Jantar Mantar


Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, raised between 1724 and 1730. The name of this noteworthy astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar means 'instrument for calculation'. For being a reputed astronomer, Jai Singh was commissioned by Emperor Muhammad Shah, to correct the astronomical tables and to confirm the data that was available on the planetary positions. Some of these purposes nowadays would be classified as astrology. Maharaja Jai Singh II built five Jantar Mantars in India, located at Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. 

Jantar Mantar of New Delhi was built with a view to help the practicing astronomers in observing the movements of the Sun, Moon and all other planets. The relevance of this science would then be introduced to the general public. There are four distinct instruments within the observatory of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The Samrat Yantra, is the huge sundial meant to measure accurate time of the day within half a second. A striking yellow structure on the right side stands 70 feet high, 114 feet long and 10 feet thick. 

Jantar Mantar of Delhi till date is used by modern day scholars to ascertain the determine position of astral bodies in our universe.
