Singhasari

Singhasari, kingdom based in eastern Java that emerged in the first half of the 13th century after the decline of the kingdom of Kadiri. Singhasari’s first king, Ken Angrok (or Ken Arok), defeated the king of Kadiri, Kertajaya, in 1222. The last king of Singhasari, Kertanagara (reigned 1268–92), was able to unite eastern Java temporarily. Toward the end of Kertanagara’s reign, Kublai Khan, the great khan of the Mongols and the emperor of China, sent an envoy to Singhasari demanding homage, but Kertanagara refused and even insulted Kublai’s ambassador. Soon thereafter the ruler of Kadiri, Jayakatwang, rebelled against Singhasari and killed Kertanagara, thus ending the period of Singhasari dominion. The temples built during Singhasari’s rule are considered great examples of Hindu-Javanese arts. They mark the gradual transformation of Hindu architecture into Javanese forms and also reflect the increasing syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, which culminated in Kertanagara’s Shiva-Buddha cult.