Early History & Hindu Kingdoms

Bali has been inhabited for at least 2,000 years. Archaeological finds in Gilimamuk (West Bali) indicate settlement by Austronesian peoples from around the 3rd century BC. These early Balinese — the Bali Aga — lived in self-sufficient village communities, practiced rice cultivation, and maintained animistic religions. Some of their descendants still live in isolated villages like Tenganan and Trunyan.

From the 1st century AD, Indian influences reached the island via Southeast Asian trade routes. The oldest Hindu inscriptions in Bali date from the 9th century — written in Old Javanese and Sanskrit. The Pura Besakih (Mother Temple) was likely founded during this era.

In the 10th century, the Balinese king Udayana married the Javanese princess Mahendradatta — a union that linked Bali more closely with Java. Their son Airlangga united parts of Java and Bali into a powerful realm. The culture that developed during this time — a fusion of Hinduism, Buddhism, and native animism — laid the foundation for the unique religious system that still defines Bali today.