Being one if the great masterpiece of Indian architecture which display the scientific appendage of ancient India , Jantar Mantar is one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743) built this collection of chromatic-colored structures after studying Hindu, and Muslim astronomical works. The edifice gives a good penetration into the technological inventions of the time and is an intrinsic part of India’s scientific heritage.
Jai Singh’s idea was to bring on a astronomy renaissance among the Indian people and practicing astronomers. However, the noble paragons of the Jantar Mantar remained unfulfilled as the country at that time had the dynamical system and the full latent of this observatory was never skilled. Initially, Jai Singh tried to utilize brass instruments in this observatory, but soon unemployed them because of various integral defects. They were too midget, and moreover, their axes were cranky so the center frequently got dislocated. He then decided to espouse the expressive style followed by the known Arab astronomer, Prince Ulugh Beg, constructor of the renowned 15th century observatory at Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The monolithic masonry equipments at Samarkand matched Jai Singh’s architectural preferences and they assured to be more accurate because of utter size. In 1730, Jai Singh dispatched a deputation to the king of Lisbon, which brought back a telescope and the court astronomer named Xavier de Silva. This incomparable edifice was completed in 1724 and remained alive only for seven years.
Astronomical Instruments In Jantar Mantar
- The Samrat Yantra ‘Prince of Dials’ (the largest device)
- The Jai Prakash
- Ram Yantra
- Nitya-Chakra
- The Misra Yantra (north-west to the Samrat Yantra)
- Agra Yantra
- Dakshinottarabhitti-Yantra
- Karka-rasi-valaya
The most significant or the ‘Ultimate Instrument’ in Jantar Mantar is the Samrat-Yantra, the huge sundial. It is an ‘equinoctial dial’ or ‘equal hour’ sundial, comprising of a triangular indicator with the flank collateral to the earth’s axis. On the either side of the indicator is a area of a circle parallel to the plane of the equator.
Southward is the Jai Prakash yantra, an equipment which comprises of two acetabular sub-figure structures, used to determine the position of various celestial bodies. Jai Singh himself configured this equipment and thence the name, which means ‘Invention of Jai’.
The Ram-Yantra is southward to Jai Prakash and was used for estimating horizontal and vertical altitude angles. It dwells a couple of spherical structures with a pillar in the middle. Northwest of this is Misra Yantra, which features five equipments in one and thus its name. It appears like a conventionalized ‘namaste’, the Indian word form of salutation, folded hands and palms ironed jointly. The Niyta-Chakra signals the line of longitudes of Greenwich, Zürich, Notkey (Japan), and Serichew (Pacific Ocean).
Dakshinottarabhitti-Yantra was used for analyzing meridian altitudes and Karka-rasi-valaya pointed the entering of the Sun in the constellation Cancer. The Agra Yantra (or amplitude instrument) is the second angular unit westward to the building and the literal aim of this structure is not definitely known. Built with ceramic debris and groomed with lime, synonymous observatories were also constructed at Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura.
Due east to these equipments, there is a Temple of Lord Bhairava, which in all probability was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh. The edifice is asymptomatic preserved by the Archeological Survey of India and is a fortified monument under the ASI Act. The picturesque plot of ground that environ the instruments have seasonal flowers and lavish grass, where visitors can sit comfortably.
Although these devices are nonfunctional, as the markings and the floor measurements have clouded with time, there is a proposal to make them operational in the near future. Jantar Mantar is a riveting spot to travel to, as the geometrical equipments are gripping to look at. Jantar Mantar also assure a placid and comfortable environment inside of the regular turmoil of the city. Scatter in a vast exposed area, the site has all primary facilities. For nutrient it is suggested to consume the packed food which is easily acquirable outside the main entryway. Overall, a total amazing tourist site in the capital city of India.
Tourist Sites Close To Jantar Mantar
Jama Masjid
Built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style, this brilliant mosque is actually the largest in the country. Being an well known visiting spot in the country, it shows the impressive calligraphy being one of the hallmark of Indian architecture.
Humayun’s Tomb
Depicting Indo-Persian architecture this structure was a trend setter of the time by remains a must visit place in New Delhi till date. Built by Humayun’s wife, Hamida Begum, after Humayun’s death, this gracefully poised tomb, is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.
Chandni Chowk
The living legacy of New Delhi, Chandni Chowk (India) remains Asia’s largest wholesale market created by the Shahjahan. Known for its periodic old heritage and meeting point of different cultures and traditions over the centuries, Located in it are the popular eating joints which offer variety of traditional and age-old popular specialties and delicacies.
Bahai Temple / Lotus Temple
A temple shaped like a lotus is enough of a quality that make this monument a must visited spot.
Old Fort / Purana Quila
History symbolizes its royalty, this bold designed monumental fort is strong, simple and every inch a castle. From a lake with boating facilities to a Zoological Park situated nearby; it remains one of the most visited site in Delhi.
