Balaputradewa was the maharaja of Srivijaya in the 9th century CE as well as the former head of the Sailendra dynasty.

As a young heir to the throne, his authority in Central Java was frequently challenged by local landlords.

The Sailendras were eventually forced to leave Java for Palembang, the seat of Srivijaya as well as the home of Balaputra's mother, Tara.

With the retreat, Central Java fell into the hands of Sanjaya, ending the Sailendra's rule over the area.

The Sanjayas later founded the Mataram Kingdom and continued to rule Java until Srivijaya reasserted its dominance over the island in the 11th century.