Jantar Mantar, Delhi
Jantar Mantar is a phenomenal architectural element in the form of a monument in the heart of Delhi's capital. Built in 1724, it is among the five monuments of Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, the largest one in Jaipur. The observatory's primary objective was to measure and compile astronomical charts and to measure time by tracking planetary, lunar and sun movement. Jantar Mantar has always been a spectacular specimen of astronomy from the past and even at this age.
The Jantar Mantar in Delhi is located at a height of 723 ft and consists of 13 astronomical instruments, most important of which are: the Misra yantra, Yantra Samrat and the Yantra Ram. Over the years, the observatory and its instruments were painted in red.
Muhamad Shah, ruler of the Mughal, commanded Maharaja Jai Singh II to re-examine the astronomical calendars and the cartography, which latter began to build in various parts of the country. Astronomy-famous Jai Singh wanted to analyse the ancient Islamic calendars to make a better time assessment. The objective behind these observatories was to accurately predict the time and track planetary motion for information about celestial bodies and phenomena. The four main tools of Jantar Mantar in Delhi are here:
List of Yantras of Jantar Mantar in Delhi
Misra Yantras
This tool translates into a mix that means five tools are combined to work in conjunction to assess the shorter and the longer days of a year. It could also be used in various cities around the world to observe the noon time.
Samrat Yantra
The 70 ft high, 10 ft thick instrument, which is called a sundial in the shape of a huge triangle, is called also the supreme instrument. The hypotenous has a length 128 ft. and runs parallel to the axis of the earth to the North Pole. There are indications for hours, seconds and minutes on either side. The Samrat yantra was unique because it enabled the decline of the celestial bodies that the sundials of those times could not predict.
Jaiprakash Yantra
The Yantra includes hemispheres that are hollow with the markings and crosswire fastening to reach the rims of the conclave bodies.
Rama Yantra
This device was used to measure the planet's altitude according to the earth's position. This could be the case with the two giant, open-ended cylindrical models.
Jantar Mantar can be easily accessed by many modes of transport, right in the heart of Delhi city. Metro or city bus services to Delhi city centre or a car or taxi are the most-easy ways. You can explore other Delhi sites such as Connaught Place, Khan Market and Janpath while you're visiting Jantar Mantar.
