Sanjaya dynasty

The Sanjaya dynasty (सञ्जय) was an ancient Javanese dynasty that ruled the Mataram kingdom in Java during the first millennium CE. The dynasty was an active promoter of Hinduism in ancient Java. According to the Canggal inscription, the dynasty was founded in 732 by Sanjaya. The Canggal inscription was discovered in the village of Canggal, southwest of the town of Magelang. This inscription was written in the south Indian Tamil Pallava script and describes the erection of a linga (symbol of Shiva) on the hill in the Kunjarakunja area. The inscription continues that the area is located at a noble island called Yawadwipa (Java) which was blessed with an abundance of rice and gold. The inscription tells that Yawadwipa was ruled by King Sanna, whose long reign was marked with wisdom and virtue. After King Sanna died, the kingdom fell into disunity. Confusion was widespread due to this loss of a ruler and patron. During this, Sanjaya ascended to the throne. According to the inscription, he was the son of Sannaha, described as the sister of King Sanna. Sanjaya mastered holy scriptures, martial arts, and military prowess. He conquered neighboring areas, and his wise reign blessed his land with peace and prosperity for all his subjects. According to Carita Parahyangan (a book from a later period which mainly tells the history of the Sunda Kingdom), Sanjaya was rather the son of King Sanna and Sannaha (Old Javanese: sannāha, armed, equipped; prepared, ready). This relationship of King Sanna and Sanjaya was not provided in the Canggal inscription. The Carita Parahyangan also mentions that King Sanna was defeated by his cousin, King Purbasora of Galuh, and had to retreat to Mount Merapi. Later, Sanjaya reclaimed Sanna's kingdom and ruled West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Bali. He was also involved in battle with Malayu and Kalingga (against their king Sang Srivijaya). Apart from minor differences, the main themes of Carita Parahyangan align with those of the Canggal inscription. There are different theories regarding the Sañjaya–Shailendra relationship.