Kerta Gosa ( Hall of Justice )

Ancient Hall of Justice

Kerta Gosa, also known as 'Kertha Gosa,' is a historical landmark in Semarapura, the capital of the Klungkung regency in East Bali. It is also known as Taman Gili Kerta Gosa. Kerta Gosa is part of the Puri Semarapura royal palace complex and consists of two main structures: a large hall, or Bale Kerta Gosa, with Kamasan-style murals on the ceilings, and the Bale Kambang 'floating hall' or pavilion, which is encircled by a moat.

The site was commissioned by Dewa Agung Jambe, the Klungkung kingdom's ruler at the time, in 1686. It has been restored several times in the past (the most recent in 2014), and it is one of Bali's most important historical landmarks.

Kerta Gosa's Highlights

The wide and open halls of Kerta Gosa are set within a walled compound. The gates, walls, and main structures all feature unique and traditional Balinese architecture. The painted ceilings of the hallways, however, are the most distinguishing features. These paintings are excellent examples of the Kamasan style technique. Kamasan is a Klungkung hamlet known for its unique painting style depicting wayang, or traditional Balinese shadow puppet creatures. Episodes from well-known Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are frequently used as inspiration for scenes. Although the paintings were initially applied on textiles, they were repainted onto plasterboards in a series of previous restoration initiatives. The majority of the paintings depict spiritual teachings and guidance, with each piece conveying a unique story about karma and reincarnation, as well as the stages of human existence, from birth to death and on to nirvana. A moat surrounds the Bale Kambang pavilion, which is unusual. The ceiling paintings depict scenes from the traditional Javanese Sutasoma epic, which features Prince Sutasoma as the main character. Guardian statues line both sides of the bridges leading to this 'floating hall,' and the moat is brimming with lotuses. The royal family's rituals and rites of passage were held in the halls. During the Dutch occupation of Klungkung from 1908 to 1942, it also served as a court, earning it the epithet 'hall of justice.'

Kerta Gosa is interesting to learn about.

On April 28, 1908, the final ruler, Dewa Agung Jambe, and his adherents were killed in battle against the Dutch military expedition known as Puputan Klungkung. The battle records are recorded on the Puputan Klungkung monument, which can be found just north of the north-eastern hall (the hall's elevated elevation provides you a good view of the monument). The interior courtyards of the Semarapura palace were destroyed after the defeat. The Kerta Gosa halls, along with the Bale Kambang floating hall and the Taman Gili gardens, were the only intact structures. After exploring the Kerta Gosa complex, you can visit the Klungkung History Museum, which is just a short walk west of the Kerta Gosa complex.