this video is about Borobudur temple construction history
Borobudur is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, located in Central Java, Indonesia. Its construction reflects a combination of religious devotion, sophisticated engineering, and Javanese culture during the classical period of Indonesian history. Here’s a detailed overview of its history and construction:
1. Historical Context
Time Period: Borobudur was built during the Sailendra Dynasty, around 8th–9th century CE (roughly 780–850 CE). This dynasty was known for its support of Mahayana Buddhism and their extensive temple-building projects in Central Java.
Cultural Influence: The temple reflects a blend of Indian Gupta and post-Gupta art styles with local Javanese traditions. The architecture and reliefs show strong influences from Indian Buddhist thought, especially Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Purpose
Borobudur was primarily a Mahāyāna Buddhist pilgrimage site.
The temple was designed as a symbolic representation of the Buddhist cosmos, guiding pilgrims through the stages of enlightenment:
Kamadhatu (the world of desire)
Rupadhatu (the world of forms)
Arupadhatu (the formless world)
Pilgrims would circumambulate the monument clockwise while ascending its terraces, following the reliefs depicting the life of Buddha and teachings of Buddhism.
3. Construction
Materials: The structure is made entirely of volcanic stone blocks (andesite), carefully cut and interlocked without mortar.
Structure:
Base (Kamadhatu): Plain stones with reliefs depicting worldly desires.
Middle terraces (Rupadhatu): 4 square terraces and 3 circular terraces with over 1,460 relief panels.
Top (Arupadhatu): A large central dome surrounded by 72 Buddha statues inside perforated stupas.
Engineering:
The builders used interlocking techniques to ensure stability.
The temple has an advanced drainage system to prevent water damage.
Foundations are designed to support the immense weight of the structure, built on a natural hill.
4. Construction Techniques
Stones were carved offsite and transported to the location.
Reliefs were carved with high precision to narrate stories of Buddhist teachings.
The temple demonstrates an understanding of spatial symbolism, representing the Buddhist cosmology in three dimensions.
It is aligned slightly northwest-southeast, possibly reflecting celestial or geographical significance.
5. Abandonment and Rediscovery
Borobudur was abandoned around the 14th–15th century when Islam became dominant in Java.
It was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles during the British administration in Java.
Restoration efforts have occurred in the 20th century, notably in the 1970s under UNESCO supervision, to preserve its structural integrity and reliefs.
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