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Rajasthan
Forts & Palaces - Jantar Mantar
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The Jantar Mantar is a collection of
architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (Ruler)
Jai Singh II at his then new capital of JaipurThe Jantar Mantar was
conceived as a quest for discovering the mysteries of the Cosmos. The
name is derived from jantar ("instrument"), and Mantar ("formula", or
in this context "calculation"). Therefore jantar mantar means literally
'calculation instrument'. This observatory has religious significance, since
ancient Indian astronomers were also Jyotisa masters.
The Jantar Mantar is a corruption of the Sanskrit word yantra mantra
meaning instruments and formulae. It was built not only to
verify astronomical observations made at Jaipur, but also to
stimulate interest in astronomy, which had become enmeshed in
theory, superstition and religious jargon. Following the style
of an observatory at Samarkand, huge masonry instruments were
built, keeping in mind the rules of astronomy, the position of
the equator, latitudes and longitudes. The observatory at Jaipur
has the samrat yantra, the jaiprakash yantra, ram yantra and the
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Jantar Mantar Jaipur |
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'composite instrument' includes a sundial and a massive
hemisphere on the northern wall.
India, in the early decades of the 18th century was a land to
turmoil, the Mughal empire was collapsing, its chiefs were busy
in internal quarrels, and the Marathas, Portuguese, British, French and Dutchwere fighting for the over lordship
of India's trade and political fortunes. In this age arose a brilliant
star on India's political and intellectual horizon - Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh II, Rajput ruler of Amber, founder of Jaipur, a great builder and
ruler and an exceptional astronomer.
Commissioned by Emperor Muhammad Shah, to correct the existing
astronomical tables and fix planetary positions anew, Sawai Jai
Singh-II, accomplished the task in seven years and for this task, built
the first stone observatory in Delhi in 1724 and in Jaipur in 1728. Not
only did the masonry instruments suit his purposes, they also satisfied
his architectural instincts. Apart from being a permanent memorial to
his genius, is secured for him a place along with such distinguished
observatory builders like Prince Ulugh Beg, Tycho Brahe and John Flam
steed. |
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