Babad Suropati

The babad are Javanese history from the Javanese point of view. Ranging from accurate record to absolute fantasy, the babad nevertheless are valuable historical documents for the insight they provide into the final generations of a great civilization. Many of the babad are concerned with the great battles that raged throughout Java during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Babad Surapati recounts the exploits of a former Balinese slave who astutely plays on the multifaceted rivalries between the Javanese royal houses and the Dutch to carve out an empire in East Java, which lasted until his death in 1706. Surapati's pivotal exploit was the dramatic killing of Dutch Captain Francoise Tack, who was sent to capture him. It was pitch-dark, and there was much gunpowder smoke, because of the fierceness of the battle. Fighting like a yaksa was Captain Tack. His teeth were set and great was his fury, as he grabbed, and kicked, and punched. Raden Surapati was extremely weary [but] Pangeran Puger had arrived on the field of battle, with his twelve soldiers. Tack, unaware [of their arrival], was attacked, and his iron armor parted. Plered was thrust into his breast, right through to his back, and Mr. Tack perished. The shouting was like a rain-storm. Mr. Tack was dead, together with all his soldiers.