India–Indonesia Joint Restoration Project at Prambanan Temple

Context

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India and Indonesian President jointly inaugurated an India–Indonesia conservation and restoration project at the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The project highlights the strong cultural and civilizational ties between India and Indonesia.

What is the Prambanan Temple?

• Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the finest examples of Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.
• It is located near Yogyakarta in Central Java, Indonesia.
• The temple was built during the 9th century CE under the Sanjaya Dynasty of the Mataram Kingdom.
• It is dedicated to the Trimurti:
  • Lord Shiva (main temple)
  • Lord Vishnu
  • Lord Brahma
• The central Shiva temple rises to about 47 metres, making it the tallest structure within the complex.
• The temple walls depict scenes from the Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana, highlighting the spread of Indian culture across Southeast Asia.
• In 1991, Prambanan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Engineering Technique: Constructed using an indigenous interlocking stone engineering method (mortarless dry masonry) that grants flexibility to the spires during seismic activities

India’s Role in the Restoration Project

• The conservation project is being undertaken jointly by:
  • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
  • Indonesian conservation authorities.
• The project focuses on:
  • Structural conservation
  • Preservation of stone carvings
  • Restoration using scientific archaeological techniques
  • Capacity building and exchange of conservation expertise

India–Indonesia Cultural Relations

• Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism from India to Southeast Asia.
• Influence of Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Sanskrit inscriptions found across Indonesia.
• The national airline of Indonesia is named Garuda, inspired by Hindu mythology.
• Indonesia’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity), originates from an Old Javanese text influenced by Indian philosophy.

With reference to the Prambanan Temple Complex, recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. 
2. It is dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. 
3. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. 
4. The temple complex is located in Bali. 
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
• Statement 1 is Correct. Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. 
• Statement 2 is Correct. It is dedicated to the Trimurti—Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. 
• Statement 3 is Correct. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1991. 
• Statement 4 is Incorrect. The temple is located in Yogyakarta (Central Java), not Bali.