Kidung Panji Wijayakrama

Summary

The English summary presented here is an abridged translation of Berg's Dutch summary which precedes his edition of the Middle Javanese text (Rangga Lawe: middeljavaansche historische roman. Bibliotheca Javanica, 1. Batavia: Kon. Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen, 1930. Zoetmulder offers a brief summary and comments in his book Kalangwan: a survey of Old Javanese literature (pp. 415–17).

In Tumapel reigned a brave young ruler who was called prince Krtenagara, and given the name Shiva-Buddha after his enthronement. In those days there were two beautiful young princesses in Tumapel who were intended to become the wives of Wijaya, the king's young nephew. While Wijaya was a charming man, honoured and much loved by all, the king himself was bad, like a hot sun beating down mercilessly upon all.

Mpu Raganatha, the wise, old and prudent minister decided that since his advice was always disregarded he would resign. Kebo-Anengah and Panji-Agragani became prime ministers.

After he had overcome all dangers, Shiva-Buddha sent an expedition against Malaya. A great army departed, accompanied by the two ministers as far as Tuban. In Tumapel remained only a few soldiers.

While Shiva-Buddha was living a gay and carefree life, Banyak-Wide set to work to achieve his undoing. This man, later called Arya Wiraraja, had been forced out of his position in Singhasari and sent off to be the governor of East Madura. When he found out that Tumapel was empty of troops, his opportunity had come. He met with Jayakatwang, King of Kediri, and secretly advised him to march against Tumapel.

Jayakatwang followed his advice. He consulted with his men on how best to succeed against Tumapel. It was decided that his army would be divided into two groups: the worst troops would march against Tumapel along a northern route; the other, better troops would march silently along a southern route under the command of Kebo-Mundarang.