India to Help Restore Indonesia’s Prambanan Temple

Context

The first-ever visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indonesia has helped move the “restoration of the Prambanan Temple” project a step forward, underlining the decades-old civilisational ties and the importance of cultural diplomacy in India-Indonesia ties.

Key Highlights

• In his official visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced India’s support for the restoration of the Prambanan Temple Compounds, which is one of the most significant Hindu monuments in Southeast Asia.
• It is an attempt to promote Indian efforts to protect the common cultural heritage and also to further deepen the relationship with Indonesia through cultural cooperation.

About Prambanan Temple

• Prambanan is the biggest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the best examples of the Hindu temple architecture of Southeast Asia.
• The complex was in and around Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, with approximately 240 temples.
• In 1991 it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its superb cultural and historical significance.
• The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the presence of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma also.

Historical Background

• Rise of the Temple
  • The Sanjaya Dynasty revived Hinduism in Central Java and built Prambanan in the 9th century CE.
  • The temple is believed to have been built by King Rakai Pikatan during the period of decline of the Buddhist Sailendra dynasty.
  • For almost 100 years, the temple was an important religious and cultural centre.
• Decline and Restoration
  • Political changes in East Java and the subsequent volcanic eruptions caused the temple to be abandoned.
  • Gradually it became covered by volcanic deposits and rich undergrowth.
  • Starting from the colonial period, the monument was found again by the European explorers and has been restored several times since the Independence of Indonesia.

Architectural Significance

• Buddhist influence is also seen in the temple complex, which is the result of cultural exchanges in ancient Java.
• It is the symbol of religious harmony as well.
  • The marriage of the Hindu ruler Rakai Pikatan and the Buddhist princess Pramodhawardhani is connected to the construction of Prambanan.
• The peaceful coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism during this period is proved by the existence of Buddhist temples near the place, namely Sewu, Lumbung and Bubrah.
• Overall, the temple complex is a stunning and intricate example of religious tolerance and cultural fusion in the Southeast Asian region.

Significance for India

• Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy
  • The restoration of Prambanan by India highlights and strengthens centuries-old civilisational ties with Indonesia.
  • It emphasizes the increased trend of employing heritage conservation as a tool of foreign policy for India.
• Advancing the Act East Policy
  • Cultural cooperation goes hand in hand with strategic and economic engagement as part of India’s Act East Policy.
  • It enhances person-to-person bonds and mutual understanding of common heritage.
• Enhancing Soft Power
  • The conservation of historical monuments in countries outside India creates a positive impact on the international cultural agenda.
  • It presents the skill and knowledge of the Indian archaeologists, restorers and heritage managers.

Way Forward

• Increase archaeological cooperation and preservation between India and Indonesia.
• Encourage cooperative studies on trade and cultural interaction in the ancient maritime world.
• Promote sustainable and preservationist heritage tourism of the historical monuments.
• Improve bilateral understanding through strengthening of education, museum and cultural exchange programs.
• Use common history to deepen the overall cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

(Q) Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)

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