1. History

Jambi was a well-known region in the oldest literatures so often mentioned in some inscriptions and Chinese writings. Hence, this fact can be considerable evidence supporting the long-history of China relation to Jambi which called as Chan-pei. There were three ancient Malay Kingdoms established in Jambi namely Koying (third century C.E), Tupo (third century C.E), and Kantoli (fifth century C.E). Unfortunately, throughout history, these kingdoms had vanished with a meager amount of historical trace.        

In its history, Jambi had suffered from the repeated invasion and takeover by several big Kingdoms such as Crivijaya, Singosari, Majapahit, Malacca and Johor-Riau. Being famous and center of intense conflict and war explains the importance of Jambi at the past. Moreover, the ancient archeological discoveries revealed the fact that Jambi had ever been a center of Crivijaya Kingdom.

Following the end of Koying, Tupo, and Kantoli domination, Jambi-Malay Kingdom rose to power. The oldest information about the Malay Jambi Kingdom comes from two ancient writings: T‘ang-hui-yao and Hsin T‘ang-Shu. T‘ang-hui-yao was written by Wang-p‘u in 961 C.E during the period of T‘ang Dynasty and Hsin T‘ang-Shu was written in the early of seventh century C.E. during Sung Dynasty. It was estimated that the Jambi-Malay Kingdom was established in about 644/645 C.E, 25 years earlier than Crivijaya that was established in 670 C.E. Therefore, it must be admitted that there is little data about the ancient Malay Kingdom. The main data is still referred to the Chinese writings that mostly are difficult to be understood and interpreted. However, compared to other parts in Sumatra, the archeological remnants of Jambi are the most comprehensive. Those data mainly date back to around the ninth C.E to the14^th C.E. To eliminate the uncertainty about the history of Jambi, hence, the below explanation will put special emphasis on following the ninth C.E phase, especially during the establishment of Swarnabhumi Kingdom by Aditywarman in this territory in the middle of the14^th C.E.        

Prior to explaining about Aditywarman, shedding some lights on his predecessors in Malay land will be a good start. At the time of Crivijaya establishment, Malay Jambi Kingdom was under its rule. Afterward, the attack of Cola Kingdom from India in 1025 C.E. led to the decline of Crivijaya Kingdom. As the result, large number of Crivijaya noblemen escaped to the upstream of Batanghari River for joining the Malay Kingdom that had been earlier established and was one of the Crivijaya conquered territory. About half century later, in 1088 C.E, when experienced a noticeable improvement, the Malay Kingdom defeated the Crivijaya Kingdom that was on the road to ruin. 

Jambi-Malay Kingdom which was called at that time Dharmasraya begun to expand. Unfortunately, there are little historical records of Dharmasraya. The Dharmasraya King “Shri Tribuana Raja Mauliwarmadhewa” (1270-1297) was married to Puti Reno Mandi. They have two daughters namely: Dara Jingga and Dara Petak.

At the end of the 13^th century, Kartanegara had made two expeditions, which known later on as Pamalayu Expedition I and II. In the first expedition, Kartanegara had successfully conquered Melayu and Sriwijaya Kingdom which were weakening. According to Babad Jawa (Javanese chronicle) Mangkunegaran version, Kartanegara conquered Jambi Kingdom in 1275 C.E.

In 1286 C.E, Kartanegara sent Amagopacha statue to Dharmasraya Kingdom. Dharmasraya King and his people were very happy for the gift. In return, Dharmasraya King presented his two daughters; Dara Jingga and Dara Petak and sent them to the Singosari. Dara Jingga, then, married Mahesa Anabrang and bored him a son “Aditywarman”. Following the return of Kartanegara delegates to Java land, they found Singosari Kingdom destroyed because of Jayakatwang attack and Kubilai Khan warriors. Majapahit Kingdom ruled by its first King Raden Wijaya emerged as the continuation of Singosari Kingdom. Dara Petak, then, presented to Raden Wijaya for being his wife. The couple had a son named “Raden Kalagemet”who ascended the throne of Majapahit, and titled “Srijayanegara”

