Majapahit's Forgotten Women: Queens Who Shaped an Empire

Majapahit: The Empire That Once Ruled Indonesia — Fexingo History · Sep 20, 2026 · 10m · transcript

We often think of Majapahit through the lens of its male conquerors like Gajah Mada or its great kings like Hayam Wuruk, but the empire’s stability rested heavily on the women who ruled from behind the scenes. In this episode, we look at Ratu Suhita, a queen whose reign in the early 15th century was marked by both political intrigue and genuine administrative competence. We explore how her father, King Wikramawardhana, carefully groomed her for power, navigating a complex web of rivalries with uncles and cousins who sought the throne. You will hear about the Dharma Upadesa, a sacred text that…