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Current Affairs/Art and Culture
GS1 · Art and Culture9 Jul 2026 · Indian Express — Explained

Prambanan temple: Revisiting origins and history of Indonesia’s iconic heritage site

Prambanan temple: Revisiting origins and history of Indonesia’s iconic heritage site. (See the linked source for details.)

Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

  • 01Prambanan temple is located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, southern Java, Indonesia.
  • 02The Prambanan temple compound was built in the 9th century and dedicated to the Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva).
  • 03Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
  • 04The Prambanan temple compound features Nagara-style architecture and Ramayana reliefs.
  • 05Prambanan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • 06The Prambanan temple is located in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Southern Java.
  • 07Prambanan has significant cultural ties with India due to its Hindu origins.

Trap alerts

  • Most people think Prambanan temple was built in the 10th century, but actually it was built in the 9th century.
  • Most people think Prambanan is a Buddhist temple, but actually it is a Hindu temple compound.
  • Most people think Prambanan is only significant to Indonesian culture, but actually it has strong cultural ties with India.

Current-affairs link

India and Indonesia are deepening heritage cooperation through Archaeological Survey of India support for restoration and conservation work at the Prambanan Temple Complex in Indonesia.

Mains Practice Question

Critically discuss the cultural significance and historical importance of the Prambanan temple complex as an iconic heritage site in Indonesia.

250 words

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Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

The Prambanan temple is located in which country?

  • A.India
  • B.Indonesia
  • C.Sri Lanka
  • D.Thailand

Prambanan temple is an iconic heritage site located in Indonesia, showcasing the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Single factmedium

The Prambanan temple complex was built during which dynasty?

  • A.Sailendra Dynasty
  • B.Majapahit Dynasty
  • C.Pallava Dynasty
  • D.Gupta Dynasty

The Prambanan temple complex was built during the Sailendra Dynasty, which ruled Indonesia from 8th to 9th century.

Single facthard

What type of architecture is characteristic of the Prambanan temple complex?

  • A.Hindu
  • B.Buddhist
  • C.Islamic
  • D.Javanese

The Prambanan temple complex is renowned for its Hindu architecture, which reflects the cultural and historical influences of the region.

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