Bangsal Pangrawit

Bangsal Pangrawit in the center of Pagelaran

In the center of Pagelaran there is a small, open and elevated structure, or bangsal, called Bangsal Pangrawit. In the past it consisted of two limasan roofs, side by side, covered with wooden shingles. It has been quite recently rebuilt, and now has white glass windows and colourful tiles which adorn its floor and steps.

Bangsal Pangrawit is said to date back to Maj apahit, the 14' century realm that was Java's center of political, economic and religious

When Majapahit was defeated by the troops of Java's first Islamic state, Demak, and only a hole in the ground remained of the once magnificent structure that was its court, two small buildings survived the attacks, Bangsal Pangrawitand Bangsal Pangapit. These were taken to Demak's court and have since been handed down by Javanese centers of political power until they were inherited by the rulers of Mataram.

Several accounts in the karaton's babad (Javanese historic writings) describe the transfer of Mataram's court from Kartasura to Surakarta in 1742, when these structures were hauled to their new location. The physical appearance of Bangsal Pangrawit suggests, however, that it consists of a fairly recent reconstruction, and is not a genuine remnant of Majapahit. An actual heirloom from Majapahit however does exist in the form of a large rectangular stone in the center of the floor of Bangsal Pengrawit. This stone is said to have been the throne of Hayam Wuruk, the ruler of Majapahit in the first half of the 14 th century.

Here the ruler used to sit during certain ceremonies, such as the occasion of the installation of the highest officials of his administration: the Pepatih Dalem, the Pengagenging Putro Dalem (the co-ordinator of the princes), the Sentono Dalem (royal family), the Pangagenging Pengulu Dalem (royal chaplain), or the Prajurit Dalem (royal armed forces). It could also be used to issue an important proclamation, or for viewing public events taking place on the Alun-Alun Lor: these included military training, animal and/or human fights and other displays.

On either side of Pagelaran Sasono Sumewo are two smaller structures, known as Bangsal Pacekotan, situated on the east side, and Bangsal Pacikeran on the west. Bangsal Pacekotan served as an assembly hall for courtiers and others who were to receive a royal honour or much respected title. This being a festive occasion, the word pacekotan,'jumping for joy' refers to the joyful way in which those assembled here would leave the building, However, anyone leaving the small bangsal on the other side of Pagelaran, Bangsal Pacikeran, would not jump for joy but would rather Ciker, 'walk very hesitantly'out of fear. This was the place where those receiving punishment, directly from the ruler had to gather to be summoned to face him for such an ordeal was no light matter. Hence the humble, frightened way in which people would leave and enter Bangsal Pacikeran.

South of Pagelaran Sasono Sumewo is yet another pair of small twin halls, east and west of the grand staircase leading to Sitihinggil

('High Place'). The eastern hall is called Bangsal Martolulut: here courtiers and officials known as Martolulut carried out their duty of distributing royal gifts. The western hall, Bangsal Singonagoro, was where the judicial officers, Singonagoro carried out royal sentences.

The complex of structures and spaces that comprises Pagelaran Sasonosumewo carries a highly symbolic meaning. They symbolize that as long as one controls one's emotions and acts with patience, wisdom, and understanding of others, one will realize the right and wrong of one's actions while at the same time appreciating the power of God. Here one also experiences that the Almighty is always near, celak nora sesenggolan, close but not melted into one, and that He is just because in life we will undergo punishment as well as rewards.