The Jantar Mantar is an ancient monument that strikingly stands out from other historical ventures that greeted India. Situated in Sansad Marg, New Delhi, it is one of the greatest technological achievements that the Rajput kings undertook. Their keenness on solving the mysteries of astronomy stirred the idea of using instruments to keep track of heavenly bodies.

A Notable Ruler
When the Mughal Empire was declining, Muhammad Shah who ascended the throne was compelled to seek the help of the Hindu rulers. Sawai Jai Singh II was the only worthy ruler of Amber, who slowly proved himself capable of governing Agra and later on Malwa. He was ardently interested in arts and science, particularly astronomy. An observation of Hindu and Muslim astrologers engaged in a debate on certain planetary positions was enough to set Jai Singh for a higher call to correct the available astronomical tables. The fruitful outcome was the famous Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory of movements of sun, moon and planets.

His effort to create a rebirth of practical astronomy in India remained unfulfilled due to the disturbed environment of the country during that time. However, he adopted the massive masonry instruments at Samarkand by Prince Ulugh, which remained operational for seven years.

An Astronomical Marvel
One main attraction of Jantar Manter was the huge sundial that measures the accurate time of the day and the domination of the heavenly bodies. It was designed by Jai Singh himself. Two pillars on the southwest of Mishra Yantra determined the shortest and longest days of the year. Amazingly, one pillar covers the other wholly in December while in June the casting of shadow is never seen. Time was calculated by drawing up set of tables.

The scientific ability of the Indian heritage was tremendously proved during this period, even though today Jantar Mantar just remains a wonderful monument whose instruments have stopped ticking. Despite its disuse, it is an invention of wonder that stirs deep into the minds of those who see it.