Old Javanese, a language that flourished in ancient
Indonesia, holds a profound legacy as one of the earliest recorded Austronesian
languages. This rich linguistic tradition, shared with Old Malay and Sanskrit,
served as the foundation for inscriptions, literary texts, and cultural
narratives that defined an era of intellectual and spiritual exchange. Yet, its
enduring influence extends far beyond its origins in Java, reaching the
Sundanese culture in ways that remain pivotal for understanding the interconnected
history of the Indonesian archipelago.
Old Javanese first emerged in the 9th century CE with the
Hariñjing Inscription of Kediri, East Java. During this period, it evolved into
a language of literary brilliance, most notably in the kakawin—poetic
works that thrived between the 10th and 14th centuries. By the time the
Majapahit Kingdom entered its final chapters in the late 14th century, Old
Javanese began giving way to new linguistic forms. This transition, marked by
the emergence of kidung poetry, highlighted the adaptability and
influence of the language.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Old Javanese is its
unexpected yet significant presence in Sunda, a region traditionally associated
with a distinct cultural identity. The Sanghyang Tapak Inscription, dated 1030
CE, serves as a landmark example. Found near the Cicatih River in Sukabumi,
this inscription outlines territorial boundaries declared sacred by King Śrī
Jayabhūpati of the Sunda Kingdom. Remarkably, the inscription follows the
structure and style of East Javanese inscriptions, incorporating elements such
as sambandha (royal decree) and sapatha (curses against
violators).
Scholars have debated the implications of this linguistic
crossover. Boechari theorized that Śrī Jayabhūpati might have had familial ties
to East Java’s King Airlangga. Yet, Sundanese historians, like Saleh
Danasasmita, countered with arguments that such connections reflect
intellectual exchanges rather than political or familial links. Danasasmita
emphasized the spiritual alignment of Śrī Jayabhūpati with Lord Vishnu, as
described in Sundanese texts like Carita Parahyangan.
Old Javanese’s role in Sunda was not limited to
inscriptions. Texts like the Sanghyang Hayu delve into cosmology and
theology, underscoring the intellectual depth of Sundanese society. Comprising
works such as Serat Catur Bumi, Serat Buwana Pitu, and Serat
Sewaka Darma, these texts provided a framework for understanding the
universe and human existence. Their importance is further highlighted by their
enduring influence on subsequent Sundanese manuscripts written in Old Javanese
and Sundanese.
The Bujangga Manik manuscript offers a vivid
narrative of a Sundanese prince who traveled to Majapahit. In his writings, he
expressed a desire to learn Old Javanese, which was regarded as a language of
religious and cultural prestige. This underscores the cross-cultural interactions
that bridged Sundanese and Javanese societies. For the Sundanese of the
classical period, Old Javanese may have played a role akin to Arabic in Islamic
learning—a lingua franca of sacred knowledge.
The presence of Old Javanese in Sunda exemplifies the dynamic exchange of ideas, culture, and language within the Indonesian archipelago. It challenges modern perceptions of rigid cultural boundaries, revealing a history of shared intellectual pursuits that transcended political affiliations. As researchers continue to uncover and study these ancient texts, they offer invaluable insights into the symbiotic relationship between two of Indonesia’s most prominent ethnic groups.
Comments
Post a Comment