Chapter XI (1)

_History of Java, from the Establishment of Mahomedanism_ (A.J.
1400), _till the Arrival of the British Forces in A.D. 1811._
(A.J. 1738).

About a year after the establishment of the chief authority at _Demák_, the Sultan, accompanied by the different heads of the Mahomedan worship, visited _Sheik Mulána Ibrahim_ at _Chéribon_. On this occasion, the chiefs were distributed over different quarters appropriated for them, in the vicinity of _Palimánan_, and the places where they resided still bear their respective names.

_Kábu Kanigára_, the chief of _Pájang_, second son of _Andáya Níngrat_ by one of the daughters of _Browijáya_ and the princess of _Chámpa_, was put to death, although he had embraced the Mahomedan religion, for refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of Sultan _Demák_, by presenting himself at court when required. The following is the account of this transaction, as given by the native writers.

"The _Pangéran Kúdus_ then departed alone, and having entered the _dálam_ was observed by a female attendant of the chief, who demanded his name and errand; to which he replied, that he should have the honour to make himself known to her master. The female observed that the prince was ill, and in mourning for the death of one of his best friends, _Kiái Gédé Tingkir_. _Pangéran Kúdus_ then desired her to tell her master that he was a messenger from the Almighty, who brought good tidings. Having thus obtained admittance to the chief, he informed him that he was commissioned to require his immediate attendance at _Demák_, and in case of refusal to put him to death. But _Kábu Kanigára_ still persisted in his refusal, and delivered his _kris_ into the hands of the _Pangéran_, who immediately wounded him in the arm, of which he shortly expired. He had however previously stipulated, that as his wife was pregnant, the circumstances of his death should be kept secret from her, and that her life should be preserved. The widow shortly after quitted the _dálam_, and found an asylum with the widow of _Kiái Gédé Tingkir_, where she was delivered of a son, destined to perform a conspicuous part in the transactions of those days."

_Panambáhan Jimbua_ reigned according to some twelve, and according to others nine years after the fall of _Majapáhit_. He had several children, one of whom, named _Pangéran Sábrang Lor_, succeeded him as sultan of _Demák_: another, named _Niái Bintára_, was married to _Mulána Ibrahim_ of _Chéribon_, who was in consequence honoured with the title of _Panambáhan Makdum Játi_.

_Panambáhan Jimbun_ is represented as having resided in a small unadorned dwelling, while the principal buildings at _Demák_ were constructed by _Pangéran Kúdus_, who had married the daughter of _Húsen_, and being entrusted with the highest offices, was considered as the second person in the state.

_Pangéran Sábrang Lor_, who succeeded his father in 1409, after a reign of less than two years, died of an inflammation of the lungs, and was succeeded, in 1412, by his brother, named _Pangéran Tranggána_, the third sultan of _Demák_.

On the inauguration of _Pangéran Tranggána_, he received the benediction of _Panambáhan Mákdum Játi_, and _Pangéran Kúdus_ was appointed high priest. Two _krises_ and a _bádi bádi_ were made by the celebrated smith named _Súra_, from the iron wand which was supposed to have wrought miracles in the _Majapáhit_ war. One of them was presented to the new sultan, and became a royal _pusáka_; the other was delivered to the _Pangéran_ of _Kúdus_, with the appointment of _Susúnan Pangúhu_, or high priest. The _bádi bádi_ was sent to _Súnan Bónang_.

Before the year 1421, the whole island of Java had submitted to the authority of _Pangéran Tranggána_, the chiefs of the several provinces, from _Bantam_ to _Balambángan_, presenting themselves at his court, and universal tranquillity was restored. The Mahomedan religion was now firmly established throughout the island: the mosque was completed, and treaties of amity and peace were concluded with the princes of Borneo, _Palémbang_, _Báli_, _Singapúra_, _Indragírí_, and other states of the Archipelago, which had become independent of Javan authority after the fall of _Majapáhit_.

This prince is represented to have been an intelligent, good, and virtuous man, and to have enforced the strictest obedience to the laws. Under his superintendence was composed a work, entitled _Jáya Langkára_, in which the principles of the Mahomedan law and precepts were blended with the ancient instructions of the country, and thus rendered agreeable to the people.

It is related, that on the occasion of the assemblage of the different chiefs at the funeral of the deceased Sultan, and the inauguration of _Bangéran Tranggánaa_, a dreadful storm arose, with much thunder and lightning, when a youth, named _Jáka Siséla_ (the son of _Browijáya_ by _Búdan Kajáwan_, who had been delivered over to the superintendent of his _sáwah_ or rice fields) going out of the mosque to observe the weather, saw a meteoric stone fall on the ground beside him, without doing him harm. This stone he carried to the _Súnan Kali Jága_, who declared it to be an omen prophetic of much good to the youth. After thanks were returned to the Almighty for having averted the danger from the mosque, a sketch was made of the stone, which is still exhibited on the door facing the north. This youth _Siséla_ failing in an endeavour to become chief of the sultan's guards, and afterwards in an attempt upon the prince's life, was obliged to fly from the capital.

It is necessary here to advert to _Jáka Tingkír_, the offspring of _Kábu Kanigára_, a chief who had been put to death by order of the first sultan of _Demák_. It having been foretold that he would one day become sovereign of Java, he was taken by his mother to _Demák_ in his eleventh year, where he soon found means to ingratiate himself with the Sultan, who gave him the name of _Pánji Mas_, and caused him to be instructed in the Mahomedan religion and in the precepts of _Jáya Langkára_, appointed him to the command of the body guard consisting of eight hundred men, and afterwards, in the year 1449, gave him his daughter in marriage, with the administration of the province of _Pájang_, where, with the permission of the Sultan, he built a _kráton_; but afterwards having put to death a person who had arrived from the _Kedú_, applying for an appointment in the body guard, he was banished to the forests. During his exile he visited a village named _Bányu-bíru_, near the _Solo_ river, where he was instructed by a _Pandíta_ how to conduct himself for the future, the holy man predicting, at the same time, that he would become sovereign of Java and hold his court at _Pájang_.

