Images of Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is not a mere collection of sculptures but a vast open-air astronomical observation site (or yantra mandir – instrument temple) built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. As one of five similar observatories in India, the Jaipur Jantar Mantar is the largest and best-preserved featuring nineteen fixed instruments that are massive in scale. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site this complex serves as a profound testament to the scientific acumen of the Rajput era allowing for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye and calculating time with incredible accuracy. It remains a fascinating blend of astronomy, architecture and mathematics.