King Udayana: A Wise Leader from Bali Who Shaped the History of the Nusantara

King Udayana, also known as Sri Dharmmodayana Warmmadewa, was a golden-age ruler of Ancient Bali from the Warmmadewa dynasty. He married Princess Gunapriya Dharmmapatni, also known as Mahendradatta, the daughter of Sri Makutawang-Sawarddhana from the Mataram Kingdom. The names of this king and his queen are inscribed on several inscriptions found in Bali, as well as on the Pucangan Inscription discovered in Java (a relic of Airlangga, their eldest son). 

In the book Sejarah Bali Dwipa (The History of Bali Dwipa), it is mentioned that Airlangga ascended the throne in Java, succeeding his father-in-law, King Dharmawangsa Teguh, who was overthrown by his enemies. Meanwhile, Marakata Pangkaja and Anak Wungsu, Airlangga's younger siblings, continued their parents' legacy by becoming kings in Bali. Although Airlangga ruled in Java, he maintained strong ties with Bali, his birthplace.

Udayana and his wife ruled Bali from 911 to 933 Saka (989 to 1011 AD). In recorded inscriptions, Udayana is noted as a king who governed wisely and prudently. The principle of deliberation and consensus was always the foundation of his rule, and the well-being of the people was the most important goal to be achieved.

King Udayana ruled the Kingdom of Bali from 989 to 1011, accompanied by his queen Mahendradatta, also known as Gunapriya Dharmapatni. Mahendradatta was the younger sister of Dharmawangsa Teguh, the king of the Medang Kingdom from 991–1007, based in East Java. In addition to being known as a highly respected and influential ruler of Bali, Udayana is also recognized as the ancestor of the kings of the Kediri Kingdom in East Java.

King Udayana defeat the Kings of Kediri (Source: Personal Collection)

King Udayana of the Warmadewa Dynasty, also known as Sang Ratu Maruhani Sri Dharmodayana Warmadewa, was the son of Janashadu Warmadewa, who ruled the Kingdom of Bali between 975 and 983. Udayana ascended the throne in 989, succeeding the first female ruler of Bali, Sri Wijaya Mahadewi, who reigned from 983 to 989.

King Udayana had close ties with one of the kingdoms on the island of Java, namely the Medang Kingdom in East Java. Due to this close relationship, he took a consort from Java, Mahendradatta, who was the sister of King Dharmawangsa Teguh of the Medang Kingdom. After becoming the queen consort of King Udayana, Mahendradatta held the title Sang Ratu Luhur Sri Gunapriya Dharmapatni.

The name Udayana is deeply associated with the island of Bali. It has been given to one of the public universities in Bali. Udayana is one of the kings or rulers of Bali from the Warmadewa dynasty, known as the founder of the Bedulu Kingdom. King Udayana also played a significant role in the history of the Indonesian archipelago. Notably, he is recognized as the father of Airlangga, who founded the Kahuripan Kingdom, which later split into the Janggala and Kediri kingdoms. As an effort to honor his legacy, it is not surprising that Udayana's name has been used for a higher education institution.

King Udayana with the Balinese people (Source: Personal Collection)

King Udayana's full name is Sang Ratu Maruhani Sri Dharmodayana Warmadewa, commonly abbreviated as Sri Udayana Warmadewa. He is known as the seventh-generation ruler of the Warmadewa dynasty who governed Bali from 989 to 1011 AD. Due to his close ties with the kingdoms on the island of Java, Udayana had a consort from Java. King Udayana's consort was Mahendradatta, who held the title Sang Ratu Luhur Sri Gunapriya Dharmapatni. From their marriage, their son Airlangga was born. However, Airlangga did not succeed his father Udayana in Bali; instead, he chose to rule in Java, succeeding King Dharmawangsa Teguh.

Airlangga was the eldest son of King Udayana and Mahendradatta. In addition to Airlangga, there were also Marakata and Anak Wungsu, who later continued the leadership of the Warmadewa dynasty. Due to the sibling relationship between Airlangga and his other siblings from King Udayana, the connection between Java and Bali was well-maintained. During his reign, King Udayana played a significant role in advancing Balinese society. He was assisted in his governance by a renowned mpu agung (great priest) named Mpu Kuturan. Additionally, under his rule, the Balinese Hindu community came to recognize the temple system known as kahyangan tiga, which consists of three main temples. Not only that, King Udayana of Bali also introduced an advanced economic system for his time. While ancient trade was generally conducted through barter, King Udayana introduced a system using coinage. This system facilitated the process of tax collection from the community.

King Udayana with Mahendradatta (Source: Personal Collection)