SUYASH SARJERAO 23150121

THANAGE
GANESH PANDHARINATH 23150129
ZINJAD
ADITYA ANIL SHARMA 23150109
NOEL TONY 23120130
AN INTRODUCTION TO JANTAR
MANTAR
1.Constructed in the early 18th century, the Jantar
Mantar in Jaipur is an astronomical observatory.
2.Comprising around 20 main fixed instruments, it
showcases monumental masonry versions of known
instruments, often with unique characteristics.
3.Specifically designed for naked-eye astronomical
observations, it incorporates innovative architectural
and instrumental features.
4.Regarded as India's most significant, comprehensive,
and well-preserved historic observatory.
5.Reflects the astronomical prowess and cosmological
beliefs of the scholarly Mughal court during that era.
ABOUT RAM YANTRA

1.Rama Yantra comprises paired cylindrical structures with open

skies and a central pillar or pole.
2.Both pillar and walls are of identical height, matching the
structure's radius.
3.Scales inscribed on the floor and interior walls denote angles of
altitude and azimuth.
4.Found exclusively at the Jaipur and Delhi observatories.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1. Construction of Jaipur's instruments began in an unknown
period, but some were completed by 1728, continuing until
1738.
2. In 1735, at its peak, Jaipur's observatory employed at least 23
astronomers, becoming Jai Singh's primary observatory over
Delhi due to political shifts.
3. After Jai Singh's death in 1743, Jaipur's observatory faced a
decline under Isvari Singh due to a succession war.
4. Mado Singh, Isvari Singh's successor (r. 1750–1768), supported
the observatory but with reduced activity compared to Jai
Singh's time.
5. Restorations occurred under Pratap Singh (r.1778-1803), yet
activity dwindled, and the site was transformed into a gun
factory alongside the construction of a temple.
LOCATION

The Jantar Mantar is located in

various cities across India. Some of
the prominent Jantar Mantar
observatories are situated in Jaipur,
Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura, and
Varanasi. Each of these locations
houses its own unique set of
astronomical instruments and
structures.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
1. Constructed using local stone, marble, bronze tablets, bricks,
and mortar, each instrument features astronomical scales, often
inscribed on the marble inner lining.
2. Spans an area of about 18,700 square meters and was actively
used until around 1800, after which it fell into disrepair.
3. The restoration in the early 20th century involved replacing
some original construction materials with different ones,
altering certain elements of the monument.
ASTRONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE –
How It Works?
1. The Rama Yantra facilitates celestial object observation by aligning the
object in the sky with the central pillar's top and a point on the floor or
wall.
2. Daytime observations involve the sun's position marked by the shadow
of the pillar's top on the floor or wall, while nighttime observations use
a sighting guide for stars or planets aligned with the pillar's top.
3. The raised platform floor, arranged in sectors with open spaces, allows
ease of movement and comfortable upward sight for observers.
4. Optimal accuracy occurs near the floor-wall intersection at a 45-degree
altitude, offering +/- 1 arc minute precision, while accuracy diminishes
above 45 degrees and decreases to +/- 1 degree near the pillar base.
KEY NOTES
• Paired Instruments: The instruments are designed in pairs with inscribed
surfaces and voids for observers to stand at regular intervals.
• Complementary Design: One instrument has inscribed surfaces while the other
has empty spaces, creating a continuous surface when superimposed.
• Rama Yantra Specifics: Floor of Rama Yantra has either 30 (Delhi) or 12
(Jaipur) sectors.
• Dynamic Observation: Celestial object positions change, requiring observers
to move between instruments when the object moves past the edge of an
indexed surface.
• Continuity in Observation: Observers can seamlessly continue observations by
walking between instruments when an object moves past the indexed surface.
 SOME FACTS ABOUT JANTAR
MANTAR
1. Visitors:
The site attracts hundreds of thousands of
1. Educational and Cultural Significance:
tourists each year. Exact numbers may vary from year to
Many visitors, including scholars, students, and
year.
tourists, are drawn to the site due to its educational value
and cultural importance in understanding ancient Indian
2. Cultural Importance: astronomy and scientific achievements.
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and is among the key historical and cultural
2. Preservation Efforts:
attractions in Jaipur.
Continuous efforts are made for the
conservation and restoration of the instruments to
3. Guided Tours: maintain their historical integrity and ensure their
Guided tours are available for visitors to explore educational value for future generations.
and understand the significance of the various
3. Influence on Tourism:
astronomical instruments and their role in ancient
The Jantar Mantar observatory contributes significantly
astronomy.
to the tourism industry in Jaipur, offering visitors a
unique blend of historical, scientific, and cultural
experiences.
CHALLENGES FACED BY HERITAGE
SITES
1.Environmental Degradation: Pollution, weathering, and natural elements can cause erosion and damage
to structures over time.
2.Over-Tourism: High footfall can lead to wear and tear, causing damage to delicate structures and
historical artifacts.
3.Lack of Conservation Funds: Limited financial resources may hinder proper maintenance, restoration,
and conservation efforts.
4.Urban Development: Surrounding urbanization and infrastructure expansion might encroach upon
heritage sites, impacting their authenticity and surroundings.
5.Vandalism and Theft: Some sites face threats from vandalism, theft of artifacts, or illegal excavation
activities.
6.Neglect and Lack of Awareness: Some sites might suffer from neglect due to insufficient attention or
awareness about their historical significance.
7.Aging Infrastructure: Old infrastructure might require constant upkeep and maintenance, which can be
challenging without adequate resources and expertise.
REFERENCES
• UNESCO - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1338/
• WIKIPEDIA -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jantar_Mantar,_Jaipur#Theory
• MAP -
https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/tourism/jantar-manta
r.html#google_vignette