Kediri Kingdom

Kediri, also written Kadiri and known as Panjalu, was a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of eastern Java that emerged around 1045 when the realm of Kahuripan was divided. Its court was centred at Dahanapura, the site associated with the later city of Kediri, although little of the palace has survived. The kingdom controlled much of eastern and central Java and extended its influence to Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and southern Kalimantan, competing with Srivijaya for maritime trade. Its courts patronised Old Javanese literature: the Bharatayuddha, the Gatotkacasraya and the Smaradahana were composed under Kediri's kings, and the period is remembered for advances in law, letters and temple building. Kediri's rivalry with the rising house of Singhasari ended in 1222, when Ken Arok defeated and replaced its last king. A brief restoration followed under Jayakatwang in 1292–1293, but it was crushed by Raden Wijaya, who founded Majapahit. Kediri thus bridges the early Javanese kingdoms and the age of Majapahit.