A – Inclined plane instruments

1. King of the Instruments – Samrat Yantra

2. The Small Sundial – Laghu Samarat Yantra

3. The Small Metal Sundial

4. Kapali Yantra

5. Jai Prakesh Yantra

6. Digansa Yantra

7. Ram Yantra

8. Narivalaya Yantra

9. Shasthansa Yantra

10. Dakshina bhitti Yantra

11. Dhruva Darshak Yantra

12. Chakra Yantra

13. Yantra Raj

14. Kantivrita Yantra

15. Rashivaliya Yantra

16. Unnantasha Yantra

Hope you will enjoy watching the picture gallery!

The Jantar Mantar at Jaipur includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India’s historic observatories

It is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it a special destination for a traveler. Jantar Mantar was named as Yantra Mantra, which means instruments and formulae, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the recognized name. This observatory still, provides accurate information, which can be compared with today’s modern instruments undeniably. The compound instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed depicts the forte of Medieval Indian Astronomy. Jantar Mantar is wholly constructed with stone and marble. The observatory has fourteen statistical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses and to ascertain other astronomical events. Amongst all the instruments, the Sundial usually attracts the maximum attention of people, which tells the time to an accuracy of about two seconds in local time of Jaipur.

The instruments at the Jantar Mantar Jaipur can be classified according to their functions as follow:

A – Inclined plane instruments

1. King of the Instruments – Samrat Yantra

Samrat Yantra is the biggest instrument at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur. It is also famous for its accurate construction. Time can be calculated by observing the solar system. This instrument can calculate local time that is correct upto 2 seconds. The gnomon of this sundial is 90 feet high. There are niches in the wall so that the storm does not affect the instrument. The gnomon of the Samrat Yantra is located on the right-angled wall and the hypotenuse has steps to climb up. This also has a scale, which is helpful in finding the altitude of the sun. The hypotenuse points out towards a pole. This pole has on its either side a masonry quadrant. The sides of the quadrant are marked in hours, minutes and seconds. On the scale 1 minute has been divided into 30 parts. This division helps in measuring the divisions accurately. There are steps near the quadrant to enable the observers` climb up to the dial to check the time.

2. The Small Sundial – Laghu Samarat Yantra

The walls make the gnomon, the upper edge of the walls making an angle of 27 degrees with the horizontal, which is the latitude of Jaipur. The scales are made of marble. The shadow of the gnomon on the scale gives the local time. The claimed accuracy on this sundial is of 20 seconds

3. The Small Metal Sundial

This equatorial sundial made on metal. Its gnomon is, of course, inclined to the horizontal at 27 degrees to the horizontal, the latitude of Jaipur.

B – Hemispherical bowls

1. Kapali Yantra

These are two bowl shaped hemispheres with the map of the Universe (celestial sphere) engraved. Two wires are put along the diameters of the circle at the edge of the instrument. These wires are at right angle to each other and the projection of the point of intersection gives the position of Sun along with other celestial objects. Normally, we can either the Sun or the stars in the sky. But by this instrument we can know the position of Sun vis-a-vis stars engraved inside the instrument.

2. Jai Prakesh Yantra

This instrument consists of two hemispherical marble bowls of 17.5 feet diameter representing the celestial hemisphere inverted, and a ring suspended on cross wires at the centre of the hemisphere representing the sun. However, each bowl has only half of the surface area of the hemisphere, represented by six marble slabs with gaps between them to enable the observer to inspect the surface of the slabs. The second bowl has marble slabs in place of the gaps in the first one, and gaps instead of the marble slabs of the first one, so that together the two bowls present the entire surface of the hemisphere. The marble slabs are marked with both altitude and azimuth scales, and thus show the meridian and the equatorial plane. The rim is marked out from 0 to 90° in each segment. The instrument was invented by Maharajah Jai Singh, and its extraordinary accuracy enabled it to be used to fine-tune some of the other instruments.

Jai Prakash Yantra is a refinement of Kapali Yantra. The idea is to see the position of Sun in the sky. There are two hemispherical bowls, each representing the sky above. There are recesses in the bowls to let observers get close to the markings. The bowls are complementary, where there is a recess in one , there is solid marble with markings in the other. So at one time, one has to refer to the correct bowl. The position of sun is projected by the shadow of a cross wire placed along at two diameters of a bowl and at right angles to one another. Each bowl is the reflection of the sky above and the projection of the center of cross wire gives the position of Sun.

C – Solid azimuth/ altitude instruments

1. Digansa Yantra

The Digansa Yantra, or Azimuth Circle, is used for measuring the azimuth of celestial objects. The azimuth is the angle measured along the horizon, starting from the north direction and going towards east towards the projection of the object on the fundamental plane. In other words, the azimuth is measured on the horizontal fundamental plane. We project the object on the fundamental plane. The azimuth is the angle between the north direction and the object’s projection on the fundamental plane, measured towards east.

