History of Bali

Bali is beautiful island that is in harmony with nature. it is also know worldwide for having a unique colorful spiritual culture. Inherent in the fascinating culture are its many rituals and practices which originated thousands of years ago, and till today they have survived. Such is the endurance of Balinese culture, which in turn reflects on the deep faith and resilience of the balinese people. To study the roots of today's practices adn how they have evolved from the original rituals is to take an interesting educational journey into the past.

In contrast to matters of religion, Bali's history is difficult to chronicle as factual evidence has not been collected. What is known is that at some stage in pre-historical times, an indigenous people populated the island. Their descendants, know as the Bali Aga, practised lages of Tenganan and Trunyan and still continue to worship the spirits of nature, uninfluenced by the spread of Hinduism.

By 300 Bc, historical records were being kept, which identified a more advanced and organized agrarian society. By then, complex irrigation systems fed cascading rice rerraces in wet rice cultivation. At this time rice was already well adn truly established as the major food commodity in Bali, and as its abundance and importance increased, so did its value. Dewi Sri, the ancient rice goddess, was revered then as she still is today through cili figures given as offerings. Based on the large yields of rice crops, communities became more and more wealthy and developed into more sophisticated kingdoms, each with ruling rajahs.

One of the most dramatic and enduring developments in Bali's history came about when a form of Hinduism, which had been introduced to java, was transported to and widely accepted in Bali in the first century. This religion was, in fact, a fascinating mix of Siwa Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, both originally from India and brought to Indonesia by Indian traders.

Bali only opened up to tourists again in the late 1960s, when the new President recognized the value of the island as a tourist destination.
Since then it has been heavily promoted for its tourist value, and has also quite naturally acted as a magnet to the many types of tourists who enjoy bali. Artists, surfers, backpackers, divers, shoppers, adventurers, and a whole range of visitors now appreciate the many facets of the Balinese environment and culture.
Even on the brink of the 21st century, bali is proving that the unique spiritual forces that have shped the island will continue to act as major determining influences well into the future. Every time a small canang offering, laden with incense and coloured flowers, is laid on the ground; every time a chisel strikes soft wood and carves out the features on a mythological creature; every time a young baby touches the ground for the first time or ashes are offered to the seas; evidence of Bali's living traditions are being manifested, acting as constant reminders of her passion for an authentic existence.

if we, as visitors to Bali, can share but a small taste of this passion, our own lives will be enriched. And if we can also five something in return, in the way of respecting these piople and their culture and supporting them as they find their way into the future, the benefits will be mutual. Let's make the most of our time in Bali; let's appreciate and enjoy.