Siapa Sebenarnya Penulis Nagarakretagama?
Nagarakretagama, a 14th-century Javanese poem, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Majapahit Empire. Its intricate verses paint a vivid picture of the kingdom's political structure, social life, and cultural achievements. However, the identity of the author, the individual who crafted this literary masterpiece, remains shrouded in mystery. While the poem itself provides some clues, historical records and scholarly interpretations offer conflicting perspectives, leaving the question of authorship open to debate. This article delves into the various theories surrounding the authorship of Nagarakretagama, exploring the evidence and arguments presented by different scholars.
The Poet's Identity in the Poem
Nagarakretagama itself offers a tantalizing glimpse into the author's identity. The poem's opening verses, known as the "Serat Pararaton," explicitly state that the author was a "Rakryan Mantri" or "Minister," serving under King Hayam Wuruk. This information provides a starting point for identifying potential candidates. However, the poem does not reveal the author's name, leaving historians and literary scholars to piece together clues from other sources.
The "Mpu Prapanca" Theory
One of the most widely accepted theories identifies the author as "Mpu Prapanca." This theory is based on a later Javanese text, the "Pararaton," which mentions a "Mpu Prapanca" as the author of Nagarakretagama. The "Pararaton" also describes "Mpu Prapanca" as a high-ranking official in the Majapahit court, further supporting the connection. However, the "Pararaton" was written centuries after Nagarakretagama, raising questions about its reliability. Some scholars argue that the "Pararaton" may have simply attributed the authorship to a prominent figure of the time, rather than reflecting historical accuracy.
The "Rakryan Dharmaputra" Theory
Another theory suggests that the author was "Rakryan Dharmaputra," a prominent figure mentioned in Nagarakretagama itself. This theory is based on the poem's description of "Rakryan Dharmaputra" as a skilled poet and scholar, suggesting a possible connection to the authorship. However, the poem does not explicitly state that "Rakryan Dharmaputra" was the author, leaving this theory open to interpretation.
The "Multiple Authors" Theory
Some scholars propose that Nagarakretagama was not written by a single author but rather a collaborative effort. This theory is based on the poem's diverse themes and styles, suggesting that multiple individuals may have contributed to its creation. However, this theory lacks concrete evidence, and the poem's consistent narrative and stylistic coherence suggest a single author.
The "Unknown Author" Theory
Despite the various theories, the possibility remains that the author of Nagarakretagama remains unknown. The lack of definitive evidence and the conflicting interpretations of historical records leave the question of authorship open to speculation. This theory acknowledges the limitations of historical research and the inherent uncertainty surrounding the past.
Conclusion
The identity of the author of Nagarakretagama remains a subject of ongoing debate. While the poem itself provides some clues, historical records and scholarly interpretations offer conflicting perspectives. The "Mpu Prapanca" theory remains the most widely accepted, but the lack of definitive evidence leaves the question open to interpretation. The "Rakryan Dharmaputra" theory, the "multiple authors" theory, and the "unknown author" theory all offer alternative explanations, highlighting the complexity of historical research and the enduring mystery surrounding the authorship of this literary masterpiece.