Bakkara has traces of a long royal history with three different dynasties from the 7th century to the 19th century.
Tracing and uncovering the history of the origin of the Batak, it is necessary to trace how the traces of its civilization began. About 3,000 years ago, the Batak civilization began through a long historical journey as a race of Proto Malays (Old Malays). This tribe is known to have customs, traditions, philosophy of life and high beliefs.
Throughout the history of the Ancient Batak (Toba Tua) tribes in Sumatra, there were three royal dynasties that united various tribal groups that had links with several tribes from South India, the interior of Myanmar (Burma) – Thailand and Tibet, which previously inhabited the islands and the island of Sumatra. since the century BC (+1,500 BC). The leader among the tribal leaders (Primus Interpares) formed a dynasty that overshadowed the clan group, the tribal kingdoms in the Batak Land (up to Aceh) and subsequently the Kings of the clans and the Huta Region.
The three dynasties are the first Sori Mangaraja dynasty which is led by a hereditary king with the title Sori Mangaraja which is a language adaptation of the Sri Maharaja title. This dynasty stood for almost 300-500 years from the 7th century to the 12th century AD. The center of government and its capital were located in Lobu Tua, Barus and Pansur which were used as port cities and trade centers. The end of this dynasty occurred due to an attack by the Chola kingdom from India with the Srivijaya kingdom including its territory.
The second dynasty is the Hatorusan dynasty. This dynasty tried to rebuild the order of the city, the traditions and glory of the Sori Mangaraja dynasty. The Hatorusan dynasty was led by a king who had the title Raja Hatorusan, the first king was Uti Mutiaraja who came from the descendants of Guru Tatea Bulan, Pusak Buhit. His territory was in Barus to the border with the Aceh region. At the beginning of the 15th century, the reins of power were handed over to the Sisingamangaraja dynasty from the Bakkara State known as the Bakkara kingdom which is now called Balige.
The city of Balige is located approximately 250 kilometers from the provincial capital of North Sumatra. Balige City is the capital of Toba Samosir Regency which has an area of 91 square kilometers. This city can be reached via 2 airports in North Sumatra, namely Kualanamu airport with a travel time of 6-7 hours and Silangit airport with a travel time of 30-60 minutes. In the district capital, which is known as Tobasa, there are several hills that are usually visited to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba. The city of Balige is closely related to the history of the ancient Batak kingdom of the Bakkara dynasty.
The Bakkara dynasty was led by King Sisingamangaraja I-XII who stood from the 16th century to the 19th century or nearly 400 years of existence. In its history, this dynasty experienced war with the Netherlands for 30 years. King Sisingamangaraja XII died in battle at Si Onom Hudon in 1907, marking the end of the Bakkara dynasty.
It was in the city of Balige that King Sisingamangaraja XII was buried, precisely on Jalan Soposurung in the Pagarbatu area, Balige District, which is 2 kilometers from the city center. Sisingamangaraja XII, who holds the title of Ompu Pulo Batu, is known as the king of the Batak people.