In the 19th century, was known as the center of trade and shipping in East Java. The Dutch established a defense center in the region of Madiun especially to cope with the Java War which was led by Prince Diponegoro. The fight against the Dutch in each region was started by each of the region's local ruler: the region of Madiun was led by Regent Kerto Dirjo, and in Ngawi it was led by Adipati Judodiningrat, Raden Tumenggung Surodirjo, and Wirotani (a follower of Diponegoro).