Several exploits against alligators are recorded of him; and the opinion that no descendant of the princes of _Pájang_ need fear injury from these animals is so prevalent, that it is not unusual for a Javan of the present day, seeing himself in danger from one of them, to exclaim aloud that he belongs to that family.

Not long after the return of _Pánji Mas_, the island of Java was again formed into two separate and independent governments, corresponding with the former limits of _Majapáhit_ and _Pajajaran_. The eastern provinces remained subject to the Sultan of _Demák_, and the western were ceded in perpetuity to _Mulána Ibrahim_, with the title of Sultan. To both sultans was reserved the right of dividing their lands on their demise among their children, as they might think proper. The _Súnan Káli Jága_ obtained as an hereditary property, free from all kinds of requisitions, the small district of _Adilángu_, in the province of _Demák_, where he was afterwards buried.

From this period until the death of the Sultan of _Demák_, the eastern provinces enjoyed the most undisturbed tranquillity; but the Sultan of _Chéribon_ found some difficulty in establishing his authority over the western people, and in converting them, particularly those of Bantam, to the Mahomedan faith.

The Sultan of _Demák_, besides several natural children, had two sons and four daughters. Of these daughters one was married to a Madurese prince, who resided at _Lampung_; another, _Balíga_, to a son of the Sultan of _Chéribon_, who was the chief of _Bantám_; a third to _Ráden Pánji_, who after the return of the Sultan from _Chéribon_ was appointed chief of _Pájang péng'ging_; and the fourth to the son of _Pángéran Kedíri_, who was chief of _Japára_.

_Pangéran Tranggána_, the third Sultan of _Demák_, died in the year 1461, having previously made a division of his dominions among his children.

His eldest son, _Aria Ráng'ga_, was appointed Sultan of _Prawáta_, to which was annexed all the land to the eastward along the Solo river, as far as _Surabáya_, together with _Demák_ and _Semárang_. His son-in-law, _Pangéran Hadíri_, was made _Súnan_ of the _Kali Niámat_, and possessed all the districts of _Japári_, _Páti_, _Rémbang_, and _Jawána_. The _Adipáti_ of _Pájang Péng'ging_ (_Ráden Pánji_) received the title of _Brébo Páti_ of _Pajang_ and of _Matárem_, with the lands attached to it. His son, _Mas Timor_, was appointed _Adipátí_, with the lands of _Kedú_ and _Bágalen_. His son-in-law, the prince of _Madúra_, was made chief of _Madúra_, _Suménap_, _Sedáyu_, _Grésik_, _Surabáya_, and _Pasúruan_. His youngest son, _Ráden Panángsang_, was appointed chief of _Jípang_.

The Sultan of _Chéribon_, better known by the name of _Súnan Gúnung Játi_, died in 1428, at an advanced age, leaving three sons by his wife, the princess of _Demák_, and one son and a daughter by a concubine. His eldest son, _Hásen_, succeeded him as Sultan of _Chéribon_ and of the provinces lying between the _Chi-tárum_ river and _Túgu_, and stretching in a southern direction to the _Kéndang_ hills, so as to include all the _Priáng'en_ districts and lands lying to the east of the _Chi-tárum_. From this prince are descended the present Sultans of _Chéribon_. To his second son, _Baradin_, he left the kingdom of _Bantam_, which extended westward from the river of _Táng'ran_, to the south-east part of Sumátra, including all the islands in the straits of _Súnda_. From him are descended the present kings of _Bantam_. His third son, named _Chenámpui_, died when young, and was buried at _Mándu_ in _Chéribon_. To his natural son, _Káli Játan_, he assigned the lands lying between the _Chitárem_ and _Tang'ran_ rivers, which had formerly formed part of _Chéribon_ and _Bantam_. This prince assumed the title of _Raja_ of _Jokárta_ or _Jákatra_, fixing his capital near the _kámpung_ of that name, where he and his descendants continued to reign, until they were expelled, in the year 1619 of the Christian era, by the Dutch, who established on its ruins the modern Batavia, the capital of their possessions in the East Indies.

The tomb of the _Susúnan Gúnung Játi_, situated on the mount so called, at a short distance from the present town of _Chéribon_, is still an object of the highest veneration and respect.

Thus was the ancient empire of Java divided under no less than eight separate and independent governments. _Bantam_, _Jokárta_, _Chéribon_, _Prawáta_, _Kaliniámat_, _Pajang Kedú_, and _Madúra_; the several chiefs of which, in general, either assumed the title of _Kiái Gédé_ or Sultan, or the more religious distinction of _Súnan_.

In about a year after the death of the Sultan _Tranggána_, the country of _Pájang_ rose to considerable importance; its chief, on account of his possessing the regalia of state, being considered as the first in rank of the several princes in the eastern districts. Hatred, envy, and ambition, however, soon inflamed the breasts of the different princes of Java. The most ambitious among them, and the first who disturbed the peace of the country, was the _Adipáti_ of _Jípang, Ráden Panángang_. The history proceeds thus:

"The _Adipáti_ of _Jípang_, by the advice of _Súnan Kúdus_, dispatched one of his body guard, named _Rákut_, to Sultan _Prawáta_, with orders to watch an opportunity and assassinate him. On the arrival of _Rákut_, it happened that the Sultan was labouring under an indisposition; but when he was sufficiently recovered, he went one evening after prayers, and sat down at the second gate of the _dálam_, his wife standing behind and holding his head, accompanied only by some female attendants. At that moment, _Rákut_ went up to him, and declared his commission; to which the Sultan replied, 'I am aware that my time is come; execute your orders, but do not hurt any one but me.' Upon this, _Rákut_ drew his _kris_ and stabbed him; after which, retreating a few steps, it occurred to him that the chief might not be actually dead; and returning with an intention of completing his purpose, he missed his aim, and struck the wife. The prince observing this, immediately threw his _kris_ at the assassin, which, striking him in the leg, threw him on the ground, where he was soon dispatched by the people, who were assembled by the cries of the women."

