MANGKUNEGARAN Meaning and
Definition
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Mangkunegaran refers to a princely state located in the region of Central Java, Indonesia. The term is derived from the Javanese language, where "mangku" means to hold or possess, while "nagara" refers to a state or country. Therefore, Mangkunegaran can be interpreted as "a state ruled by a prince."
The Mangkunegaran state was established in the late 18th century as a result of the Dutch colonial influence in Java. It was created by Raden Mas Said, a prince from the royal household of Surakarta (also known as Solo), who established his own principality after disputes within the Surakarta Palace.
Under the Mangkunegaran rule, the state became known for its distinct cultural heritage, especially in the fields of arts and literature. The Mangkunegaran Court patronized and encouraged the development of various forms of traditional Javanese art such as wayang (shadow puppetry), gamelan (traditional ensemble music), and batik (traditional textile art).
The ruler of Mangkunegaran is titled Susuhunan, which is equivalent to a prince or duke. The court's governance structure was influenced by Javanese monarchy traditions, with officials serving under the Susuhunan's authority.
Today, the Mangkunegaran heritage continues to be preserved and celebrated, attracting tourists and scholars alike who are interested in exploring and experiencing the unique cultural wealth of Central Java.
Etymology of MANGKUNEGARAN
The word "mangkunegaran" has Javanese origins and is derived from the term "langkunegara". "Langkunegara" consists of two roots: "langkun" meaning "to run" or "to go", and "negara" meaning "country" or "nation". The prefix "mang-" is a possessive form that signifies "belonging to" or "of". Thus, "mangkunegaran" roughly translates to "belonging to the running country" or "of the nation on the move".
In the context of the word "mangkunegaran", it refers to a principality and royal court in the region of Surakarta, Java, Indonesia.
