Jantar Mantar

                                                            Jantar Mantar                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                

• Location: Multiple locations across India, with the most famous one in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Built By: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a Rajput king and astronomer.
• Built In: 1724 - 1734.

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Purpose

• Designed as an astronomical observatory to study celestial bodies and measure time.
• Used for tracking stars, predicting eclipses, and determining planetary positions.

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Architectural Features

• Materials: Built with stone and marble.
• Instruments: Consists of 19 large instruments, each serving a specific purpose:
  1. Samrat Yantra:
     • The largest sundial in the world.
     • Measures time with an accuracy of 2 seconds.
  2. Hindu Chhatri: Small dome-shaped structures for astronomical observations.
  3. Ram Yantra: Measures the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects.
  4. Jai Prakash Yantra: Determines the position of celestial bodies.
  5. Misra Yantra: Used to find the shortest and longest days of the year.

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Significance

• A blend of science, astronomy, and architecture.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and scientific importance.
• Demonstrates India's advancements in astronomy and time measurement during the 18th century.

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Interesting Facts

• The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is the largest and most well-preserved among the five built by Sawai Jai Singh II.
• The word "Jantar Mantar" means "instruments for calculation".
• Other Jantar Mantars are located in Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura.