Prambanan Temple Restoration: India-Indonesia Project
Why in the news
While visiting Indonesia, the Prime Minister and President Prabowo Subianto toured the Prambanan complex and started a shared conservation and restoration effort. India’s side is led by the ASI.
About Prambanan
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Place | About 17 km northeast of Yogyakarta, Central Java |
| Period | 9th-10th century |
| Builders | Sanjaya dynasty, patrons of Shaivism in ancient Java |
| Main deity | Lord Shiva, plus Brahma and Vishnu (Trimurti) |
| Vahana shrines | Nandi, Garuda, Hamsa |
| Tallest structure | Central Shiva temple, 47 m (154 ft) |
| UNESCO listing | 1991 |
- Its Ramayana reliefs are counted among Asia’s finest.
- A Ramayana Ballet is performed nearby.
- It is Indonesia’s biggest Hindu temple complex.
About UNESCO
- Founded 16 November 1945; headquarters in Paris; 194 members, India since 4 November 1946.
- Director-General: Audrey Azoulay (since 2017); World Heritage List began 1972.
- Other Indonesian sites mentioned: Borobudur, Sangiran, Komodo National Park and Ujung Kulon National Park.
Exam angle
- Lead Indian agency: ASI; builders: Sanjaya dynasty.
- Related terms: Trimurti, Borobudur, cultural diplomacy.