History of Nusantara

The history begins with the founding of Indonesia which is influenced by the presence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam in the archipelago.

Hindu Era. Hinduism entered the archipelago being taken by Brahmin priests and Indian traders. The oldest Hindu kingdoms were Kutai (400 AD) that is located on the banks of the Mahakam river in East Kalimantan. And the kingdom Tarumanegara around Bogor, West Java.

Relics of the Hindu form of inscriptions and temples are found around the area of ​​the kingdom location. Relics of the biggest Hindu temple Prambanan temple is located in the area of ​​Yogyakarta. This Hindu temple is one very popular tourist destination.

Buddhist Era. History states with the entry of Buddhism, its influence raises patterned Buddhist kingdoms. One of the largest Buddhist kingdom in the archipelago in around the 7th century was Sailendra dynasty, located in Muara Takus, now Riau Province. At that time, the kingdom of Srivijaya was not only known as a center of trade and shipping but also as a center of education and the spread of Buddhism. Relics of the kingdom of Srivijaya are inscriptions also temples.

The largest and grandest Buddhist temple is temple of Borobudur. It's in the area of Muntilan, Central Java Province. Founded by King Samaratungga, a descendant of the dynasty who became king in Java. Borobudur Temple was originally built with the intention to respect the dynasty founder, but then became sacred Buddhist temple. Still used by Buddhists for religious ceremonies.

Borobudur stands surrounded by hills Manoreh that stretches from east to west, Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu in the east and the mountain Sindoro in the west. It amazing works!

Other Buddhist temples are Mendut temple located in east of Borobudur and in Yogyakarta is temple Kalasan founded by the family of Syailendra as an honor of the goddess Tara, who allegedly was the wife of the Buddha.

Islamic Era. The entry of Islam was through Arab traders, Persian and Gujarati. In a short time Islam spread and rise of Islam patterned kingdoms in the archipelago.

                
Indonesia's oldest Islamic kingdom is the kingdom of Samudra Pasai  which lies on the east coast of Aceh, Sumatra, and afterwards was the kingdom of Demak in Central Java. Relics of the Islamic empire such as the Mosques, Palaces and the cultural influences.

Mosques, Baiturrahman Mosque in Banda Aceh, and the Raya Mosque, a mix design between Moghul-style (India), Arab and European architecture, located in Medan, North Sumatra. In Banten province is the Agung Mosque of Banten, which is made in the traditional style, Javanese Hindu influence. And Agung Mosque in the palace of Ngayogyakarta.

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 Legacy in the form of castles, such as  Maimun Palace, royal heritage Deli, in Medan, North Sumatra. Then the Palace of Siak Sri Inderapura, Malay royal heritage, located in the Siak river banks about 120 kilometers from the provincial capital of Pekanbaru Riau. And Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat palace, a palace of Yogyakarta Sultanate.

Which are the cultural influences include Sekatenan ceremony in Yogyakarta usually held every year to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. There is also a  religious events, such as the Festival of Tabuik in Pariaman, West Sumatra.

Those all enrich the culture and customs of  Nusantara.

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