Gianyar
Tourism

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lies 26 km (16 mi.) north-east of Denpasar in a well watered and intensively cultivated upland region, mainly devoted to rice-growing. It has a modest textile industry which makes a contribution to the economy of the region.

History

As Gianyar's near neighbor Klungkung, capital of the most powerful kingdom on Bali from the 15th to the 17th century, declined, so the authority of the Rajas of Gianyar increased. During the period of Dutch occupation they reached an accommodation with the invaders, and as a result Gianyar was spared intervention by the colonial authorities and the ruling family retained their influence.

Little is left of the former splendor of the princely capital. The townscape is now dominated by modern functional buildings.