KERTA GOSA PENINGGALAN KERAJAAN KLUNGKUNG

Summary

Kerta Gosa, located in Klungkung, Bali, is a historical site built in 1686 by the first ruler of the Klungkung Kingdom. Once a court for justice and discussions on security, it now serves as a cultural heritage site. The complex features two main buildings, Kerta Gosa and Balai Kambang, with the latter surrounded by a scenic pond. Balai Kambang's ceiling is adorned with traditional wayang-style paintings that depict judicial cases, karma, and reincarnation. These paintings are a testament to Bali's cultural and artistic history, with the village of Kamasan still preserving this classic art style today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kerta Gosa is a historical and cultural tourist site located in Klungkung, Bali, approximately 40 km east of Denpasar.
• 😀 The building was constructed in 1686 by the first ruler, I Dewa Agung Jambe, as part of the Klungkung Kingdom complex.
• 😀 Kerta Gosa served as a place for discussions on security, justice, and prosperity in the kingdom, acting as a court in ancient Bali.
• 😀 During the colonial era, Kerta Gosa also functioned as a courtroom under both Dutch (1898–1942) and Japanese (1942–1945) rule.
• 😀 The site contains historical court furnishings, including intricately carved and gilded chairs and tables, preserving its legacy.
• 😀 Kerta Gosa is an open-air cultural tourism site, showcasing the architecture and heritage of the Semarapura Kingdom.
• 😀 The Kerta Gosa complex consists of two main buildings: Balai Kerta Gosa and Balai Kambang (the Floating Hall), which is surrounded by a pond (Taman Gili).
• 😀 Balai Kambang is famous for its ceiling paintings, which depict traditional wayang (puppet) scenes illustrating court cases and punishments.
• 😀 The wayang-style paintings on the ceilings also convey moral lessons on karma, highlighting the consequences of one's actions and the concept of reincarnation.
• 😀 The paintings are a part of the classical Kamasan style of painting, which is still preserved in Kamasan Village, located just 4 km south of Semarapura.
• 😀 Kamasan-style painting, recognized and loved by King Waturenggong of the Gelgel Kingdom, continues to be a cultural legacy at Kerta Gosa.

Q & A

What is Kerta Gosa and where is it located?

Kerta Gosa is a historical site located in the center of Klungkung Regency, Bali, approximately 40 km east of Denpasar. It is situated in front of the Klungkung Regency office.

When was Kerta Gosa built and by whom?

Kerta Gosa was built in 1686 by the first ruler of Klungkung, I Dewa Agung Jambe.

What was the original purpose of Kerta Gosa?

Kerta Gosa was originally a place for discussions on security, justice, and prosperity within the kingdom. It functioned as a court for legal matters in Bali during the past.

How did Kerta Gosa function during the Dutch and Japanese colonial periods?

During the Dutch colonial period, Kerta Gosa served as a courtroom from 1898 to 1942. Under Japanese occupation, it continued to function as a judicial space in 1943.

What is the significance of the Balai Kambang building in Kerta Gosa?

Balai Kambang, one of the two main buildings in Kerta Gosa, is notable for being surrounded by a pond called Taman Gili. Its ceiling is decorated with traditional wayang-style paintings depicting legal cases and the types of punishments for wrongdoings.

What do the paintings on the ceiling of Balai Kambang represent?

The paintings on the ceiling of Balai Kambang illustrate legal cases being discussed in the past and depict the consequences of good and bad actions in life, reflecting the Balinese concept of karma and reincarnation.

How do the paintings in Kerta Gosa contribute to education?

The paintings in Kerta Gosa play an educational role by presenting moral stories and depicting the consequences of actions, offering a visual representation of justice and ethical lessons.

What is the artistic style of the paintings in Kerta Gosa?

The paintings in Kerta Gosa are done in the traditional wayang Kamasan style, a classical form of Balinese art. These paintings continue to be preserved in the nearby village of Kamasan, which is known for its distinctive artistic tradition.

What role did the village of Kamasan play in the development of the arts in Bali?

The village of Kamasan, located just south of Semarapura, played a significant role in preserving and developing the wayang-style paintings. The art form was supported by King Waturenggong during the Gelgel Kingdom era and is still cherished and practiced there today.

Why is Kerta Gosa considered a cultural heritage site?

Kerta Gosa is considered a cultural heritage site because it preserves historical and artistic values, including traditional Balinese law, justice, and the distinctive wayang Kamasan art style, which continues to influence Balinese culture today.