Jantar Mantar is a masterpiece of architecture situated in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. In Sanskrit, 'Jantar Mantar' is used for 'Magical Devices' and it is undoubtedly so with the huge masonry instruments, which were placed here to measure 'the harmony of the heavens'. Conceived by Sawai Raja Jai Singh II, it was completed in seven years from 1728 to 1734. Each instrument that forms a part of this observatory is assigned and used for a particular function and is known to give an accurate reading.

Built between 1728 and 1734, Jantar Mantar is one of the many astronomical observatories built on the designs made by Maharaja Jai Singh II where the movements of the sun, moon and planets could be observed. As a trustworthy ally of Muhammad Shah, the then ruler of the Mughal Empire, Jai Singh was made the Governor of Amber and then Malwa. Since childhood he was passionate about art and science. Once in the court of Muhammad Shah, he experienced a conflict between Hindu and Muslim astrologers over planetary positions. Jai Singh then took on the responsibility of constructing an astronomical observatory. The astronomical instruments provide accurate information even today and can be compared to modern instruments.

Instruments at Jantar Mantar

The samrat yantra consists of a massive triangle with a curved structure on both sides. The jaiprakash yantra is a two hemispherical bowl structure representing the celestial spheres and the use of a vertical rod in the center, giving different positions of celestial bodies during the day and night. The ram yantra is in the form of a high cylinder. It is surrounded by circular walls and the shadow of the sun on the vertical and horizontal marble gradations via the cylinder, indicates the altitude and the azimuth or declination of celestial bodies. At Jantar Mantar there are 14 gnomes or shadow indicators which are primarily sundials with different functions. The composite instrument is heart shaped and includes a sundial and a massive hemisphere on the northern wall. Sawai Jai Singh’s attempt to introduce a renaissance in astronomy through Jantar Mantar never took off due to chaos in the country. The first Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said that so accurate was his work that Jai Singh would have been remarkable anywhere. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.

Air:-The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport, Sanganer which is at a distance of 11 km from where regular flights connect Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major destinations of India.

Rail:-Trains are available from all the major parts of India. The luxury train the "Palace on Wheel" also covers the city.

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