2. Ram Yantra

This instrument consists of two circular buildings with an outer ring of 12 upright stone slabs, each one connected to the center of the instrument by a horizontal triangular slab fixed some three feet above the ground. At the centre of the circle is fixed a vertical rod of the same height as the outer ring of stone slabs. The length of the triangular slabs is the same as the height of the verticals above them, so that the angle from the top of vertical slab to the centre point of the triangular slabs is 45°. The two buildings may appear to be identical, but they are in fact complementary, in that the triangular slabs are oriented from 0° in one instrument and from 30° in the other. The shadow of the central rod thus appears on one instrument at the time it vanishes from the other. Ram Yantra is used to measure altitude and azimuth of celestial objects. There are two cylinders, each with longitudinal gaps. The gaps are there so that one can view the instrument easily. Where there is a gap in one cylinder, there is solid material at that place in the other. So the two cylinders complement each other, and together, they make a single instrument.

D – Equatorial dials

1. Narivalaya Yantra:  Narivalaya (Nadivalya) Yantra is an equatorial sundial. There are two dials, one facing north and the other facing south, both parallel to the equatorial plane. When the sun is in the northern hemisphere, between the March equinox and the September equinox, the dial facing north gets sunlight. There is a slot in the center of the dial where a small rod (gnomon) is placed. The slot for the rod is such that it becomes perpendicular to the dial and becomes parallel to the Earth’s axis. The local time is read by seeing the shadow of the rod on the dial. Similarly, between the September equinox and the March equinox, the dial facing south gets sunlight and the local time can be read in a similar manner.

E – Meridian transit instruments

1. Shasthansa Yantra – Sextant

Shasthansa Yantra, is a darkened chamber with a pinhole through which the Sun’s rays enter the chamber when the Sun is at its zenith. There is a scale that can be used to measure the declination and diameter of the Sun.

2. Dakshina bhitti Yantra

The instrument is embedded in a wall placed along the local meridian. It is used for measuring the altitude of celestial objects as these objects cross the local meridian.

F – Pole Star Instrument

1. Dhruva Darshak Yantra : This instrument helps to determine the location of Polo Star.

G – Adjustable instruments

1. Chakra Yantra:

The Chakra Yantra is used to locate planets and other celestial bodies at night.

2. Yantra Raj:

The Yantra Raj is an adaptation of an Astrolabe, which is a Medieval instrument for the measurement of time and the positions of celestial objects.This remarkable instrument seems to have interested Sawai Jai Singh greatly. He compiled and studied astrolabes of different languages available in his era and fabricated a comprehensive astrolabe for Jaipur Observatory.

This circular instrument is marked with 360 degrees on it with divisions in ghatis. Likewise, 90 altitude circles, prominent stars, constellations and celestial circles are also marked on it at their respective places. It has a separate attachment for sighting tube to be fixed in the center of the instrument. The instrument is used for measuring ascendants, altitude, time and the position of the Sun and that of some other celestial objects in the sky. It can also be used in the computations of celestial positions and their changes. The instrument also measures time-from the positions of stars in the night and that of the Sun in the day.
H – Ecliptic instruments

1. Kantivrita Yantra

The instrument consists of two metal circles, one mounted on a masonry block inclined at 27 degrees to the vertical so that it is in the plane of the equator, and able to rotate on a central axis. The second is at an angle of 23.5 degrees to the first, so that, when the first ring is correctly set, the second is in the plane of the ecliptic. A second similar instrument is mounted on a metal frame. It is used to measure celestial latitude and longitude

2. Rashivaliya Yantra

The set of 12 zodiacal instruments This is a set of twelve small instruments similar in design to the King of Instruments and the small sundial. Each is associated with a particular sign of the Zodiac and can be used for one hour when that sign is on the meridian.

I - Other Instruments

1. Unnantasha Yantra

Unnantasha Yantra is used for measurement of altitude of celestial objects.

Please visit the post,  “Instuments at Jantar mantar Photo Gallery” for pictures of the instruments

Located in a narrow valley in the midst of glistening yellow sandstone hills, Gaitor was the royal crematorium of the mighty Kachhawa rulers.

Gaitor was designated as the royal cremation grounds during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh II.

