Land of Gods (1/2): Arjuna Temple & The Dark Portrait of Artifacts Looting

Summary

The Dieng Plateau in Indonesia, once home to nearly 400 temples, is a forgotten cultural paradise, ravaged by volcanic disasters and extensive looting. The temples, documented by Thomas Stamford Raffles in the 19th century, were once a majestic symbol of ancient Javanese Hinduism. However, over time, the civilization vanished due to natural calamities and the greed of locals who sold off priceless artifacts. Today, only a few temples, like the Arjuna Temple complex, remain. This video explores the tragic loss of this ancient wonder and emphasizes the importance of preserving what little remains for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dieng Plateau in Central Java, Indonesia, is home to numerous ancient temples that have captivated explorers for centuries.
• 😀 The temples of Dieng were once part of a thriving civilization, with nearly 400 temples, which is twice the number found in Prambanan Complex.
• 😀 The temples were abandoned and eventually buried under volcanic soil due to natural disasters, and many were looted over the years.
• 😀 The first documentation of the Dieng temples was made by Thomas Stamford Raffles in the 19th century, who sent soldiers to survey the site.
• 😀 Raffles described Dieng as having nearly 400 temples, along with thousands of statues and artifacts, many of which have been lost or looted.
• 😀 The destruction of the temples was exacerbated by local looting, which began after the Dutch East Indies government failed to properly supervise the area.
• 😀 The temples’ stones were often repurposed by locals for building houses, fences, and bridges, contributing to the widespread loss of artifacts.
• 😀 Many of the looted statues and artifacts from Dieng were sold to private collectors and are now in museums around the world.
• 😀 Despite the extensive looting, Dieng still holds significant cultural value, with the Arjuna Temple complex remaining as a prominent tourist attraction.
• 😀 Dieng's temples, which were primarily built in the 7th and 8th centuries, are now recognized as part of Indonesia's rich Hindu heritage, though much of their history has been obscured by neglect and looting.

Q & A

What is the significance of Dieng Plateau's fog and cold weather in the historical context?

The fog and cold weather of Dieng Plateau have historically hidden its temples and artifacts, adding an element of mystery to the region. This atmosphere also contributed to the area being described as the 'Land of Gods,' a place full of ancient wonders that captivated European explorers.

How many temples were originally built in Dieng Plateau, according to historical records?

According to historical records, including those of Thomas Stamford Raffles, there were originally nearly 400 temples in Dieng Plateau, which is almost twice as many as the Prambanan Temple complex.

What event in Japan coincided with the construction of the temples in Dieng Plateau?

The construction of the temples in Dieng Plateau coincided with the smallpox epidemic in Japan, which wiped out a third of the population during that period.

How did Thomas Stamford Raffles contribute to the understanding of Dieng's temples?

Thomas Stamford Raffles, as the Lieutenant Governor of Java, took a keen interest in the region’s temples. He commissioned surveys and documented the temples in his records, which became key sources in understanding the area's history and the existence of nearly 400 temples.

What were the main findings when Raffles' soldiers surveyed the Dieng Plateau temples?

Raffles' soldiers discovered that the temples had collapsed and were buried under volcanic soil, which explained their disappearance from sight. This discovery complemented the historical records, confirming that the area once held nearly 400 temples.

What makes the architecture of the temples in the Arjuna Temple complex unique?

The temples in the Arjuna Temple complex are unique due to their varying architectural styles and the presence of intricate carvings like kala kirtimukha and makaras, representing underworld symbols. Additionally, features like jaladwara (waterways) and the combination of multiple deities within a single temple make the complex stand out.

Why did the construction of temples in Dieng span several centuries?

Historians believe the construction of the temples in Dieng spanned several centuries, likely from the 7th to the 8th centuries, due to the differences in styles, decoration, and the existence of inscriptions like one from 809 AD that references Dieng as a religious center.

What role did volcanic activity play in the decline of Dieng’s temples?

Volcanic activity, along with other natural disasters, caused the abandonment of the Dieng temples. Ash and lava buried many of the temples, and the subsequent flooding, which led to the temples being submerged, further contributed to their disrepair and eventual loss.

How did looting affect the preservation of Dieng's temple artifacts?

Looting of the temple artifacts by locals and collectors caused significant damage to the historical value of Dieng. Artifacts, including statues and inscriptions, were sold or used for everyday purposes, and many ended up in private collections and world museums, leaving the temples and their treasures scattered.

What factors contributed to the widespread looting of Dieng's temple artifacts?

Several factors contributed to the looting of Dieng's artifacts, including the lack of supervision from the Dutch East Indies government due to the remote location, the economic need of locals, and a cultural disconnect, where people did not recognize the significance of the temples and artifacts they were looting.