Before it became the name of a legendary kingdom, Majapahit was a taste. A bitter one. Rooted in the humble yet intriguing fruit called maja, the story behind the name of the Majapahit Empire is as flavorful as the fruit itself.
While many may know Majapahit as one of the greatest empires in Southeast Asian history, not everyone realizes that its name was inspired by a fruit found in the dense Tarik forest of East Java. The maja fruit, or Aegle marmelos, carries more than a taste. It carries a legacy.
What Is the Maja Fruit?
The maja fruit, also known as Indian bael, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree that grows between 10 to 15 meters tall. Its scientific name is Aegle marmelos, and it is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The tree produces round, greenish-yellow fruits roughly the size of a grapefruit.
When ripe, the maja fruit has a hard shell and contains a sweet, aromatic pulp that can be eaten fresh. However, some varieties especially when unripe are known for their bitterness. This bitter taste is what famously gave rise to the name "Majapahit."
Beyond its taste, the fruit has long been valued in traditional medicine. In cultures across South and Southeast Asia, it is used to treat digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. The fruit’s pulp can be processed into syrup, candies, or refreshing drinks like sharbat.
Not only the fruit, but the leaves, roots, and bark of the maja tree also have medicinal properties used in herbal treatments for respiratory ailments, diabetes, and skin conditions.
How a Fruit Named an Empire
The story goes back to the late 13th century, when Raden Wijaya, the son-in-law of the last king of the Singasari Empire, was on the run following the fall of his kingdom.
With help from Arya Wiraraja, a regent from Madura, Wijaya pledged allegiance to his enemy Jayakatwang and was granted a forested area called Tarik to develop into a settlement.
While clearing the forest, Raden Wijaya’s men reportedly discovered an abundance of maja trees. Curious, they tried the fruits, only to find them intensely bitter. The place then earned the name Majapahit, combining maja (the fruit) and pahit (Indonesian for bitter).
Later, after defeating Jayakatwang and founding his own kingdom, Raden Wijaya decided to name his empire Majapahit, in honor of the very place that had given him refuge and perhaps as a reminder that greatness can emerge from even the most unassuming beginnings.
A Symbol of Resilience
The story of the maja fruit is more than just a historical anecdote. It represents a powerful metaphor: even bitterness can bear greatness. The name Majapahit has since become synonymous with strength, unity, and regional dominance.
Under the reign of Hayam Wuruk and his prime minister Gajah Mada, the Majapahit Empire expanded its reach across much of the archipelago and parts of Southeast Asia. Yet, its name continued to echo the humble and bitter fruit that started it all.
In a way, the maja fruit stands as a symbol of resilience—a reminder that hardship, symbolized by bitterness, is often the root of lasting success.
The Maja Tree Today
Though less commonly known today, the maja tree still grows in parts of Indonesia, including in Mojokerto, believed to be near the ancient site of the Majapahit capital.
In modern times, the tree is sometimes planted for conservation or ornamental purposes, and its fruits are still used in herbal medicine and local culinary traditions.
The fruit’s thick shell and long shelf-life also make it useful in crafts. In some regions, its dried rind is turned into bowls, containers, or decorative items.
More Than Just a Fruit
While many empires are named after rulers or grand ideals, Majapahit was named after a simple, bitter fruit. But that fruit became a symbol of an empire's birth, struggle, and triumph.
The story of the maja fruit shows that history doesn’t always begin with something sweet. Sometimes, it starts with something bitter, something forgotten. Yet from that, a legacy can grow.