After the capital was shifted to Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh chose Gaitor as the cremation ground for the royal family. Then from 1733 onwards the final rites of every Kachhwaha king were conducted here. These chhatris are open domed pavilions set on a raised platform. Slender pillars hold up the roof and the platform has smaller chhatris at its corners. The whole scene set between the gardens presents a picture perfect shot.
Most of the Chattris or cenotaphs at Gaitor are designed as open pavilions with ornate domes supported by delicately sculpted pillars. The décor and lavishness of a particular Chattri reflects the stature and might of a particular king. Each chhatri or cenotaph has a different design and is styled according to the majesty and power of the king during his lifetime

The most graceful and beautiful Chattri at Gaitor is that of Maharaja Jai Singh, Maharaja Madho Singh II’s Chattri is an equally splendid structure that stands two stories high with intricate carvings and delightful motifs. Sawai Jai Singhji’s Chattri has more than 20 carved pillars that add to the beauty and grandness of this massive chattri. It has cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Sawai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas garden.
There are several tiny Chattris that dot Gaitor. These belong to young princes who suffered an untimely death.

Sargasuli also known as Isar Lat is a seven storied minaret (tower), which was erected in the mid 18th century in the year 1749 by Sawai Ishwari Singh as remembrance of a battle victory. Sarga Suli which was once upon a time was the tallest building of Jaipur. Locally popular as Isar Lat, this heaven piercing minaret is located at the intersection of Tripolia Bazaar and Gangori Bazaar near the Chhoti Chaupar Chowk and Tripolia Gate. A very beautiful and full view of Old Jaipur(Char diwari Jaipur) can be seen from Sarga Suli. The seven storey minaret was built on the lines of the Qutub Minar and Kirti Stambha of Chittaurgarh. The walls are designed in intricate lattice work which helps to provide air and light to the entire building. The highest point of the minaret is also accessible.

History

Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh was ruler of Jaipur from 1743 to 1750.He was born in 1721.He was the eldest son of Sawai Jai Singh II.Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh wanted that Ishwari Singh should rule Jaipur after him.Therefore he got deeds of loyalty signed by his top generals and kinsmen.one of such deeds was signed on January 3,1742, by Thakur of Jhalai,Raoraja of Sikar and Uniara,and Zorawar Singh of Nindar.Rawal Mohan Singh of Chomu also signed this deed.He declared Ishwari Singh “Crown Prince”.Ishwari Singh was made king after Sawai Jai Singh II.But the Maharana of Mewar did not support this.

Internal disputes grew up and Ishwari Singh and Madhosingh I were at war.Ishwari Singh defeated Madhosingh I in 1745 with the help of Ranoji Scindia and Malhar Rao Holker. But after the death of Ranoji, his son “Jayappa” supported Ishwari Singh and Malhar Rao Holker supported Madho Singh. Again in 1747 Madho Singh was defeated at “Rajmahal” near Deoli Rajasthan. Marathas did not render this help without reason. They used to collect “Chauth” and “Sardeshmukhi” texes totalling about 35%of state income in lieu of their support and services. Scindia and Holker were against each other and therfore Maharana of Mewar called Peshwa to intervenue himself. Peshwa arrived himself and at Niwai it was agreed that Madho Singh be given four Parganas.  However Ishwari Singh was not present in person in this settlement because he started suspecting the Marathas of their intentions. Peshwa returned in June 1748 and after his return Ishwari Singh did not fulfill the settlement. Again in rainy season of 1750, Maratha army came to Jaipur to recover their taxes. Holker and Scindia got a commitment from Ishwari Singh to pay Rs200000, but this was beyond the capacity of Ishwari Singh. He could not pay the amount and committed suicide on December 12,1750, by taking poison and bitten with a “Cobra” with three of his wives and one concubine. Next day 20 of his wives died . Madho Singh was made king but public of Jaipur was so infuriated with this incident that on January 20,1751 all gates of Jaipur were closed and Marathas were butchered inside the city.Almost three thousand Marathas died and 1000 injured. But the Scindia and Holker were away in “Doab”. Later Jayappa Scindia was murdered in Nagaur, while trying to collect the hated taxes.

The diameter of the circle is 452 m and the circumference measures 1420 m. This Garden is one of the biggest and most prestigious ones in Jaipur city with an area of about 9.81 hectare. This park was fully developed by JDA (Jaipur Development Authority), and is one of the favorite leisure places.

JDA has spent 170 lacs for the development of this circle. The money has been judiciously spent on a Jogging tracks, Walk way, Parking,Landscaping, Benches & a Musical Fountain.

The Fountain has been installed in a water-body in the center of the park. Radius of the water body is 47 mts. There are 290 effects. Height of the fountain is 25 mts. Water screen size is 27mts wide by 9 mts height.  There are 316 colored lights. The video  projector is 15000 lumens. Every evening at 7 pm a show is held for 30 minutes, when the water sprays dance to the music & are illuminated by colored lights all adding up to a rare experience. Taking a hint from the Si-Fi world they even show music video’s on a wall of spray, ie a TV screen has been made on water droplets
Surrounded by Rose Gardens, this park is one of the favorite leisure places with its attractive features like musical fountains, modern play equipments, jogging tracks.

The Government is using recycled water to maintain the Garden and the Musical fountain .superb experience