Located in Connaught Place area of New Delhi, Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler and founder of Jaipur, India. Smaller than that of Jaipur, it is still surprising because of its ability to make accurate calculations of many astronomical movements. Built in 1724, the giant abstract masonry instruments Jantar Mantar is the obvious technological genius of the times in the field of astronomy. Jai Singh was a keen astronomer and a noble in the Mughal court.
He was not satisfied with the brass and metal astronomical and decided to correct and update the records more accurate astronomical instruments. Jantar Mantars was built five in India, located in Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. Jantar Mantar in Delhi was built to help astronomers in observing the practice of the movements of the sun, moon and all the other planets. The relevance of this science then be introduced to the general public.
The sundial dominates the pair here and are also known as the Yantra Samrat Samrat or Brihat Yantra - the sundial enormous. A striking structure in yellow on the right side, one arm is 27 meters high set at an angle of 27 degrees. The yantras others in this observatory are used to observe the stars and different planets. The Mishra Yantra helps determine the longest and shortest days of the year. In December, a pillar overshadows the other, and in June, does not cast any shadow at all.
Compared with others, this observatory is the largest and best preserved today. But after its construction in 1724, remained functional for only seven years. The observations made each day were recorded and later a graph called Zij Muhammad Shahi was ready. This time was devoted to the reigning monarch. Many experts in this field are of the opinion that these observatories fell into disuse due to lack of reflection by the king. The original name Yantra (instrument) mantra (formula) has been damaged to Jantar Mantar.
