Jaipur, the largest city in Rajasthan, is a captivating historical destination. Named after Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, the "Pink City" is part of the Golden Triangle circuit which includes Delhi and Agra. Constructed in 1727 and based on vaastu and Shilpa Shastra principles, Jaipur's walled city retains its planned layout, characterised by bustling bazaars, well-organised streets, and the iconic pink hue of its ancient walls and majestic landmarks. Its renowned palaces, forts, museums, and vibrant Rajasthani traditional handicrafts and textiles add to its allure.
Among the most well-known among Jaipur's tourist places is the ancient astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar. As you put together your Rajasthan itinerary, experience the wonder of ancient astronomy at this observatory where magnificent stone structures reveal the secrets of celestial bodies.
The Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur is among the most visited of Jaipur's tourist places due to its marvellous architectural and astronomical achievements. It comprises the most significant and meticulously preserved set of instruments constructed in India during the early 18th century. Remarkably, some of these instruments are the largest ever built in their respective categories, adding to the grandeur and significance of this historic site.
There are approximately 19 main fixed instruments. These impressive masonry instruments, each with their own unique features, were specifically crafted for observing astronomical positions using nothing more than the naked eye. They serve as remarkable examples of both architectural and instrumental innovation. Exploring the area offers visitors a glimpse into the astronomical expertise and cosmological concepts of an intellectual community after the Mughal era had passed.
Of particular note is the Vrihat Smarat Yantra, a colossal 27-metre equinoctial sundial that measures time with astounding precision, and is accurate to two seconds. Meanwhile, the Laghu Smarat Yantra provides the local time with a remarkable accuracy of twenty seconds. The Ram Yantra tracks the elevation and azimuth of the sun and planets through its open-tube structures. Furthermore, the Jaya Prakash Yantra's two hemispherical bowl-like sundials enable the precise detection of heavenly bodies' positions using the inverted image of the sky and the movement of shadows on the slabs. The Digamsa, a pillar-like structure surrounded by concentric circles, predicts the exact timings of sunrise and sunset each day.
The Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it showcases significant architectural and instrumental innovations. The observatory is part of a tradition of Ptolemaic positional astronomy shared by multiple civilisations. Through this type of observation, it contributed to the completion of the astronomical tables of Zij.
Through the initiative of its creator, Jai Singh II, the observatory served as a meeting point for various scientific cultures and gave rise to widespread social practices linked to cosmology. It symbolised royal authority through timekeeping control and allowed for rational and astrological forecasting capabilities.
In the 18th century, Sawai Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of Amber and Jaipur, exhibited remarkable architectural and astronomical prowess by commissioning the construction of five observatories in the North Indian cities of Shahjahanabad (Delhi), Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi. These masterpieces of scientific ingenuity featured intricately crafted stone instruments meticulously designed to enhance celestial observations. Jai Singh's visionary innovation and dedication to precision significantly contributed to the advancement of astronomical knowledge during his lifetime.
Guided Tours: Enhance your visit by hiring a knowledgeable guide or utilising the convenient audio guides that are available at the site. Delve into the captivating history of the monument and gain a deeper understanding of the astronomical significance of each structure.
Timings: The entry timing for Jantar Mantar is from 9AM-4:30PM.
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians| INR 15 for Indian students | INR 200 for foreign tourists | INR 100 for foreign students
Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Getting There: Jaipur is well-connected with flights from all major cities across India. Alternatively, if you're travelling from Delhi you can also take trains to reach the city.