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The Klungkung is the smallest regency in Bali. Klungkung regency occupies an area of around 315 km2 with a population of 170,612 people which are spread throughout four districts. Although the area is relatively small, Klungkung regency also covers two Nusa islands, which consist of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Located on the borderline next to Gianyar, Bangli and Karangasem, a large part of the population of Klungkung earns their living through agriculture. Before the eruption of Mount Agung, the village of Gunaksa was used to be a best Bali rice producer beside Tabanan.
If we look at the size of its area, it is hardly believed that Klungkung was once a center of administration in Bali. When Bali reached its golden era under the reign of Dalem Batur Renggong around the 15th century, Bali's adminsitration was centered in Gelgel Klungkung Only after the revolution of Patih Gusti Agung Maruti, the center of government was then moved to Klungkung during the reign of Dalem Dimade.
At the first days of the Dutch colonization inBali, Klungkung was ruled by Tjokorda Istri Kania, a woman who was crowned to be the deputy of the king because the true royal heir was still a child. During her reign, decisions regarding opposition towards the Dutch's colonization were made through the agreement of the paswara astha negara in Klungkung Yet, as destiny said, following the battles at the Jagaraga, Buleleng and also the Puputan Badung, the battle of the Puputan Klungkung erupted in 1908, transferring the administration control of Bali into the hands of the colonial Dutch and putting the powers of the kings of Bali into an end. Ida Dewa Agung Geg, one of the royal heirs who survived the battle, was appointed Dalem Klungkung, although he lost any political power.
As a center of administration, various genres of arts and handicrafts were well developed in Klungkung, inseparable from the cultural and religious life of the people. The Tihingan village is very famous for the gamelan industry, the Budaga village known for ceremonial tools made from bronze and gold, while the Satria village is famous for its production of tedung handicrafts and costumes for the temple. In addition, the Kamasan village is known with its classical puppet paintings which are made based on themes from religious literature. This Kamasan village which is 4 kilometers to the south of the city of Klungkung, is also known for the production of the bokor and other silver tools generally used in a ceremonial process. |
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