The prince and his wife soon after died of their wounds, and left their dominions and property to their brother, the _Súnan Káli Niámat_, with authority to administer the same until their son, _Aria Pangíri_, should come of age. Both the prince and his wife were interred in the burial place of their ancestors at _Demák_; and the provinces of _Prawáta_ thus became incorporated with those of _Káli Niámat_.

The _Súnan Káli Niámat_ immediately went to _Kúdus_, and demanded that justice and condign punishment should be inflicted on the persons concerned in this murder; and the _Súnan Kúdus_, expressing great indignation at the act, promised compliance; but the _Sunan_, while returning to _Káli Niámat_, was murdered on the road by persons in the pay of the _Adipáti_ of _Jípang_. This prince, having thus far succeeded in his designs, then plotted the death of the chief of _Pájang_, hoping by that means to remove the only obstacle to his obtaining the supreme authority in the eastern districts of Java. The assassins, however, whom he employed for this latter purpose were not equally successful. They found the prince at midnight in an inner apartment, sleeping among his wives: but while approaching him to execute their design, one of them happened to tread upon a woman, whose shriek awoke the prince. He demanded the reason of their visit, and promised them pardon, on their confessing by whom they were employed: they disclosed the whole, and obtained pardon with their dismissal. Thus disappointed in his scheme, the _Súnan Kúdus_ invited the chief _Patéh_ of _Pájang_ to visit _Kúdus_, and assembled as many religious people as possible, in the hope that an opportunity might be afforded of assassinating him when off his guard; but a letter arriving at this period from the Sultan of _Chéribon_, upon whose protection the widow of the _Súnan Káli Niámat_ had thrown herself, in which the Sultan declared that he should hold the _Súnan Kúdus_ responsible for the discovery of the murderers, the intended assassination was deferred.

The chief of _Pájang_ having communicated with his sister, the widow of _Súnan Káli Niámat_, who had made a vow never to rest or to leave her home until the death of her husband, brother, and sister, should be avenged, informed his _Panambáhan_, that if they could find a suitable opportunity to take revenge on _Ráden Penánsang_, they had his full consent. The meeting which took place between the parties is thus described.

"After having laid the troops in ambush, the chiefs of _Pájang_ crossed the river, and seizing one of the grass-cutters belonging to _Ráden Penánsang_ they cut off a piece of his right ear, and told him to go to his master with a letter, which they hung about his neck, containing a challenge from the prince of _Pájang_; they then returned to their own camp. In the meanwhile the grass-cutter running with a great noise to the quarters of _Ráden Penánsang_, who happened to be at dinner, delivered the message.

"At this summons the _Ráden_ came forth in a great rage, and ordering his horse and spear, galloped down to the river side, and called upon the prince to come over to him; but the chief of _Pájang_ answered, that if he was the man of courage he pretended to be, he would himself cross to the side he occupied. The _Ráden_, accompanied by two _Panakawans_ only, then crossed the river, and inquiring for his opponent, was informed that he remained in his _póndok_, and had sent his son to fight in his room, and would only appear in the event of his being conquered. _Ráden Penánsang_ then said with a contemptuous smile, 'Is the _Brébo Patéh_ afraid, that he sends me a child with whom he knows I will not fight? I will teach him something. Go, child, and call your father.' He then amused himself galloping about, until one of the chiefs of _Pájang_ let loose a number of mares, on which his horse became unmanageable, and he was thrown, and killed on the spot. _Túmung'gung Matáok_, his principal chief, now crossed the river with all his followers; but they were soon overpowered, and the _Tumúng'gung_ being slain, his head was stuck upon a pole by the river side."

From this period the provinces of _Jípang_ became subject to the chief of _Pájang_; and his sister at _Kali Niamat_, being informed of this success by _Panambáhan_ expressed her readiness to fulfil a promise which she had made, of conferring upon him all her lands and property, _Panambáhan_ declined accepting this offer, alleging that he had only obeyed the orders of his sovereign. He however received from her, on this occasion, two _pusáka_ rings, in one of which was set a large diamond, in the other a ruby, which had formerly belonged to the house of _Majapáhit_.

The spoil taken in the war was then divided according to usage, and to _Panambáhan_ was assigned a population of eighteen hundred working men in the district of _Mentáuk_, afterwards called _Matárem_. The lands of _Káli Niámat_ were left in the possession of his sister, and those of _Demák_ restored to his nephew. _Aria Pangiri_ received the title of Sultan of _Demák_.

The province of _Mentáuk_ or _Matárem_, at that period did not contain more than three hundred villages, scattered in different parts of the country. On the arrival of _Panambáhan_ near _Brambánan_, he was received by the _Súnan Adi Jága_, who would not allow him to perform the usual ceremony of kissing his feet, thus by implication predicting the future greatness of his descendants. At _Páser Gédé_, then a wilderness, _Panambáhan_ was duly installed, under the title of _Kiái Gédé Matárem_.

When the government of _Kiái Gédé Matárem_ was fully established, he was desirous of obtaining his son from the prince _Pájang_, who had retained him as an adopted child, and feared to part with him, in consequence of the prophecy of which he was aware, predicting the future greatness of the descendants of _Jáka Sisíla_; but on the entreaties of the _Súnan Káli Jaga_, he consented to part with him, under a stipulation, upon oath, from _Panambáhan_, that he would not undertake any thing prejudicial to him during his lifetime.

