Numeracy of Kutai Martapura Kingdom during the Hindu-Buddhist Period of the Nth Century AD in East Kalimantan (Entomathematical Study)

Abstract

This Yupa inscription in Pallawa script in Sanskrit contains a genealogy, praising the goodness and greatness and generosity of King Mulawarman. The yupa inscription is identified as containing the domain of the numeration written in the Pallawa script in Sanskrit. This study aims to find out how the numeration of the Kutai Martapura Kingdom in the Hindu-Buddhist Period of the 4th Century AD in East Kalimantan. This study uses a qualitative method with an ethnomathematics approach. Collecting data in three ways namely, (1) observation; (2) document analysis; (3) interview. Data analysis with taxonomy was carried out to reveal what numeration concepts or ideas have been applied so far. The results showed that the numeric content contained in the four yupa inscriptions coded D.2a, D.2b, D.176, and D.177. The numeration concept contained in the four yupa is the numbering as in the statement of quantity in line 6 of code D.2b namely viṅśatir nggosahasrikam or 20,000 head of cattle. The concept of numeration found in the Yupa inscription in the Pallawa script in Sanskrit today is revealed to be a cultural value heritage. The heritage of cultural values from this numeration can be seen in research findings, namely the use of names, mottos, military awards, and pledges of government institutions.