KERTHA GOSA, FORMER HIGH COURT OF KLUNGKUNG KINGDOM
- BATUKARU EASTERN BALI HIGHLIGHT TOURS
The Kertha Gosa or hall of justice showsa the type of art and
architecture of the Gelgel Dynasty which began in the 14th century
and lasted for 300 years. Its roof features, in intricate murals,
elaborate punishments that awaits wrongdoers. The moated pavilion,
Bale kambang, also has fine ceiling decorations.
Probably towards the end of the 18th century the original kerta
gosa (hall of justice) was erected at the town of Klungkung's
(the former capital of Gelgel, Klungkung's kingdom) main intersection
within the Taman Gili. Disputes were heard here only if they
could not be settled among the families or individual villages.
The Kerta Gosa was the island's highest court, and by far the
strictest.
The Kerta Gosa is an open bale (shaded and open pavilion in
Balinese style) beautifully laid out within a moat. It is decorated
with exquisite examples of Kamasan paintings and Klungkung architecture.
Ceiling murals depict Bima Swarga (Bima in heaven) from the
Mahabharata tale. As subscribers to reincarnation, Balinese
strongly believe in Karma Phala, punishments or rewards to the
past actions, either in the present life or in the next ones.
These one dimensional kamasan style paintings dating back to
the 18th century, show in frightening characterisations, the
good and the bad consequences of deeds. Kamasan village remains
the singular home of the same painting traditons.
The Bale Kambang, or the floating pavilion, is similarly decorated
and used by the attending royal family as place to rest. Artisans
Pan Semaris and Mangku Mura, from Kamasan village directed the
restoration in 1945. This structure is all that is left from
the old palace, destroyed during the battle with the dutch in
1908.