In the year 1490, the chief of _Pájang_, from religious motives, paid a visit to _Súnan Gíri_, accompanied by _Kiái Gédé Matárem_, and a numerous retinue of chiefs and priests. He was mounted on an elephant, and assumed all the pomp which had been customary with the sultans of _Bintára_. On this occasion he was formally installed as sultan, in the presence of the chiefs of the eastern provinces. The _Súnan Gíri_, at the same time, noticing _Kiái Gédé Matárem_, and being informed of his descent, declared that his family would one day rule all Java, and urged the Sultan of _Pájang_ to protect and befriend him. It was during this visit that the Sultan of _Pájang_ gave orders for digging the extensive fish-ponds which are now preserved at _Grésik_ for the _Ikan Bándang_.

On the return of _Kiái Gédé Matárem_ to his capital, he called together his relations, and recommended to their kindness the forty friends who had accompanied him on his first coming to _Matárem_, and their descendants, enjoining them, on no account whatever, to shed their blood, whatever crime they might commit, but if necessary, to punish them in some other way. To this they most solemnly bound themselves; and from this period, strangling is said to have been introduced as a capital punishment among the Javans.

His son, now called _Mas Anghebái Súta Wijáya_, had an amour with the grand-daughter of _Sheik Wáli ben Húsen_, who was intended to become one of the concubines of Sultan _Pájang_. Upon her becoming pregnant, he fled first to _Chéribon_, where he implored protection from the Sultan, but to no purpose, and afterwards towards _Luánu_, where collecting the rabble of the country, he commenced hostilities against the chief. The Sultan of _Pájang_, however, at length offering him a pardon, on condition of his marrying the girl, he returned, and was again received into favour; but not before he had reduced the chief of _Luánu_ to submission, and rendered that province tributary to _Matárem_.

The chiefs of _Surabáya_, _Grésik_, _Sidáyu_, _Túban_, _Wirasába_, _Pranarága_, _Kedíri_, _Mádion_, _Blóra_, _Jípang_, and _Pasurúan_, declared themselves independent of the prince of _Madúra_, and elected _Pánji Wíría Kráma_, the _Adipáti_ of _Surabáya_, who acted as _Widána_ to Sultan _Pájang_, to be their chief. About the same time, _Sánta Gúná_, the chief of east _Balambángan_, with the assistance of auxiliaries from _Báli_ and Celebes, again reduced the western districts of that province under his authority, subduing the principality of _Panarúkan_ and expelling the prince and his followers.

_Kiái Gédé Matárem_ died in the year 1497, after having, by his mild and equitable administration, converted the province of _Matárem_, from a wilderness into a fertile and populous country, and induced many of the surrounding districts voluntarily to submit to his authority.

The relations of the deceased appearing at the court of the Sultan of _Pájang_, he appointed his son, _Anghebái Súta Wijáya_, to succeed him as chief of _Matárem_, conferring upon him, at the same time, the command of all the troops of the empire, under the title of _Kiái Gédé Agung Senapáti Ingalága_, commonly distinguished by the single title of _Senapáti_, enjoining him annually to present himself at his court on the feast of _Múlut_.

It is noticed, that at this period the island was frequented by Portuguese and other European navigators, who had established factories at Bantam.

The ambition of the court of _Matárem_ being kept alive by various predictions, dreams, and enchantments, by which _Senapàti_ was promised the assistance of _Kiái Gédé Laut Kidúl_ the goddess of the great South Sea, who declared herself wedded to him, he was instigated to build an extensive _kráton_ on the spot where his _dálam_ then stood.

He now placed guards at the limits of his territories, burnt some of the adjacent villages, and assumed an attitude of complete independence, subjecting by degrees many of the neighbouring districts. Ambassadors were immediately sent from _Pájang_ to demand an explanation. They were in the first instance duped by the flattering manner in which they were received; but afterwards discovering the real state of affairs, and reporting it to the Sultan their master, he is represented as having called his son before him, and having said, "the will of Providence rules all events. _Senapáti_ will not, during my life, commence hostilities against me, but after my death he will render you subject to him. Yield to his power, on which depends your happiness and that of your descendants." At length, however, the chiefs of _Túban_ and _Demák_, apprehensive of the growing power of _Matárem_, prevailed upon him first to banish the _Tumung'gung Pájang_, as the instigator of this feud, and afterwards to send a considerable force against _Matárem_. The _Tumung'gung_, however, was rescued by forty chosen men dispatched by _Senapáti_, and a stratagem induced the forces of _Pájang_ to retreat. The _Pájang_ forces consisted of five thousand men, commanded by the Sultan's son: those of _Senapáti_ did not exceed eight hundred. The latter seeing that it was rash to risk an engagement against such a superiority of numbers, particularly as the few troops he had raised on the emergency were altogether unexperienced and undisciplined, while those of _Pajáng_ were in the highest order, halted at a short distance from _Brambánan_, where the enemy's forces were encamped. During the night he burned all the villages in the vicinity, and set fire to the reeds and long grass at some distance from _Brambánan_, and to the rear of the enemy's camp, by which means he persuaded them that the _Matárem_ forces had taken their departure, in order to obtain _Pájang_ by surprize.

During the succeeding night there was a heavy thunder storm, and on the following morning the mountain _Merbábu_ burst with a dreadful explosion, throwing out ashes and large stones; the rivers overflowed their banks and inundated the low country, occasioning great confusion and destruction in the _Pájang_ camp, and inducing the commander to retreat with his army forthwith to _Pájang_. Halting at the village _Tumpáit_, situated near _Kárbu Súru_, he visited the tomb of the _Pangéran_ of that name, who was descended from _Abdálah_, the eldest son of _Ráden Pátah_. Here the sultan is said to have been informed of a prophecy which foretold the immediate downfall of _Pájang_, and to have fainted and fallen from his elephant in consequence.

