Jantar Mantar in Jaipur in western, central India is the largest of five astronomical observatories commissioned by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Built between 1727 and 1733 Jantar Mantar is a collection of huge architectural astronomical instruments constructed from stone and marble. The fourteen geometric devices that make up Jantar Mantar were built to probe the secrets of the cosmos; to measure time, predict eclipses, ascertain the positions of stars and planets and track their movements across the skies.

Amazingly enough these huge structures still provide accurate information, for example the vast sundial to this day tells the time to within two seconds of local Jaipur time.

This is a fascinating destination for those wishing to delve into astronomy's rich and centuries old history and a truly humbling example of human curiosity and achievement.

Written by  Anna Dejardin.

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