Biography Mahapatih Gajah Mada, Prime Minister of Majapahit Empire

Gajah Mada, the prominent mahapatih (prime minister) of the Majapahit Kingdom, played a crucial role in shaping the history and success of Majapahit. Known for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the throne, Gajah Mada's influence extended across Nusantara (the Indonesian archipelago). Despite uncertainties surrounding his birth, Gajah Mada's legacy is celebrated in Indonesia, where he is revered as a national hero, symbolizing patriotism and unity.

The Origin of Gajah Mada

The birth place of Gajah Mada remains shrouded in mystery, with various accounts suggesting different locations. Notably, historian Mohammad Yamin proposed that Gajah Mada was born near the headwaters of the Brantas River, at the foot of Mount Kawi and Mount Arjuna. Agus Aris Munandar supported this theory, identifying Pandaan (now part of Pasuruan, East Java) as a significant location, emphasizing its historical importance during the transition from Singhasari to Majapahit.

Gajah Mada's father, Gajah Pagon, was likely a notable figure who accompanied Raden Wijaya in battles against Jayakatwang of Kediri. Gajah Pagon's special mention in the Kitab Pararaton suggests a significant status, possibly as the child of one of Kertanagara's concubines. Surviving an injury during a battle, Gajah Pagon was entrusted to a village head in Pandakan. According to Agus, Gajah Pagon likely survived, married the village head's daughter, and fathered Gajah Mada, who later served Majapahit faithfully.

Gajah Mada's reverence for Kertanagara, his potential grandfather, is evident. While Gajah Mada was the grandson of a concubine, Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, the queen, was the granddaughter of Kertanagara's official wife. This kinship might explain Gajah Mada's deep respect for Kertanagara, the forefather, and his alignment with the political ideas of Dwipantra Mandala.

Meaning of Gajah Mada's Name

In Hindu mythology, "gajah" symbolizes the vehicle of the god Indra, while "mada" in Old Javanese means intoxicated. Gajah Mada's name is interpreted in two aspects: as the sovereign's mount, executing royal commands, and as a person seemingly intoxicated when facing challenges. The Prasasti Gajah Mada of 1273 Saka (1351 CE) found in Singasari, Malang, mentions Gajah Mada's alternative title, Rakryan Mapatih Jirnnodhara, suggesting a role in building or restoring something.

Gajah Mada's Career

Gajah Mada commenced his career in Majapahit as a military leader (bekel) and royal guard (bhayangkara) during Prabu Jayanegara's reign (1309–1328). Notably, he saved Jayanegara from a rebellion led by Ra Kuti. As a reward, Jayanegara appointed Gajah Mada as a patih (chief minister) in Kahuripan and later as patih in Daha/Kediri.

After Jayanegara's death in 1329, Gajah Mada succeeded Aryo Tadah as Mahapatih Amangkubhumi (Prime Minister) in 1334. The Sumpah Palapa, a famous oath, marked his inauguration, expressing his ambition to unify Nusantara under Majapahit's rule. Despite facing skepticism, Gajah Mada nearly achieved his goal, implementing a 21-year campaign (1336–1357) to conquer regions across the archipelago.

Gajah Mada's notable achievements include naval campaigns, with Laksamana Nala, in Swarnnabhumi (Sumatra), Bintan, Tumasik (Singapore), and the Malay Peninsula. In 1343, he conquered Bali, Lombok, and Kalimantan territories. However, his zenith was followed by the tragic events of the Bubat War in 1357.

The Bubat War

The Bubat War resulted from a dispute between Gajah Mada and Prabu Maharaja Linggabuana of the Sunda Kingdom during a proposed marriage between Hayam Wuruk and Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi. Linggabuana's reluctance and Gajah Mada's pressure to assert Majapahit's dominance escalated tensions, culminating in an imbalanced battle at Pesanggrahan Bubat.

The war's aftermath strained relations between Hayam Wuruk and Gajah Mada, and the prime minister faced opposition and criticism for his perceived recklessness. Gajah Mada was eventually granted Madakaripura as a land endowment, interpreted by some as a subtle suggestion to consider retirement.

Legacy and Impact

Gajah Mada's death in 1364 marked the end of an era and contributed to Majapahit's decline. The aftermath of the Bubat War also led to cultural tensions between Javanese and Sundanese communities, reflected in prohibitions on intermarriage. Gajah Mada's legacy persists in the renaming of major roads in Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bandung as a gesture of reconciliation between Javanese and Sundanese cultures.

The impact of Gajah Mada's leadership is evident in the naming of Indonesia's first telecommunication satellite, Palapa, honoring him as a unifier of the nation. Additionally, the renowned Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta bears his name, signifying his lasting influence on education and national identity.

Gajah Mada, the valiant Mahapatih of Majapahit, left an indelible mark on Indonesian history. From his mysterious origins to his illustrious career and the challenges he faced, Gajah Mada's life embodies the complexities and triumphs of a pivotal period in Southeast Asian history. His legacy lives on as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and the enduring spirit of the Indonesian people.