_Senapáti_ immediately bent his course to _Pájang_, where the sultan was again willing to receive him as his adopted son, and to pardon his past conduct; but a youth in the retinue of _Senapáti_, after first proposing to assassinate the sultan, a proposition to which _Senapáti_ refused to listen, at last of his own accord succeeded in administering poison to him, of which he died. This happened, however, after the return of _Senapáti_ to _Matárem_.

Being summoned by _Ráden Benáwa_, son of the deceased, _Senapáti_ immediately repaired to _Pájang_, where he found already assembled _Pangéran Kúdus_ and the principal chiefs of the country, who after the funeral proceeded to the election of a new sultan. _Senapáti_ was for investing the son of the deceased with the authority enjoyed by his father, but the _Súnan Kúdus_, who though he had been the cause of his son's death, still breathed vengeance against the _Pájang_ family, for the ignominious manner in which the punishment was carried into effect, opposed this nomination, and favouring the pretensions of Sultan _Démak_, that chief was duly proclaimed Sultan of _Pájang, Ráden Benáwa_ being appointed chief of _Jípang_. From this period the different states which had acknowledged the supremacy of _Pájang_ successively broke off from their allegiance.

The new Sultan of _Pájang_ commenced his career by removing from office most of the _Pájang_ chiefs, and replacing them by his adherents from _Demák_, which occasioned a general discontent. At last _Ráden Benáwa_, who was not inclined quietly to submit to the loss of his kingdom, succeeded in inducing _Senapáti_ openly to adopt his cause, and join the forces which he could himself send from _Jípang_ and the discontents of _Pájang_.

_Senapáti_ accordingly marched against _Pájang_, and an engagement taking place, most of the troops deserted the sultan's cause, and the remainder, who continued faithful, were soon put to flight. _Ráden Benáwa_, alarmed at a dream, in which he heard a voice saying, "Every thing in life has a beginning and an end, all worldly greatness is vanity, and no man can call himself happy until his death; do you always bear this in mind:" withdrew, and having followed the course of the _Sólo_ river down to _Grésik_, proceeded thence to _Kendál_, where he attracted many followers by his irreproachable conduct. At last he settled on the mountain _Parákan_, where he was buried.

_Senapáti_, after this success, proceeded to carry the _kráton_ by assault, and having entered the front gateway, the wife of the sultan came forth, entreating that her husband's life might be spared; but _Senapáti_ reminding her that he was the friend of her father, and had nothing to fear, desired her instantly to produce her husband, which being complied with, he informed the sultan that the people of _Pájang_ being displeased with him he could no longer remain sovereign, but that he and his followers might return to _Demák_ as soon as they pleased, the sovereignty being now conferred on _Ráden Benáwa_.

Search was made for _Ráden Benáwa_ without effect, but that chief was duly proclaimed as sultan, and the brother of _Senapáti_ appointed to administer the country until his arrival.

The retreat of _Ráden Benáwa_ being at length discovered, and that chief declining to accept the government of _Pájang_, his brother, _Pangéran Gája Búmi_, was appointed sultan in his room. The latter shortly after died, and was succeeded by the son of _Benáwa, Ráden Sidawíni_, on whom the title of _Pangéran Pájang_ was conferred.

As soon as order was again restored, _Senapáti_ returned to _Matárem_, carrying with him the saddle called _gatáya_, the head-dress called _máchang gúguh_, and a set of _gámelan_ called _sekar dalíma_, which he had taken at the assault of _Pájang_, as trophies of his victory, together with the cannon called _niái stómi_, and all the insignia and ornaments of royalty, which had descended for the most part from the princes of _Pajajáran_ and _Majapáhit_, and which are still preserved in the regalia of the princes of Java.

_Senapáti_, in consequence of these arrangements and the possession of the regalia, transferred the seat of empire to _Matárem_, and lost no time in raising his family to the highest dignities. Assuming himself the title of sultan, he elevated his nephews to the rank of _Pangérans_.

His ambitious views being now so far realized, he consulted the _Súnan Gíri_, wishing to obtain his opinion, whether the time for the complete fulfilment of the prophecy was not arrived. The _Súnan_ replied, that if the Sultan of _Matárem_ wished to be sovereign of the whole island of Java, it was essential that he should, in the first instance, bring the eastern provinces under subjection. In consequence of this reply, the sultan immediately collected his troops, trained them to the use of arms and regular discipline, and in the month of _mohárem_ marched eastward.

The _Adipáti of Surabáya_, who had held the supreme authority over all the eastern districts, as _Widána_ to the sultan of _Pájang_, no sooner heard of these preparations, than he directed all the subordinate chiefs with their forces to assemble at _Jípang_, there to await the arrival of the army from _Matárem_; but at the moment when a general engagement was about to take place between the two armies, an open letter was delivered to both chiefs from the _Súnan Gíri_, requesting them to desist, and proposing an arrangement, by which the eastern provinces were to become subject to _Matárem_, but to continue under the immediate administration of the _Adipáti_. This arrangement was agreed to by both parties, but the _Adipati_ soon repented of it, who in consequence was preparing for hostilities, when an open rapture was again averted by the interference of the _Súnan Gíri_; but soon after being joined by the forces of _Pranarága_ and _Madion_, the _Adipáti_ assembled his troops and marched to invade _Matárem_.

_Senapáti_ no sooner heard of these hostile preparations, and that the _Adipáti_ was levying the revenue of _Pájang_, than accompanied by his uncle, _Kiái Gédé Páti_, he marched towards _Madion_, and obtained possession of the _dálam_, the chief having previously fled with his son to _Surabáya_, leaving behind him a daughter whom _Senapáti_ married. His uncle, displeased at his conduct, returned to _Páti_; but _Senapáti_ prosecuted his march towards _Pasúruan_, with an intention to render himself master of that province.

