Under the Spell of the Batur Volcano: The Colonization of Highland Bali by Lowland Courts

The "World Temple" Pura Ulun Danu Batur embodies the still active volcano and its lake. It constitutes the linchpin between the visible and invisible world that has been a contested centre of power by rulers for centuries. The study challenges the claim of the aboriginal-egalitarian Mountain Balinese. Instead, it shows that the temple is the result of colonizing thrusts into the highlands by lowland courts of East-Javanese origin since the 15th century. The pre-existing Buddhist monastery and its counterpart, a king residing near-by, as well as their temples became effaced, villages were merged and Siwaite teachings introduced. The book tells the thrilling story of this fundamental transformation as evidenced in the temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.