This text is a historical chronicle that narrates the development of the Demak Sultanate through to the period of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The story opens with a detailed date inscription in the form of a candrasengkala, marking the time as Anggara Mulya, the 6th day of the month of Mukaram (the 10th lunar month), in the year Wawu—corresponding to Javanese year 1903 and Hijri year 1321. The manuscript was composed at the request of a bendara, likely a noble figure or court official involved in preserving oral historical traditions. The early part of the text presents a genealogy that traces lineage back to the Prophet Adam, underscoring the importance of genealogical legitimacy within the discourse of Islamic authority in Java. This lineage forms both a spiritual and political foundation that reinforces the historical authority of the sultans. The middle section of the manuscript focuses on the story of Kyai Geng, a religious figure who once raised a young girl named Retna. Once a child, Retna has now come of age and entered a period of sexual maturity. The text portrays this transition through the symbolism of color and attraction, subtly illustrating the tension between sacred values and worldly desire. In the final section, it is told that the Panembahan of Mataram commands Senapati to assemble a military formation and dispatch envoys. Upon arrival at their destination, the envoys do not engage in warfare; instead, they offer acts of devotion (wotsari) as a form of reverence toward a higher spiritual or political authority. This closing scene reflects a shift from military expansion to expressions of respect and submission within the tradition of Javanese kingship.
Extent: 1 bundle of manuscripts on European paper.
Size and dimensions of original material: Height 34cm, width 22,1cm, depth 5,6cm.
Condition of original material: The cover is in good condition, but unfortunately almost all of the pages are severely corroded.
