The role of women in Javanese history with special reference to early nineteenth century Jogjakarta

Abstract

The negara (kingdom) in Java was based on the idea of a microcosmos. The cosmological orientation of the ruler's authority meant, therefore, the association of the microcosmos with the macrocosmos. The ruler was conceived as the supreme head (cakravarttin) of a world-state. His power radiated from the centre over a roughly concentric area of the realm, defined as the mandala. Unlike the modern state "the traditional state /was defined by its centre, not by its perimeter", which put total stress upon the King's kawibavan or authority.