The 17th century was a tumultuous period for the Mataram
Sultanate, a kingdom that once held sway over much of Java. The reign of
Amangkurat I, who ascended to the throne in 1646, marked the beginning of a
steep decline for the once-powerful sultanate. His rule was characterized by
scandal, betrayal, and a relentless quest for power, leaving a legacy of
bloodshed and turmoil.
The downfall of Amangkurat I began long before he took the
throne. In 1637, at just 18 years old, he was involved in a scandal that rocked
the Mataram court. Tumenggung Wiraguna, a high-ranking official, discovered
that his wife was having an affair with the young crown prince. Consumed by
jealousy, Wiraguna took matters into his own hands, killing his wife in a fit
of rage.
The affair caused a rift between Amangkurat I and his
father, Sultan Agung, who was deeply disappointed by his son’s actions. While
Sultan Agung banished the young prince from the palace, he did not strip him of
his title as crown prince. However, the damage was done, and the scandal left a
lasting stain on Amangkurat I’s reputation.
Despite his early disgrace, Amangkurat I eventually ascended
to the throne after Sultan Agung’s death in 1646. His reign began with the
ruthless elimination of those who had wronged him, starting with Tumenggung
Wiraguna. Sent on a mission to reclaim Blambangan from Balinese forces,
Wiraguna was betrayed and murdered by his colleague, Ngabehi Wirapatra, on the
orders of the new king.
This marked the beginning of a reign characterized by
paranoia and brutality. Amangkurat I was determined to consolidate his power,
even if it meant sacrificing those closest to him. His actions led to the
massacre of thousands, including the supporters of his own brother, Prince
Alit, who had sought to challenge his rule.
Amangkurat I’s reign was marred by a series of scandals and
brutal acts. One of the most infamous involved his relationship with Ratu
Malang, a beautiful sinden (traditional Javanese singer) who was already
married and pregnant when she was brought to the palace. Despite the
circumstances, Amangkurat I was infatuated with her and ordered the execution
of her husband, Kiai Dilem, shortly after the birth of their child.
Ratu Malang’s grief over her husband’s death led to her own
demise, but not before the king’s paranoia once again took hold. Believing that
Ratu Malang had been poisoned by her female attendants, Amangkurat I ordered
their slow and painful deaths by starvation.
The final years of Amangkurat I’s reign were marked by
further betrayals and bloodshed. His son and crown prince, Raden Mas Rahmat,
became embroiled in his own scandal when he fell in love with Rara Oyi, a young
woman promised to his father. In a cruel twist, Amangkurat I forced his son to
murder Rara Oyi, threatening to disinherit him if he refused.
The king’s paranoia and brutality extended even to his own
family, as he ordered the execution of Prince Pekik, his father-in-law, and 40
other members of the royal family for their involvement in the scandal with
Rara Oyi. The bloodshed continued with the execution of Ngabehi Wirareja, who
had sheltered Rara Oyi, along with his entire family.
Amangkurat I’s reign finally came to an end on July 10,
1677, after 32 years of turmoil. His death marked the close of a dark chapter
in the history of the Mataram Sultanate. The legacy of his rule was one of
fear, betrayal, and a relentless pursuit of power that left the kingdom in
ruins.
Amangkurat I’s reign serves as a stark reminder of the
dangers of absolute power. His actions, driven by jealousy, paranoia, and a
desire for control, led to the destruction of countless lives and the eventual
decline of the Mataram Sultanate. The tragedies that unfolded during his rule
continue to echo through history, offering a cautionary tale about the
corrosive effects of unchecked authority.
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