Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories, Located
in the city of Jaipur. Built between the period of 1728-34, the
Jantar Mantar is based on the astronomical studies conducted by
Sawai Jai Singh and his men around the world. One of his men
brought a manual which was a copy of La Hire's "Tables".
Accordingly, Jai Singh ordered the construction of the
observatories based on the information provided in this manual.
Jai Singh had to make choice regarding the material used for
the construction of the observatory. He had the option of using
either metal or masonry instruments and he preferred the latter
to the former. Infact, he himself designed the stone and
masonry instruments of the observatory. Jantar Mantar is hugely attractive destination for scholars, however, common people are little aware about its importance. A visit to Jantar Mantar makes tourists realize that the Rajput rulers were not just ardent patriots and admirer of royalty but also highly intellectual and observant. As such, though the place is more related to science, yet it has a historical importance attached to it.
