Jaladwara: Rainwater Management and the Application of Mitigation Knowledge at Prambanan Temple Complex

Research at the Prambanan Temple Complex reveals that the ancient Hindu-Buddhist architecture incorporated sophisticated rainwater management systems, exemplified by the jaladwara—a drainage channel and bathing pool feature. This discovery underscores the vital role of water (tirtha amerta) in classical-era society, challenging conventional archaeological studies by integrating hydrological analysis with landscape archaeology. The study innovatively reconstructs past water management practices, offering new insights into how local irrigation knowledge was applied in temple architecture, particularly regarding the form and function of jaladwara structures.

Wahyudi, D. Y., Purnawan Jati, S. S., Purwanto, P., Ananda, L. S., & Ikhrom, A. M. (2026). Jaladwara: Rainwater Management and the Application of Mitigation Knowledge at Prambanan Temple Complex. E3S Web of Conferences, 738, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202673802008