tribhuwana, passed away, a big problem started. There was a fight over who should rule next. King Hayam Wuruk's uncle, Wijayarajasa, declared himself a new king. This split the kingdom into two parts: the "Western Court" and the "Eastern Court."

King Hayam Wuruk didn't want to fight his uncle. This was partly because his own son from another wife supported Wijayarajasa. However, most of the royal family stayed loyal to King Hayam Wuruk.

When Wijayarajasa died in 1388 and King Hayam Wuruk died in 1389, the conflict got worse. In the Western Court, Vikramavardhana became king. His claim was strong because his wife, Kusumawardhani, was King Hayam Wuruk's only child from his main queen. But in the Eastern Court, King Hayam Wuruk's son from a lesser wife, known as Bhre Wirabhumi, claimed the throne. He felt he had a better right because he was the king's only son.

To show his power, King Vikramavardhana gave his wife, Kusumawardhani, the title "Princess of Lasem." This was a challenge to Bhre Wirabhumi, whose wife also held that title. There were two Princesses of Lasem at this time: Kusumawardhani, called "the Fair Princess," and Nagarawardhani, called "the Fat Princess."

In 1398, King Vikramavardhana's navy successfully attacked the Kingdom of Singapura. Its ruler, King Iskandar Shah, had to flee.

The Regreg War

Around 1400, King Vikramavardhana briefly stepped down from his role to focus on religious life. However, he soon returned to the court. This was likely because his wife, Queen Kusumawardhani, passed away around this time.

Both King Vikramavardhana and Bhre Wirabhumi had good relationships with the Chinese. They even received visits from Admiral Cheng Ho of the Ming Dynasty in 1405.

However, a major civil war, called the Regreg War, broke out in 1406. During this war, some Chinese visitors in the Eastern Court were accidentally killed. King Vikramavardhana eventually won the war and defeated Bhre Wirabhumi. But this long war greatly weakened the Majapahit Empire. It made the kingdom less powerful over its distant lands.

King Vikramavardhana ruled until 1429. After him, a queen took the throne. Historians still discuss whether it was his wife, Kusumawardhani (if she was still alive), or their daughter, Suhita.

Family Life

King Vikramavardhana's main wife and queen was Kusumawardhani. She was known for her beauty. They had a son named Rajasakusuma, who was expected to be the next king. Sadly, he died in 1399.

Vikramavardhana had three other children. Their mother is not clearly named in historical records. However, many historians believe they were also born to Queen Kusumawardhani. These children were:

• The Prince of Tumapel, who was crown prince until he died in 1427.
• Suhita, who later became the queen of Majapahit.
• Dyah Kertawijaya, who became the Prince of Tumapel after his older brother died. He later became king after Suhita.

One of Vikramavardhana's other wives was the Princess of Mataram. She was the daughter of his former rivals, Prince Wirabhumi and Nagarawardhani. She was brought to the Western Court after the Regreg War.