Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an observatory built in Delhi by Maharaj Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1724. In fact he had developed similar observatories at Ujjain, Jaipur, Mathura (destroyed) and Varanasi also. Maharaj Jai Singh was ruler of princely state of Amber and contemporary of Aurangzeb.

Various instruments kept at Jantar Mantar are the ones that were used to track the celestial bodies. Interestingly, the monument also unravels the technological achievements of the Rajput kings and their eagerness to solve the mysteries pertaining to the universe.

The instruments at the observatory are built of brick rubble and plastered with lime. These instruments, called yantras, have been given various names depending upon their functions. Some of these instruments include samrat yantra, jai prakash, ram yantra and niyati chakra.

History of Jantar Mantar

At mere 11 years of age Sawai Jai Singh was ascended to the throne of Amber and at that time he was sharp and shrewd much ahead of his age. He was very passionate about arts and astronomy. He proved himself worthy ally of the Mughals so Muhammad Shah made him governor of Agra.

Once at the court of Muhammad Shah, he saw some Hindu and Muslim astrologers involved in an exchange over some planetary positions. The emperor was to leave for an important expedition so it was essential to know the right time for it. At that point Jai Singh offered his help to rectify the then available astronomical tables. The emperor readily accepted the offer and the result was Jantar Mantar at Delhi, where the movements of sun, moon and other planets could be observed.

Jai Singh’s aim was to create the renaissance in practical astronomy among the Indian masses and practicing astronomers. However, due to uncertainties and turmoil during that period, full potential of the observatory was never utilized.

In Delhi, Jantar Mantar is often projected in the travel books, brochures, on postage stamps and it was even the logo of the 1982 Asian Games. Though the structure is of no use today, it shows that spirit of enquiry existed even in olden tough times; it merely required further nurturing and proper atmosphere. This intriguing structure stands on the street of Parliament, raising various questions in the minds of onlookers.

The monument is located in Connaught where you can reach by bus from bus terminal located at Kashmere Gate and Sarai Kale Khan. You can even hire an auto-rickshaw and taxi.