Karangasems

Karangasems refers to the Karangasem Kingdom, a historical royal state on the island of Bali, Indonesia. The kingdom was founded in the late 17th century following the dissolution of the Gelgel Kingdom. Karangasem's territory encompassed the eastern part of Bali and its adjacent islands, including Lombok for a period. The royal family of Karangasem traced its lineage back to the Majapahit Empire.

The kingdom experienced periods of both prosperity and conflict. It was known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in arts, architecture, and traditional ceremonies. The Balinese Hindu religion was central to life in Karangasem, and the royal court played a significant role in religious practices and patronage. The kingdom's economy was largely based on agriculture, with rice being a primary crop, and trade through its port.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Karangasem, like other Balinese kingdoms, faced increasing Dutch colonial influence. The Dutch East Indies government gradually asserted control, culminating in the Puputan of Badung in 1906, which though not in Karangasem, signaled the end of independent Balinese kingdoms. Karangasem was eventually incorporated into the Dutch colonial administration. After Indonesian independence, Karangasem became a regency within the province of Bali. The historical legacy of the Karangasem Kingdom continues to be preserved through its cultural sites, traditions, and the memory of its royal past.