The chief of _Pasúruan_ was inclined to surrender at discretion, but was dissuaded from doing so by his _Páteh_. One day when _Senapáti_ accompanied by only forty men of his body-guard, was reconnoitering the enemy's camp, he met the _Páteh_, who had come out with a similar intention, when a skirmish taking place, the _Páteh_ was wounded by a lance and fell to the ground. The sultan lifting him up and placing him on a mare, sent him back to the chief, with a letter tied round his neck. The chief no sooner saw him in this disgraceful predicament, than he repented of having taken his advice, and ordering his head to be immediately severed from his body, sent it to _Senapáti_ in token of submission.

After this _Senapáti_ returned to _Matárem_, where he married one of his daughters to the son of the late chief of _Madion_, and appointed him chief of _Jipang_.

_Súra Manggála_, a chief of _Kedíri_, was now willing to submit to the authority of _Matárem_, but _Senapáti_ returned no other answer to his messenger, than that it was his intention to march at the next _mohárem_, when it would be the duty of _Súra Manggála_ to surrender that province. Accordingly, in the month of _mohárem_, an army proceeded against _Kedíri_: the _Matárem_ forces were successful, and the chief and his three brothers submitted. _Senapáti_ was so pleased with the conduct of _Súra Mang'gála_ on this occasion, that he appointed him to the command of the _Matárem_ troops.

This chief, better known by the name of _Senapáti Bálek_, served the sultan of _Matárem_ with great ability and fidelity. He gained numerous victories, brought all the western provinces, as far as _Chéribon_, to acknowledge the supremacy of _Matárem_, limiting the authority of that chief within the rivers of _Losári_ and _Indramáyu_. He is said to have removed the mud wall which surrounded the _kráton_ of _Matárem_, and built in its stead a strong wall of stone. He was at last killed in a desperate engagement with the eastern people, which took place in _Pájang_, in which however the _Matárem_ troops were successful.

Shortly after the death of this chief, _Senapáti_ received intelligence of hostile preparations against _Matárem_ being made by his uncle, _Kiái Gédé Páti_. He accordingly proceeded to meet him, accompanied by all his sons and a numerous army. After a long and a desperate action, the _Matárem_ forces were again successful, and the sultan returned to _Matárem_, with the wives, children, and all the valuables of his uncle.

His son, _Pangéran Séda Krápiak_, being wounded on this occasion, the sultan published a proclamation, declaring that prince to be his successor after his death, by the title of _Panambahan Senapáti_.

The continued opposition of the eastern people, however, and the revolt of _Kedíri_ and _Pasúruan_, obliged him again to take the field, when finding the numbers and strength of the enemy far superior to his own, he conducted an able but slow retreat to his capital, and during the whole course of his reign found it impracticable to subject these provinces to his authority. To the provinces, however, of _Matárem_, _Bágelen_, _Bányumas_, _Pájang_ and _Jípang_, which descended to him from his father, he added those of _Páti_, _Kúdus_, _Semáráng_, _Kendál_, and _Kaliwúng'u_.

The days of _Sénapati_, the founder of the _Matárem_ empire, and of the dynasty which still retains a nominal rule on Java, were now brought to a close, after a reign of continued warfare. As the founder of the last native empire on Java, his memory is naturally held in high estimation; but he is also respected for the discipline he introduced into his army, and the valour, ability, and noble-mindedness which he displayed throughout. With the Javans he is considered as another Alexander, and he is the first in their modern history who is considered to have understood the art of war.

He was succeeded, in the year 1524, by his son, since called _Séda Krápiak_, from the place of his interment, but who during his reign, bore the title of _Panambáhan Senapáti_. The succession was, however, opposed by his elder brother, _Pangéran Púger_, who did not attend to kiss the sovereign's feet, as customary, on the day following his installation. This chief proceeding to hostilities, was soon taken prisoner near _Ungárang_. He was banished to _Kúdus_, and his minister was put to death, which offended one of his younger brothers, _Jajarága_, so much, that he instantly quitted _Matárem_ and proceeded to _Pranarága_, of which province he had formerly been appointed chief, with an intention of stirring up a rebellion in the distant provinces; but the sultan obtaining information of it, secured his person and banished him also. He was shortly afterwards pardoned and permitted to return.

It was during this reign that the Dutch and English first visited Java.

This prince reduced the provinces of _Madion_ and _Pranarága_, and built a palace, the walls of which are still standing at _Krapiak_, a place at the foot of a range of hills lying along the South Sea, a short distance from _Matárem_. He died after a reign of twelve years, esteemed on account of the general tranquillity which prevailed after the firm establishment of his government.

He was succeeded by his eldest son, named _Panambáhan Merta Púra_, in the year 1540; but this prince not being able to conduct the government, on account of his infirm state of health, or more probably removed by the intrigues of his family, who declared him to be insane, made way for his younger brother, who was raised to the throne in the following year.

This prince, distinguished by the title of _Agung_, or the great, commenced a flourishing reign by a signal victory over the _Surabáyan_ and _Madurese_ forces, by which he brought the eastern provinces of _Málang_, _Untung_, _Jápan_, _Wirasába_, _Pasúruan_ and _Surabáya_, under subjection; and following up his success, subdued all the eastern provinces, as far as _Balambángan_. Dissensions arising at this period between the people of Bantam and those of the _Súnda_ districts, the chief of _Súmedang_ applied to _Matárem_ for assistance; and being invested by the sultan with the chief authority over those districts, soon brought the whole of the western chiefs, alarmed at the approach of _Matárem_ arms, to acknowledge his supremacy. A force was now sent to _Madúra_, and that island being conquered was united to his dominion, which then extended through all Java and Madúra. An enemy, more powerful than any with whom he had been accustomed to contend, and destined to strip his posterity of all but the semblance of sovereignty, now appeared. The Dutch, availing themselves of the divisions and convulsions by which the empire had been previously distracted, had established themselves at _Jákatra_.