Thus, the descendant of Dara Petak was crowned as King, meanwhile the Dara Jingga descendant that was Aditywarman became one of Kingdom official. In 1340 C.E. Aditywarman was sent to Sumatra, his ancestor‘s land, to administer the conquered territory and preserve the unity of Majapahit. After his arrival in Sumatra, however, Aditywarman attempted to extricate from Majapahit control and establish Swarnabhumi Kingdom instead. Its territory was Dharmasraya heritage land encompassing ancient Malay Kingdom and Crivijaya. Hence, the existence of Dharmasraya Kingdom was maintained by new Kingdom; Swarnabhumi. The central of the Kingdom is estimated in territory of present-day Jambi. In its development, the central of Kingdom which was ruled by Aditywarman moved to Pagaruyung. The name of Swarnabhumi Kingdom then changed to Pagaruyung Kingdom which well known as Minangkabau Kingdom. As the consequence, Jambi became under Pagaruyung Kingdom (Minangkabau) control. This event occurred in the middle of the 14^th C.E. 

When Malacca Kingdom emerged as a new power in Malacca waters (straits) at the onset of the 15^th C.E, Jambi became part of Malacca territory. Jambi constituted the most flourishing trade route and center. When Malacca fallen because of Portuguese forces in 1511 C.E, Jambi remained as part of its territory. Soon after, Johor-Riau Kingdom emerged in Malacca waters as the successor (heir) to Malacca Kingdom. Again, Jambi became part of this Kingdom.  

Jambi played an important role in helping Johor for fighting Portuguese in Malacca. In attempt to relinquish from Johor control, Jambi took an advantage of the chaotic  situation in Johor after being attacked by Portuguese. From 1666 to 1673 C.E., there were several wars between Jambi and Johor. Mostly, Jambi army forces succeeded in winning the battles. Moreover, Jambi was able to wrest the power by defeating Johor capital, Batu Sawar. Soon, Jambi gained its independence from Johor occupation. However, the victory didn‘t last long when Johor asked military support from Bugis. At the end, Jambi was defeated by Johor with Bugis support. .

2. Genealogy

In the period of Dharmasraya Kingdom, the only King recognized was Shri Tribhuana Raja Mauliwarmadhewa (1270-1297) while the information about the remnants has not been traced in many sources and historical data. In the period of Swarnabhumi Kingdom, the most famous King was Aditywarman. However, when the kingdom joined Minangkabau Kingdom, the existing family tree of kings then referred to Minangkabau King.

3. Kingdom Period

If the terminology “kingdom” signifies the sovereignty and freedom from other domination, the explanation about the Jambi Kingdom period will be complicated. Based on the availability of historical data, seemingly the Jambi Kingdom relished the freedom from other influences only in the period of ancient Malay Kingdom. After the establishment of Crivijaya Kingdom, Jambi constituted part of Crivijaya. In addition, according to some resources, which are still debatable, Jambi had ever been central of Crivijaya. When Crivijaya fell and Singosari emerged as a new power in Java, Jambi was one of the conquered territories of Singosari. And the same is true when Singosari experienced collapse and Majapahit rose to power.        

In its further development, Jambi became the center of Swarnabhumi Kingdom founded by Aditywarman. When the Kingdom center was moved to Pagaruyung, Jambi became part of Minangkabau Kingdom in Pagaruyung. When Malacca emerged as a new power in Malacca Strait, Jambi became its part. Malacca felt and replaced then by Johor. Again, Jambi became a part of Johor kingdom.

4. Kingdom Territory

The territory of Jambi kingdom encompassed the districts in the riverbank of Batang Hari which now constitute the regions of Jambi Province. The province is directly bordered with West Sumatra, Riau and South Sumatera.

5. Kingdom Structure

In a state of freedom, Jambi Kingdom was ruled by a king. However, there is no further information about the status/terminology of district rulers when this kingdom was under other kingdoms occupation

6. Socio-Cultural Life

Several archaeological objects found in Jambi show that there was an economic activity that was centered in Batang Hari River. The earthenware also has proven that the Jambi inhabitants had a culturally high level in their life. The Buddhists‘ statues also show that Jambi people were a religious society. It is only little known about the way of life in Jambi and How was the entire socio-cultural side of this society. It is very complicated to describe in detail how this socio-culture life is lasting considering the fewness of archaeological data.

Sources:

1. Seminar Sejarah Melayu Kuno Jambi: 7-8 Desember 1992. Pemda Tingkat I Jambi. 1992.
2. Slamet Muljana. Sriwijaya, Yogyakarta: LKiS. 2006.
3. "http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerajaan_Melayu_Jambi”

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