Under the Spell of the Batur Volcano: The Colonization of Highland Bali by Lowland Courts (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9789004736276)

The "World Temple" Pura Ulun Danu Batur embodies the still active volcano and its lake. It constitutes the linchpin between the visible and invisible world that has been a contested centre of power by rulers for centuries. The study challenges the claim of the aboriginal-egalitarian Mountain Balinese. Instead, it shows that the temple is the result of colonizing thrusts into the highlands by lowland courts of East-Javanese origin since the 15th century. The pre-existing Buddhist monastery and its counterpart, a king residing near-by, as well as their temples became effaced, villages were merged and Siwaite teachings introduced. The book tells the thrilling story of this fundamental transformation as evidenced in the temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

Author: Brigitta Hauser-Schäublin
ISBN-10: 9004736271
ISBN-13: 9789004736276
Publisher: Brill
Language: English
Published: 10/30/2025
Pages: 373
Format: Hardcover