INTRODUCTION SECTION:
- NUSANTARA: Indonesian term for the whole Indonesian Archipelago.
- ARCHIPELAGO: A group of islands or sea containing numerous islands.
- FOLKLORE: Traditional beliefs and stories of a community (pass through generations). Usually a popular myth related to a particular place, activity, or a group of people.
- SANSKRIT: Ancient Indic language of India, used in Hindu scriptures & classical Indian epics.
- INSCRIPTION: Words written or carved on something, especially as on a monument or in a book.
- THEOLOGY: The study of the existence and nature of God, and religious belief.
- TRIMURTI: The term for trinity of Hindu gods, including Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.
- VEDA: The most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in early Sanskrit, containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for Hindu priests.
- EPIC: A long poem, usually one obtained from ancient oral tradition, narrating deeds & adventures of heroic or legendary figures or history of a particular nation or kingdom.
- DEITY: A god or a goddess.
- SAGE: Wise man or woman, especially featured in ancient histories or legends.
- CANDI: Indonesian stone structure that were based on Hindu single shrine.
- WAYANG: Theatrical Indonesian/Malaysian performance, utilizing puppets or human dancers.
- COSMOS: The entire universe, seen as well-ordered whole.
- COLONIZATION: Settlement amongst an indigenous area, establishing political control over the region.
- PUPUTAN: A Balinese term, referring to a mass ritual suicide; an alternative to facing the humiliation of surrendering.