Prambanan Temple Complex (Art, Culture & Heritage of India)
Prambanan Temple Complex (Art, Culture & Heritage of India)
Why In News:
During his Indo-Pacific tour, Narendra Modi and Indonesian Prime minister Prabowo Subianto inaugurated an Archaeological Survey of India conservation and restoration project at the Prambanan Temple Complex, highlighting India–Indonesia cultural cooperation.
Source: PIB Analysis, 8 July 2026 - 'Prambanan Temple Complex: PM Modi visits UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta'; The Hindu, Page 10, 9 July 2026 - 'India and Indonesia launch joint restoration project at iconic Prambanan Temple'
About Prambanan Temple Complex
Location: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.
Built: 9th century CE, during the rule of the Sanjaya dynasty.
Status: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
Dedicated to the Trimurti: Lord Brahma (Creator), Lord Vishnu (Preserver) and Lord Shiva (Destroyer), with the central and tallest shrine dedicated to Shiva.
Constructed in the classical Central Javanese temple architecture style, characterised by a tall, slender central spire surrounded by smaller subsidiary shrines.
ASI's Role and India-Indonesia Heritage Cooperation
ASI will undertake conservation and restoration work at Prambanan, building on its earlier extensive documentation of the Borobudur Temple Compounds, also located near Yogyakarta.
The cooperation strengthens civilisational ties and cultural diplomacy.
Key Facts for Prelims
ASI (Archaeological Survey of India): ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is a premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of the tangible heritage of the nation.
It was established in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham, with its headquarters in New Delhi.
After independence, it was established as a statutory body under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).
The prime concern of ASI is the maintenance of ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.