REKONSTRUKSI IBUKOTA DAN ISTANA MAJAPAHIT DI TROWULAN

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the reconstruction of the Majapahit Kingdom's capital and palace in Trowulan, based on research from historians and archaeologists. It highlights the integration of modern technology with historical studies to enhance our understanding of this significant Indonesian kingdom.

Step 1: Understanding Historical Context

• Familiarize yourself with the Majapahit Kingdom, a major empire in Southeast Asia.
• Review historical sources, especially the Kakawin Nagarakertagama, which provides descriptions of the kingdom.
• Explore archaeological findings that substantiate these historical accounts.

Step 2: Utilizing Technology in Research

• Learn about the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in archaeological research.
• Understand how GIS technology aids in mapping out historical sites and validating the existence of structures based on historical texts.
• Consider the work of researchers like Gomperts and how their findings contribute to the understanding of Majapahit.

Step 3: Analyzing the Palace Complex

• Study descriptions of the palace complex from sources like Prapanca’s writings.
• Note key architectural features:
  • Walls: Red brick walls over 10 meters high.
  • Gates: Impressive gates that signify the grandeur of the palace.
  • Buildings: Identify the sacred religious buildings, audience halls, and quarters for servants.

Step 4: Exploring Surrounding Areas

• Investigate the areas surrounding the palace complex:
  • Residences for priests and Buddhist monks.
  • Dwellings for royal family members, officials, and nobles.
• Understand the layout and its significance in the context of the Majapahit society.

Step 5: Preservation and Further Research

• Recognize the importance of combining field research with modern technology for archaeological preservation.
• Encourage support for ongoing archaeological studies in Trowulan to maintain the integrity of historical findings.
• Promote awareness of the significance of Majapahit’s history for cultural heritage and education.

Conclusion

The reconstruction of the Majapahit palace in Trowulan serves as a vital link to understanding Indonesia's rich history. By combining historical texts with modern research methods like GIS, we gain deeper insights into the architecture and culture of the Majapahit Kingdom. For further exploration, consider engaging with local archaeological efforts or studying more about the Majapahit era through available literature and resources.