India and Indonesia launch joint restoration project at iconic Prambanan Temple, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• India and Indonesia have jointly launched a restoration project at the iconic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta.
• The initiative was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
• India's Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will serve as the lead agency for the restoration efforts from the Indian side.
• The project underscores the enduring civilisational bonds and shared heritage between the two nations.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimūrti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
• It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
• The restoration will utilize the anastylosis technique, which involves rebuilding the monument using its original stones, complemented by modern digital mapping and AI technologies.
• The collaboration highlights India's cultural diplomacy and is an extension of its Act East Policy, reinforcing its role in preserving global heritage.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a premier Indian government agency, brings extensive experience from similar restoration projects across Asia, including Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Mỹ Sơn in Vietnam.
• The project specifically targets the restoration of the perwara, the smaller companion shrines surrounding Prambanan's three main temples.
• India and Indonesia share a rich history of cultural and commercial ties spanning over two millennia, with Hindu and Buddhist influences deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, including the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Prambanan Temple: A 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimūrti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: A landmark or area designated by UNESCO for its outstanding cultural or natural significance.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The premier Indian government agency under the Ministry of Culture responsible for archaeological research and heritage conservation.
• Anastylosis: An archaeological restoration technique that involves reassembling a monument using its original architectural elements.
• Act East Policy: India's foreign policy initiative to strengthen economic, strategic, and cultural relations with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.