Susuhunan, or in short version Sunan, is a title used by the monarchs of Mataram and then by the hereditary rulers of Surakarta, Indonesia.

Radya Laksana, the emblem of Sunanate of Surakarta.

Additionally in Bali and Surakarta, so-called "Kings of kings" reigned with this title, while their kingdoms were called "Sunanates".

The name Susuhunan is also used as a romantic nickname for loved ones, but also for highly respected public figures. Lovers or mistresses were also referred to with this nickname outside in private. The abbreviation Sunan is also used as a given name.

Names and titles

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The full title of the Susuhunan of Surakarta in Javanese is: Sahandhap Sampeyandalem ingkang Sinuhun Kangjeng Susuhunan Paku Buwana Senapati ing Alaga Ngabdurrahman Sayyidin Panatagama ("His Exalted Majesty, The Susuhunan Paku Buwana, Commander in the Field of Battle, Servant of the Most Gracious, the Regulator of Religion"). This long title is occasionally abbreviated in media with Latin texts as SSISKS, denoting Sahandhap Sampeyandalem Ingkang Sinuhun Kangjeng Susuhunan, followed by the regnal name.

The rulers of Surakarta traditionally adopt the regnal name Pakubuwono (also spelled Pakubuwana Javanese pronunciation: [pakubuwɔnɔ]). Susuhunan is specific to the rulers of Surakarta; the rulers of Yogyakarta, who are also descended from the Mataram dynasty, have the title Sultan.

List of Susuhunans of Surakarta

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Susuhunan Pakubuwono X and his family.

The dates given are for the time ruling.[1]

Note: For Pakubuwono XIII - from 2004 to 2012, there were two rival claimants to the throne, Hangabehi and Tedjowulan, both are sons of late Pakubuwono XII.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ See specific articles for birth dates
  2. ^ In a Sultanate Known as Solo, One Too Many Kings, NY Times (17 Feb 2008). Mydans, Seth.
  • Miksic, John N. (general ed.), et al. (2006) Karaton Surakarta. A look into the court of Surakarta Hadiningrat, central Java (First published: By the will of His Serene Highness Paku Buwono XII. Surakarta: Yayasan Pawiyatan Kabudayan Karaton Surakarta, 2004) Marshall Cavendish Editions Singapore ISBN 981-261-226-2