Nan Sarunai

Nan Sarunai
1309–1389
Modern approximation of the location of Nan Sarunai in today's South Kalimantan, centered in present-day North Hulu Sungai Regency
StatusIndependent state (1309–1354)
Vassal of Majapahit (1354–1389)
Capital
  • Kota Raden
  • Banua Lawas
Common languagesJanyawai language
Religion
Kaharingan
GovernmentMonarchy
King 
• 1309–1329
Raden Japutra Layar
• 1329–1349
Raden Neno
• 1349–1355
Raden Anyan
History 
• Established
1309
• Disestablished
1389
CurrencyGold coins, silver coins, kepeng, gobog coins
Succeeded by
Negara Dipa
Majapahit Empire
Today part of Indonesia

Nan Sarunai was an ancient civilization and kingdom established by the Maanyan people, a subgroup of the Dayak people in what is now South Kalimantan, Indonesia. It played a foundational role in the historical development of the Banjar people and preceded later kingdoms such as Negara Dipa and Banjar Sultanate.

The Maanyan people are part of the Ot Danum or Ngaju Dayak subgroup and originally inhabited eastern Barito areas in present-day Central Kalimantan. They were once formidable seafarers. Remarkably, linguistic and genetic studies suggest links between the Maanyan and the Malagasy people of Madagascar, indicating ancient oceanic voyages around 600 CE.

However, their maritime lifestyle faded due to sedimentation in the Barito Delta, causing them to migrate inland. These environmental changes and subsequent migration helped shape the demographic and cultural development in areas like Amuntai and Tanjung, which eventually became centers of power in later kingdoms.

Nan Sarunai is recognized as the foundational link in the historical lineage that led to the rise of Negara Dipa, Negara Daha, and eventually the Banjar Sultanate. It stands as a testament to early Dayak statecraft, maritime capability, and cultural sophistication in pre-Islamic Kalimantan.