Kingdom of Majapahit

Kingdom of Majapahit, Javanese maritime empire that dominated the lesser kingdoms of Indonesia and Malaya from about 1300 to the early 16th century. It was founded by Vijaya (reigned 1293-1309), son-in-law of King Kertanagara (reigned 1268-1292) of Singosari. Its forces successfully resisted Mongols who sought to take advantage of Vijaya's succession struggle. Guided by Gajah Mada, chief minister from 1331 to 1364, the kingdom adopted an aggressive policy that in little more than two decades is said to have gained it control over practically all modern Indonesia and much of Malaya. The kingdom's power, based on its command of the sea routes and hence the commerce in the region, declined after Gajah Mada's death, and by 1520 it had virtually disintegrated.