Bali History by Wayan
Bali has a long history of traders and invaders taking turns in bringing influences from India, China, the Middle East, and Europe. With the 'better die than surrender'-motto in mind, the Balinese nevertheless took in these influences and blended them into their culture. At the root of the endless struggle between outsiders and self-rule lies a complex account of kingdoms battling each other to control the island's riches and powers. The Balinese trace their origins to India and the 'Indianised' courts of Java. Their myth unfolds that the first person ever to set foot on Bali was Rsi Markandeya, a Hindu saint from East Java. It is said that he and his group of followers - original Balinese or 'Bali Mula' - settled around Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung, where they built Bali's Mother Temple. At the end of the 10th century, Javanese influence increased enormously. Balinese King Udayana married a Javanese princess. Their son, King Airlangga, reigned over Bali from East Java (1019-1049) and it's during this time that the three-tiered temple system of Bali by the legendary priest Empu Kuturan started. The cliff temple of Gunung Kawi, in Gianyar was built. After Airlangga's death, Bali enjoyed a period of autonomy. This proved to be short-lived, when the East Javanese King Kertanegara conquered the island in 1284. King Kertanegara was murdered and Bali took the opportunity to liberate itself once again. In 1343, the island was brought back under Javanese control by its defeat at the hands of 'Gajah Mada', a general in the last of the great Hindu-Javanese empires, the 'Majapahit'. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century, the Majapahit began to collapse and a large exodus of aristocracy, priests, artists, and artisans to Bali ensued. The island flourished and the following centuries were considered 'The Golden Age' of Bali's cultural history. The principality of Gelgel near Klungkung, become a major center for art, and Bali became the main power of the region, taking control of neighbouring Lombok, Sumbawa, and parts of East Java.
About the Author
balitropical.blogspot.com
Bali has a long history of traders and invaders taking turns in bringing influences from India, China, the Middle East, and Europe. With the 'better die than surrender'-motto in mind, the Balinese nevertheless took in these influences and blended them into their culture. At the root of the endless struggle between outsiders and self-rule lies a complex account of kingdoms battling each other to control the island's riches and powers. The Balinese trace their origins to India and the 'Indianised' courts of Java. Their myth unfolds that the first person ever to set foot on Bali was Rsi Markandeya, a Hindu saint from East Java. It is said that he and his group of followers - original Balinese or 'Bali Mula' - settled around Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung, where they built Bali's Mother Temple. At the end of the 10th century, Javanese influence increased enormously. Balinese King Udayana married a Javanese princess. Their son, King Airlangga, reigned over Bali from East Java (1019-1049) and it's during this time that the three-tiered temple system of Bali by the legendary priest Empu Kuturan started. The cliff temple of Gunung Kawi, in Gianyar was built. After Airlangga's death, Bali enjoyed a period of autonomy. This proved to be short-lived, when the East Javanese King Kertanegara conquered the island in 1284. King Kertanegara was murdered and Bali took the opportunity to liberate itself once again. In 1343, the island was brought back under Javanese control by its defeat at the hands of 'Gajah Mada', a general in the last of the great Hindu-Javanese empires, the 'Majapahit'. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century, the Majapahit began to collapse and a large exodus of aristocracy, priests, artists, and artisans to Bali ensued. The island flourished and the following centuries were considered 'The Golden Age' of Bali's cultural history. The principality of Gelgel near Klungkung, become a major center for art, and Bali became the main power of the region, taking control of neighbouring Lombok, Sumbawa, and parts of East Java.
About the Author
balitropical.blogspot.com
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