On their first arrival at Bantam, the prince of that country was absent on an expedition against _Palémbang_, which country, as well as a great part of the north and west coast of Sumatra, was then subject to his sway. They found the influence of the Portuguese, who had previously established a factory there, on the decline, and with little difficulty entered into a treaty with the chief, on whom the administration of the country was provisionally conferred during the absence of the prince. By this treaty, the contracting parties agreed to trade honestly and fairly with each other, and to afford mutual assistance in case of being attacked by an enemy.

Complaints, however, were soon made of the high tone which the Dutch assumed, and of the insolence of their menaces. Hostilities ensued, and according to the Dutch account, upwards of a hundred of the natives were killed or wounded. The consequence was, that they were obliged to quit Bantam. Touching at _Jákatra_, _Japára_, _Túban_, and _Sidáyu_, they had an affair with the Madurese, but ill calculated to make an impression in their favour. The prince of that country, anxious to pay his respects to the Europeans, requested, through his interpreter, to be permitted to visit the principal person among them, and an arrangement was accordingly made that he should be received on board a particular ship. As the prince left the shore with his suite, accompanied by their women and children, the Hollanders became alarmed at the appearance of so numerous an assemblage, and observing that they did not appear to be proceeding direct to the ship pointed out for their reception, discharged three guns. The terror occasioned by the report threw the procession into the utmost confusion, all the people in the boats falling as if killed. The crews of the other European vessels taking these guns as a signal for action, threw themselves with such impetuosity upon the native boats, that out of this numerous assemblage only twenty-one are said to have escaped. Among the slain was the prince, and his interpreter or high priest, and their bodies, as soon as discovered, were thrown with indignity into the sea.

It is remarkable, that the leading traits which distinguish the subsequent administration of the Dutch on Java (a haughty assumption of superiority, for the purpose of overawing the credulous simplicity of the natives, and a most extraordinary timidity, which led them to suspect treachery and danger, in quarters where they were least to be apprehended) were manifested in their earliest transactions in this quarter. On their first arrival at Bantam, we find the clerks of their trading vessels styling themselves captains; and such was the state and consequence assumed by Houtman, the chief of the expedition, who took the title of Captain Major, that a Portuguese, who had known him before, asked him significantly if he had been created _a duke_ since he last saw him. The murder of the unfortunate prince of _Madúra_ and his followers (for it can be called by no other term) was as detestable and unjustifiable as the subsequent massacre of the unfortunate and unoffending Chinese in the streets of Batavia. In neither case was there a plea to palliate the crying guilt, but such a degree of danger, as the basest cowardice could alone be sensible of.

This aggression did not pass unpunished, for the Dutch Admiral having allowed some of his men to land near _Arosbáya_, then the capital of the island, they were seized by the Madurese, and their enlargement was not effected without the loss of many lives and the payment of a liberal ransom.

Bantam was already a place of considerable trade: Chinese, Arabs, Persians, Moors, Turks, Malabars, Peguans, and in a word, merchants from all nations were established there. The principal produce for the European market was pepper. With this province the Dutch renewed their commerce in the year 1598 A.D., and four years afterwards they obtained permission to establish a factory there. In the following year, accordingly, they erected a permanent building, and formed a commercial establishment. At this time they had granted passes to the vessels belonging to the chief of _Túban_; and, in 1609, they left an agent at _Grésik_. A second treaty was now entered into with the king of Bantam, in which the States General stipulated to assist him against foreign invaders, particularly Spaniards and Portuguese; and the king on his side agreed to make over to the Dutch a good and strong fort, a free trade, and security for their persons and property, _without paying any duties or taxes_, and to allow no other European nation to trade or reside in his territories. The Dutch observing the serious differences which occurred among the chiefs of Bantam during the minority of the sovereign, made overtures, in the same year, to the prince of _Jákatra_, and removed to that province soon after.

In 1612, a convention was entered into between them and the prince of _Jákatra_, by which a free trade was allowed to them, together with an eligible place to reside at; both parties contracting to assist each other in war on the territory of _Jákatra_. It was moreover stipulated, that all goods should pay duty, except such as were imported in Dutch ships, or Chinese junks; and that the prince should prohibit the Spaniards and Portuguese from trading with his dominions.

On the 19th January, 1619, a further treaty was made with the same prince, confirming the former contracts, and stipulating that the fort should remain in its present state until the arrival of the Governor General, and that the English should be obliged to build their factory, and the other nations their houses, at a certain distance from the fort; but on the 1st of February following, in consequence of the success of the English, who had espoused the cause of the native chiefs, we find a convention entered into by the prince of _Jákatra_, the commanding officer of the English, and the commandant of the Dutch fort, by which the latter promised to deliver over the fort to the English, and the treasure, merchandize, &c. to the prince: the English agreeing to furnish the Dutch garrison with a ship and a safe conduct for six months.

On the 11th March, a contract was entered into between the king of Bantam and the commissioners of the Dutch Company, still in the fort of _Jákatra_, whereby the former promised to protect the Dutch against all hostile attempts, and to permit the re-establishment of a free trade on its former footing. The Dutch, on their part, agreed to keep the fort in good order, and to abandon the same on the arrival of their ships, when they would also deliver to the king (in return for the protection he afforded them) one-fourth of the Company's property, and one-half of the ordnance, &c.

