The Hindu Bali

Book Reviewed: Evolution of Hindu Culture in Bali, by I Gusti Putu Phalgunadi

This is a great book for understanding the Hindu culture of Bali. The author provides a wonderful account of how Hinduism and Buddhism impacted the culture of Indonesian archipelago, after Indian migration to the islands of Indonesia. Jainism also set foot in Java and Bali but did not survive in the long run. Hinduism and Buddhism prospered over centuries, but in modern Indonesia, only the island of Bali managed to retain and practice Hinduism as dominant religion. Bali is the only other region, besides India and Nepal, where Hinduism is the most popular religion. The book reads like a thrilling story of noble sons and daughters of India who travelled to the far off lands; the initial influx is known to have occurred in second or third century A.D., and they brought with them rich Indian culture. This constitutes a fascinating chapter in the cultural history of the world. But the Indian records have nothing to say about activities of these brave Hindu and Buddhist missionaries. However the epigraphic and literary records of islands of Indonesia suggest their selfless work in building a common civilization over centuries.

The author has studied historical documents which are scarce and scanty to analyze and interpret the historical development of two ancient religions in Indonesia. He has made a sincere and impartial effort to present facts without distorting them. The author suggests that Bali underwent Hinduisation in the early years of Christian era. It continued to be powerful until the end of the eighth century, and again rose to power in the ninth century remained strong for more than five hundred years. During the 16 and 17 centuries, Bali was divided into nine autonomous Hindu kingdoms. In the first decade of twentieth century, Bali was colonialized by the Dutch invaders; consequently the last Hindu kingdom of Bali became extinct.

Politically and culturally, the islands of Indonesia were under the influence the two major Asian powers; India and China. The Indian influence unlike the China did not have political ambitions. Hence it was accepted and gradually absorbed by the native societies. This is similar to the influence of Greece upon Western Europe. Hindu movement was peaceful movement, and Indian traders (Vaisyas), Brahmanas, and Kshatriyas, all went on separate missions but they never tried destroying or uprooting the native culture. Brahmanas who had access to all sacred texts and well versed in Sanskrit and the interpretation of scriptures were also credited to propagation of Hindu faith in Indonesia. Brahmanas were well versed with rituals and sacrifices that many local chiefs found important for self-purification and seek the protection from gods of Puranas. Emperor Asoka also sent Buddhist missionaries led by Sona and Uttara to Suvarnabhumi, and this theory is popular among Buddhists of Thailand. Centuries later, missionaries also went from Nalanda University as a part of cultural and academic exchange programs.

The earliest Hindu kingdom of Sumatra known as the Srivijaya is probably the first in Indonesia. This was established before fourth century A.D., but this dynasty rose to great powers in the eight century, A.D. Palembang became the capital of the mighty empire and was the most important port between India and China. Gradually it became the most important Buddhist center and Srivijaya University modeled after Nalanda University came into existence. This was the second largest only next to Nalanda and invited scholars from across the continent. Dhammapala, a professor from Nalanda University is known have spent his last few years at Srivijaya in 7 century A.D. Dipankara Srijnana of Vikramasila University of India also visited this university on teaching and academic assignments.

Religion was one of the most important factors in the propagation of Indian culture in Bali. The Hindu faith that became popular in Bali was not Vedic but it is post-Vedic and Puranic forms. This was introduced directly from India and not from other parts of the region. The main feature was its sectarian character as taught by Puranic scriptures. Saivite faith is the most dominant Puranic sect of Bali Hinduism. One of the distinguishing features of Balinese sects is the fusion of Saivism and Mahayana Buddhism in the 14 century A.D. during the Singhasari dynasty. Sanskrit was the first official language of Bali until about 13 century when king Udayana of Bali married princess Mahendradatta of Java. This matrimonial alliance helped the local Kavi language to replace Sanskrit as the official language of Bali. Kavi language evolved as religious language and the earliest works came in the form of epics. It closely follows the Sanskrit kavya metre. The Epics and the Puranas have always played an important role in the evolution of Kavi language. Balinese created a national culture out of Hinduism. The fall of Majaphait Empire marked a turning point for Java which underwent rapid Islamization and Hinduism found refuge in Bali which remained faithful to Hinduism until today.

Ramayana and Mahabharata are the most celebrated literary and religious works ever produced is highly respected in Bali. The epics have been flourishing since tenth century A.D., and it is widely read, studied, paraphrased and sung by Balinese. Ramayana in Kavi language was probably written in tenth century A.D., during the reign of king Sindok of East Java, 929 to 947 A.D. Among 18 Mahapuranas, only the Brhmanada Purana survived in the Balinese culture in Kavi language and the rest of 17 Purana may have been lost. It closely follows the Sanskrit version and perhaps written in tenth century A.D. There are two versions of this Purana; one is Kakvin (poetical from) and the other in prose form. The former was written by Balinese poet Mpu Astaguna.

There are about 75 photographs of Bali Hindu temples and many are spectacular including the Guha-Gajah cave (10th century) at Bhedahuiu, which has the traditional wooden carvings of Rama exiled to the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Pictures of Rajaswala ceremony performed for a girl attaining puberty and the traditional ceremonial dress worn by Hindu women. This is an outstanding work and I highly recommend to anyone interested in Hinduism.