Majapahit's Gold: The Kingdom of Malayu and the Batanghari

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Majapahit's relationship with the kingdom of Malayu, centered on the Batanghari River in Sumatra. They discuss how the Negarakertagama describes Malayu as a vassal, but archaeological evidence from sites like Muara Jambi and the discovery of the Wonoboyo hoard suggest a more complex relationship of trade and tribute. The conversation covers the role of gold in Majapahit's economy, the significance of the Batanghari as a trade route connecting the Strait of Malacca to the Minangkabau highlands, and the eventual shift of power to the Malayu sultanate of Dharmasraya. Lucas also touches on the influence of the Sailendra and Srivijaya eras on Malayu's culture, and how the Majapahit expansion under Gajah Mada brought the region into its orbit, but not without resistance. The episode ends with a reflection on how the gold trade shaped Java's artistic and political ambitions. #Malayu #Batanghari #Majapahit #MuaraJambi #Sumatra #GoldTrade #WonoboyoHoard #Negarakertagama #GajahMada #Dharmasraya #Srivijaya #Sailendra #Minangkabau #StraitOfMalacca #Jambi #IndonesianHistory #History #FexingoHistory #SoutheastAsia #HayamWuruk Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo