Historical of Bali
Bali, Indonesia, has a rich and diverse history spanning over 1,000 years. Here's a brief overview:
Pre-History (3000 BCE - 914 CE)
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Early Settlement: Bali inhabited by Austronesian people around 3000 BCE.
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Megalithic Era: Characterized by construction of stone structures like Gunung Kawi (8th century CE).
Hindu Kingdoms (914 - 1343 CE)
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Warmadewa Dynasty: Founded by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 914 CE.
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Udayana Dynasty: Ruled Bali from 989 to 1040 CE.
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Gelgel Kingdom: Emerged in 13th century, with capital in Gelgel.
Majapahit Empire (1343 - 1515 CE)
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Gajah Mada Conquest: Bali conquered by Majapahit Empire under Gajah Mada in 1343 CE.
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Hinduism and Buddhism: Influenced Bali's culture and architecture.
Islamic and Dutch Influence (1515 - 1945 CE)
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Islamic Influence: Spread of Islam from Java and Sumatra.
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Dutch Colonization: Bali became Dutch colony in 1601 CE.
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Puputan War: Balinese resistance against Dutch in 1906 CE.
Modern Era (1945 CE - present)
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Indonesian Independence: Bali joined Indonesia in 1945 CE.
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Tourism Development: Bali's tourism industry grew rapidly from 1970s.
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Cultural Preservation: Efforts to preserve Bali's unique culture and traditions.
Key Dates
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1296: Raden Wijaya, founder of Majapahit Empire, married a Balinese princess.
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1515: Bali divided into nine kingdoms.
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1623: Dutch East India Company established trade relations with Bali.
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1908: Dutch colonial administration established in Bali.
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1946: Bali became part of Indonesian Republic.
Cultural Legacy
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Hinduism: Influences art, architecture, and daily life.
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Dance and Music: Traditional dances like Legong and Barong.
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Art and Craftsmanship: Wood carvings, batik, and textiles.
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Cuisine: Unique dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay.
Museums
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Bali Museum (Denpasar).
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National Art Gallery (Denpasar).
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Le Mayeur Museum (Sanur).
Bali's Culture
Bali's culture is rich and vibrant, reflecting its Hindu heritage and Indonesian diversity.
Traditional Arts
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Dance: Legong, Barong, Kecak (fire dance).
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Music: Gamelan orchestra, traditional instruments (gamelan, suling).
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Theater: Wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), Wayang Wong (dance drama).
Visual Arts
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Wood Carvings: Intricate designs, masks, figurines.
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Batik: Traditional textiles with wax-resist dyeing.
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Painting: Classical, modern, and abstract styles.
Festivals and Celebrations
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Galungan: Celebrates dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
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Kuningan: Marks end of Galungan festivities.
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Nyepi: Balinese New Year (Day of Silence).
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Eka Dasa Rudra: Festival of purification.
Cuisine
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Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried rice.
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Satay: Grilled meat skewers.
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Gado-Gado: Mixed vegetables, peanuts, and chili sauce.
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Lawar: Spicy vegetable salad.
Traditions and Customs
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Hindu rituals: Daily offerings, temple ceremonies.
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Respect for elders: Traditional greetings, honorific titles.
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Community cooperation: Banjar (community organizations).
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Environmental awareness: Tri Hita Karana (three harmonies).
Language
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Balinese: Official language.
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Indonesian: Widely spoken.
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English: Commonly used in tourism.
Architecture
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Temples: Pura (Hindu temples), intricate carvings.
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Traditional houses: Bale (open-sided pavilions).
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Gates and doors: Ornate, symbolic designs.
Philosophy and Spirituality
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Hinduism: Dominant religion.
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Tri Hita Karana: Harmony with God, humans, and nature.
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Dharma: Balance, morality, and righteousness.
Recommended Experiences
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Attend a traditional dance performance.
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Visit temples (Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Uluwatu).
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Explore art markets and galleries.
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Participate in a Hindu ceremony.
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Take a cooking class.