In consequence, however, of the arrival of reinforcements from Europe, under Koen, and of the political understanding which then existed between the English and Dutch nations, the Dutch still maintained their ground, and in the month of August following laid the foundation of their establishment at _Jákatra_ on an extensive scale. They had previously, in the years 1618 and 1619, plundered and laid in ashes the town of _Japára_, because the chief of that province had, in the former year, taken possession of the factory, made prisoners of the Dutch, and sent them into the interior.

The Javan historians considering the Dutch in the light of other foreign nations, who were in the habit of trading to the sea coasts, do not furnish us with any information concerning the disputes which took place at Bantam, or in the first instance at _Jákatra_. Even in their accounts of the occasion of the first hostilities which took place with the sultan of _Matárem_, they convey rather a notion of what is the general impression regarding the first establishment of the Dutch, than any particulars calculated to throw light on the history of that period. "The Dutch," say they, "before they arrived at _Jákatra_, had formed an alliance with the sultan of Bantam. They subsequently treated with the English, and with _Pangéran Jokárta_; but in a short time they found the way to play off a foul stratagem on the latter. In the first place, when they wished to ascertain the strength and resources of _Jákatra_, they landed like _máta-mátas_ (peons or messengers), the captain of the ship disguising himself with a turban, and accompanying several _Khójas_ (a term by which the natives of the Coromandel coast are distinguished). When he had made his observations, he entered upon trade, offering however much better terms than were just, and making more presents than were necessary. A friendship thus took place between him and the prince: when this friendship was established, the captain informed the prince that his ship wanted repair; and the prince, at his request, allowed the vessel to be brought up the river. There the captain knocked out the planks of the bottom and sunk the vessel, to obtain a pretence for farther delay, and then requested a very small piece of ground, on which he might build a shed, to store the sails and other property, while endeavours should be made to raise the vessel. This request was also complied with. The captain then made a wall or mound of mud, so that nobody could know what he was doing, and in the mean time courted the friendship of the prince. He afterwards waited on the prince, and requested as much more land as could be covered by a buffalo's hide, on which he might build a small _póndok_. This being complied with, he cut the hide into strips, and claimed all the land he could enclose with them. To this also the prince, after some hesitation, consented. The captain then went on with his buildings, engaging that he would pay all expenses. When the fort was finished, the mud wall was removed; batteries were unexpectedly displayed, and under their protection the Dutch refused to pay a _doit_. War then commenced, in which the Dutch were reduced to such an extremity, as to be obliged to use stones in lieu of balls, which were expended. Even this resource failed; and, as a last expedient, bags of the filthiest ordure were fired upon the Javans, whence the fort has ever since borne the name of _Kóta tái_."

Such is the aversion of the Javans for the _Khójas_, as well on account of their general character as of their conduct on this occasion, that it is a proverb among them, "If you meet a snake and a _Khoja_ in the same road, kill the _Khoja_ first, and afterwards the snake."

Another account is as follows. "The Dutch having obtained the desired spot built on it a storehouse, and formed a garden for vegetables. When _Pangéran Jokárta_ inquired why they did this, they replied, they must have their conveniences, and that it was not the custom of the Dutch to live and eat like the Javans. The _Pangéran_ was satisfied with the reason given, and allowed the work to proceed; but they had no sooner completed several buildings, by means of the people landed from their ships, than they began to surround them with a battery. The _Pangéran_ again was roused, and inquired the reason of this, to which they replied, that there were a great many traders about to arrive, and that it was necessary to protect their property from thieves. When the batteries were completed they planted cannon in them: the _Pangéran_ inquired the reason of this preparation, to which they only replied, it was to keep off bad people.

"In a short time, however, when the Dutch had increased in numbers, they fired one of the guns, and the ball discharged from it fell in front of the _Pangéran's_ palace. The _Pangéran_ inquired why they did so, to which they replied, they were only trying how far the gun would carry, in order that they might be able to assist the _Pangéran_, should he be attacked by an enemy. The _Pangéran_, however, was not satisfied with this reason, and demanded a fine of two thousand dollars for the insult, which the Dutch immediately paid. But it was not long before they fired another gun, the ball of which went over the palace, on which the _Pangéran_ became highly incensed, and demanded a fine of four thousand dollars, threatening if it was not paid forthwith, to write to the sultan of _Matárem_, who would order them immediately to be driven from the island. To this menace the Dutch said nothing, but paid the money, which the _Pangéran_ received with delight. The Dutch, at last, fired a gun, the ball of which fell within the palace, on which the _Pangéran_ conceiving it to be their intention to attack him, immediately considered them as enemies, and collected his people, in order to fall upon them and destroy them without delay. As soon as the Dutch saw the people thus assembled, they fired from their batteries, dealing slaughter all around, and obliged the _Pangéran_ and his people to retreat out of the reach of the shot."

While these events were in progress in the western provinces, a serious revolt took place in the central and eastern districts, in consequence of the intrigues of _Aria Mandúra_, the favourite and chief minister of the sultan, who by means of his treacherous conduct to the chief of _Pájang_, had obtained the administration of that province for himself. The chiefs of _Madúra_ and _Surabáya_ availing themselves of the disturbance thus occasioned at _Pájang_, declared their independence of _Matárem_, and were not reduced to subjection till two armies had been sent to the eastward against them.

Not long afterwards, the chief of _Surabáya, Tumúnggung Sapánjang_, having refused to give up two beautiful horses which the sultan demanded of him, an army was sent to compel his obedience; but the chief being reinforced from _Madúra_, repulsed the _Matárem_ forces, obliging them to return to their capital.

The sultan, who had hitherto shown himself anxious to maintain a good understanding with the Dutch, and consented to their enjoying a free trade to the different parts of Java, with permission to establish a factory at _Japára_, is represented as having acted upon their advice in the present juncture, in marching to the eastward in person with his whole forces; but they no sooner saw him undertake the expedition, than availing themselves of the opportunity, they took possession of _Jákatra_.