The Timeless Jantar Mantar

With hope in our eyes and dreams in our hearts, we boarded the bus on the 1st of August 2022 to explore Jaipur, one of the most magnificent cities in Rajasthan. Here we visited Jantar Mantar.

The creator of Jantar Mantar, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, was a true visionary. He built a masterpiece that inspires and influences people even today. The accuracy in the study of astronomy through this historical site is truly remarkable. 

The Jantar Mantar was constructed with the prime objective to compile astronomical data in order to calculate time and the movement of the sun, the moon, and the planets. As we entered the complex, we were flabbergasted by the sheer beauty of this heritage site. The monument is inspired by the various principles of mathematics, physics and astronomy and this fact makes Jantar Mantar even more intriguing. The first instrument we couldn’t take our eyes off was the largest stone sundial in the world which shows the time to an impressive precision of two seconds at any given moment during the day between 6am and 6pm. The time on the dial is indicated by the edge of the shadow cast on the arch. Other intriguing instruments include the Jai Prakash Yantra which was designed by the highly intellectual Maharaja himself and was used to verify the reading of other instruments. The Yantra Raj, the king of all instruments, helps in determining the positions of various constellations at different intervals. The Maharaja also wrote books describing the use of these instruments. 

We were in complete awe of the astronomical figures and were extremely excited to make our very own sundials which was not only a fun activity but also a great learning experience. Next, we went through a very eventful experience as we watched a puppet show.  We also enjoyed shopping for souvenirs, eating delicacies and making memories with our friends at Jantar Mantar.

Jantar Mantar is a beautiful contribution to astronomy and inspiration for future generations. It definitely deserves more appreciation and prestige as it is a perfect example of India’s advanced minds and cultural heritage.

Written by Aarna Garg, Ananya Ahuja, Anika Garg, Daksh Tiwari, & Navyaa Yadav (G D Goenka Public School, Ghaziabad).

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