Sri Gasakan most likely took advantage of the weakening power of the Kahuripan Kingdom after the division of its territory into two kingdoms, Panjalu and Jenggala, in 1042. This division was a strategic decision of King Airlangga before he abdicated. Airlangga then lived as a hermit until his death in 1059. The politically unstable situation after this division provided an opportunity for Sri Gasakan to strengthen Wengker's power as a more independent kingdom.
The next Wengker ruler recorded in history was Sri Jayawarsa, who reigned from 1186 to 1204 AD. Information about his leadership is obtained from several inscriptions, including:
- Mruwak Inscription (1186 AD), found in Mruwak Village, Dagangan, Madiun Regency.
- Pamotoh Inscription (1198 AD), found in Sirah Kencong Village, Wlingi District, Blitar Regency.
- Sirah Keting Inscription (1204 AD), found in Sirah Keting Village, Ponorogo.
These inscriptions show that during the reign of Sri Jayawarsa, the Wengker Kingdom had considerable influence and power in the East Java region.
The Condition of the Wengker Kingdom in the Majapahit Era
During the Majapahit Kingdom, the Wengker Kingdom became one of the regions under the influence of Majapahit's power. Based on the Negarakertagama written by Mpu Prapanca in 1365 AD, Wengker is referred to as one of the important regions in the Majapahit government structure. This area was known to be fertile and strategic, making it an agricultural center and a source of military strength for the central kingdom.
Wengker is also said to have played an important role in supporting the expansion of the Majapahit territory under the leadership of King Hayam Wuruk and Patih Gajah Mada. The troops from Wengker were known to have high combat skills and were often involved in various Majapahit military expeditions.
In addition, this region had close ties to the religious and cultural centers of Majapahit. Many Hindu-Buddhist temples and places of worship were built during this period, indicating the high level of Wengker civilization. The relationship between Wengker and Majapahit was not only based on politics, but also on culture and belief.
However, when Majapahit began to decline at the end of the 15th century, Wengker gradually lost its influence. This region was then integrated into various small kingdoms that emerged after the fall of Majapahit.
The history of the Wengker Kingdom is an important part of understanding the political and cultural development of East Java from the Kahuripan to the Majapahit era. Historical relics can still be found today, bearing silent witness to the glory of the past.