Karambalangan

Karambalangan is a type of personal armor from Java. It is a metal coating worn in front of the chest or breastplate.

History

The Kakawin Ramayana, which is the Javanese version of Valmiki's epic Ramayana, mentions clothing and armor that reflect the era. A member of the royal family is said to wear crown, padaka, karambalangan and use gold-plated armor even in battle.
Karambalangan was recorded in the Kidung ''Panji Wijayakrama-Rangga Lawe, which mentioned that Rangga Lawe wore karambalangan manik when he rebelled against Majapahit. Emperor Raden Wijaya in that kidung was recorded using golden karambalangan manik.
In the Kidung Sundayana'', it is written that Gajah Mada before the Bubat tragedy wore a karambalangan decorated with gold emboss, armed with a gold-plated spear, and a shield decorated with diamonds.