Astronomical Monument - It's as Interesting As It Sounds

Image Credit - www.mapsofindia.com

Have you ever heard an astronomical observation, where we can know all the astronomical facts in architecture? Without even a Telescope? Which would be an appealing sight for astronomical lovers right. Let’s see about that

In a vibrant and great atmosphere Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur. There are many tremendous places and architectural wonders in Rajasthan, one of them is Jantar Mantrap.

Introduction:

This is also known as Jaipur Observatory, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This architect was built between 1724 to 1727. It is a collection of 20 large celestial instruments that position and movement with a naked eye. Whereas these instruments are made up of stone.

Who is this Astronomical King?

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was born on 3rd November 1688 in Amber which is located on the outskirts of Jaipur. He was born in a royal Rajput family under Mughal Empire. Jai Singh was very much interested in mathematics and Astronomy. Seemingly he wrote 2 copies of astronomy manuscripts at the age of 13.

In the history of the Indian astronomical thesis, from the Vedic era, many great men like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta have mentioned the observational instruments, but there is no exact design of these instruments.

Seeing this, Jai Singh discovered the measurement of time and positions of the planets, this led him to construct accurate astronomical instruments.

Innovative tools:

These instruments are calibrated with multiple coordinate systems, for example, Jai Prakash is an imaginative instrument to mirror the heavens with the help of its position in respect to azimuthal and equatorial divisions we can identify a single celestial body.

The same rule goes for the measurement of Time. In giant Samrat Yantra which is known as the giant sundial, through the shadow of shifts we can experience the motion of the earth. Like this, there are many instruments they are Ram Yantra, Kapala Yantra, etc.

These observatories are relevant even in today’s basic principles of Positional Astronomy. Even the director of Birla Planetarium Dr. Nandivada Ratnashree in Delhi uses these instruments to teach basic principles of Astronomy.

Increase in Scope of Astronomy:

In India, there are still 5 move observational instruments to explore even more in Astronomy. So, India should be proud of this Mathematical and Scientific Heritage, which was built by a regional king who is inspired by Positional Astronomy.

Unfortunately, there are no scientifically trained guides to explain the working of these instruments which is under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Henceforth, the visitors should discover the monument by themselves. Still, it is like magic for us to realize astronomical observations built-in near the 17th Century without any mechanical instruments.


Written By -  Shreya Srinivasan

Edited By - Daniel Deepak Charles