The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for
measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars' location as the
earth orbits around the sun, ascertaining the declinations of planets,
and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides. Each is
a fixed and 'focused' tool. The Samrat Yantra, the largest instrument,
is 90 feet (27 m) high, its shadow carefully plotted to tell the time of
day. Its face is angled at 27 degrees, the latitude of Jaipur. The
Hindu chhatri (small cupola) on top is used as a platform for announcing
eclipses and the arrival of monsoons.
Built from local stone and marble, each instrument carries an astronomical scale, generally marked on the marble inner lining. Bronze tablets, all extraordinarily accurate, were also employed. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.
Then a long journey by road on the coach back to Delhi - very bumpy and at times we wonder if we will ever make it, so dangerous is the driving. Of course, the journeys are broken with ‘Loo Stops’ which I will spare you the details of…..
Built from local stone and marble, each instrument carries an astronomical scale, generally marked on the marble inner lining. Bronze tablets, all extraordinarily accurate, were also employed. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.
Then a long journey by road on the coach back to Delhi - very bumpy and at times we wonder if we will ever make it, so dangerous is the driving. Of course, the journeys are broken with ‘Loo Stops’ which I will spare you the details of…..
We opt out of the tour of Delhi favouring a hot shower and a glass of
something by the pool…….knowing that we have a long train journey early in the
morning....
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