The Astana Gede inscriptions, also known as Kawali inscriptions, refer to six inscriptions discovered in the Kabuyutan
Kawali area,
Ciamis Regency,
Indonesia; the main inscription (Kawali I) bears the longest scripts. All of the inscriptions were written in the
Old Sundanese language and
Old Sundanese script. Although the inscription does not contain chandrasangkala (
chronogram), the inscription was thought to have originated from the second half of the 14th century, based on the name of the king mentioned in this inscription.
Several stone tablets of Kawali inscriptions
The inscription was compared to other historical sources, such as Carita Parahyangan manuscript, and it was concluded that the Kawali I inscription was meant as a sakakala or commemoration monument to honor the greatness of King
Niskala Wastu Kancana, ruler of
Sunda ruled from his capital in Kawali. Niskala Wastu Kancana was the sole surviving heir of King Linggabuana, and also the younger brother of Princess
Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi; both died in Bubat
Majapahit in 1357.
Content
Original text
Front:
nihan tapa kawa-
li nu sang hyang mulia tapa bha-
gya parĕbu raja wastu
mangadĕg di kuta ka-
wali nu mahayuna kadatuan
sura wisesa nu marigi sa-
kuliling dayĕh. nu najur sakala
desa aja manu panderi pakĕna
gawe ring hayu pakĕn hebel ja
ya dina buana
Text on the side, bold:
hayua diponah-ponah
hayua dicawuh-cawuh
inya neker inya angger
inya ninycak inya rempag
Translation
Front:
This is the trace (in) Kawali (of) his majesty Prabu Raja Wastu (which) erected the defense (ruled in) Kawali city, (who has) renovated Surawisesa palace, constructed the defensive moats surrounding the capital city, (he who) gave prosperity throughout the villages. For those who will visit (this place), they better to perform safety (be cautious) as the foundation for glorious life in the world.
Text on the side, bold:
Do not destroy!
Do not abuse!
Those who honor (it), will remain.
Those who step over (it), will fall.
References
J. G. de Casparis. Indonesian Paleography, 1975.
Yoseph Iskandar. Sejarah Jawa Barat: yuganing rajakawasa. Geger Sunten, Bandung.
Richadiana Kartakusuma. 2005. Situs Kawali: ajaran Sunda dalam tradisi mégalitik? dalam Sundalana4: 41-64. Pusat Studi Sunda, Bandung.