Dewa Agung

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Dewa Agung or Deva Agung was the title of the kings of Klungkung, the foremost in rank among the nine kingdoms of Bali, Indonesia. It was also borne by other high-ranking members of the dynasty. The term Dewa means "god" and was also a general title for members of the Ksatria caste. Agung translates as "high" or "great". Literally, the title therefore means Great God. The rulers of Gelgel, who claimed authority over entire Bali and surrounding territories up to the late 17th century, were usually known by the royal title Dalem, literally "inside". After 1686, descendants of the old Gelgel line resided in the Klungkung Palace, a few kilometers north of Gelgel, and adopted the new title. Their direct authority encompassed a rather small territory around the palace, and the nearby island Nusa Penida. They were acknowledged by the other Balinese lords as having a ritual precedence position, although their ability to impose their will on the other eight kings were limited. An important cornerstone in the authority of the Dewa Agung line was their possession of pusaka objects (heirlooms) which entailed supposed magical capabilities. A contract with the Netherlands East Indies was signed in 1843, and supposedly placed Klungkung under Dutch suzerainty. Contracts with other Balinese states were signed at the same time. Controversies surrounding the interpretation of the contracts led to three Dutch expeditions to the island in 1846, 1848 and 1849. The 1849 expedition defeated the kingdoms of Buleleng and Karangasem and then invaded the territory of Klungkung. The Dutch army encountered difficulties when the commanding general A. V. Michiels was killed by Klungkung warriors. A peace treaty followed which left the south Balinese kingdoms autonomous under nominal Dutch suzerainty. After 1900 Dutch colonial policy became more active, and intended to suppress the virtually independent position...