12 Interesting Facts About Jantar Mantar of Delhi for Kids

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Facts About Jantar Mantar

A trip to India’s capital city, Delhi, is incomplete without visiting its important historical monuments. Apart from Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Lotus Temple, Jantar Mantar, located in the heart of Connaught Place, holds a special significance. For the uninformed, it is one of the five observatories built during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. The other four are located in Jaipur, Mathura, Ujjain, and Varanasi. By the year 1867, Jantar Mantar showcased clear signs of decay. This prompted the Government of India to undertake restoration initiatives. Here are some other interesting facts about Jantar Mantar of Delhi.

Particulars Details 
Name Jantar Mantar
Type Maharaja Jai Singh II
Location Connaught Place
Year of Establishment1724
Established by Maharaja Jai Singh II

1. Jantar Mantar is an Astronomical Observatory and Equinoctial Sundial

Jantar Mantar is not just a historical site but a scientific marvel. It serves as both an observatory to study celestial bodies and a sundial to measure time. Its instruments help determine the time of day and track the movement of planets and stars.

2. The Name Jantar Mantar Means “Calculation Instrument”

The name combines “yantra” (instrument) and “mantra” (calculation), signifying its purpose as a tool for astronomical calculations. This highlights its scientific role in ancient times when precise tools were scarce.

3. It was Built by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1724

Sawai Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of Jaipur, constructed Jantar Mantar to delve into astronomy. His curiosity and dedication to science made this observatory a significant achievement of its era.

Source: Wikipedia/ A portrait of Sawai Jai Singh’s from British Museum

4. Jantar Mantar Houses 13 Unique Astronomical Instruments

The observatory contains 13 instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra, and Rama Yantra. Each has a specific purpose, such as measuring time, tracking celestial objects, and predicting eclipses.

5. Samrat Yantra is the Largest Sundial in the Observatory

The Samrat Yantra is a giant triangular sundial that measures time accurately. Its hypotenuse is aligned with the Earth’s axis, allowing it to calculate time and celestial angles based on the Sun’s movement.

6. Misra Yantra Determines Longest and Shortest Days

The Misra Yantra, a combination of five instruments, helps identify the longest and shortest days of the year. This instrument showcases how ancient scientists tracked Earth’s tilt and solar cycles.

Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Picture of Misa Yantra located in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar

7. The Structures Are Made of Brick, Limestone, and Rubble

The materials used to build Jantar Mantar ensured its durability. These sturdy materials allowed the observatory to withstand centuries while maintaining its precision and grandeur.

8. Nearby Attractions Enhance Your Visit to Jantar Mantar

While visiting Jantar Mantar, you can also explore nearby landmarks like Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Agrasen ki Baoli. These sites add cultural and historical richness to your trip.

9. Jantar Mantar Was the Logo of the 1982 Asian Games

In 1982, Jantar Mantar symbolized India’s scientific and cultural heritage as the logo of the Asian Games. This highlights its importance as a national icon.

Source: Wikipedia/ Picture of the logo of 1982 Asian Games

10. It Functioned as an Observatory for Seven Years

After its completion, Jantar Mantar operated for seven years, aiding astronomers in studying the skies. This duration reflects its historical significance in scientific exploration.

11. Instruments Helped Observe Celestial Objects Without Telescopes

The instruments are strategically placed to allow precise observations of celestial bodies with the naked eye. This unique design made it possible to track planetary movements and measure time accurately in the 18th century.

12. Jantar Mantar is Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

You can visit this historical and scientific wonder during daylight hours. The timing ensures the best visibility for exploring the instruments and understanding their functionality under the sun.

FAQs

How many Jantar Mantar in India?

There are five Jantar Mantar in India. They are located in Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura. 

Who built Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?

Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed the five Jantar Mantar of India.

What is the reason for Jantar Mantar?

Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur built the five Jantar Mantar in India to determine precise calculations of celestial bodies and time. 

What is special about Jantar Mantar?

Jantar Mantar is special because it’s an ancient observatory built in 1724 to study the movements of celestial bodies. It has 13 unique instruments, like the Samrat Yantra, which is the world’s largest sundial. These instruments worked without telescopes, showcasing the brilliance of ancient Indian astronomy.

What is the real name of Jantar Mantar?

The real name of Jantar Mantar comes from two Sanskrit words: “Yantra,” meaning instrument, and “Mantra,” meaning calculation. Together, they describe it as a “calculation instrument,” perfectly fitting its purpose of tracking time and studying celestial movements.

What is the maths behind Jantar Mantar?

Jantar Mantar uses geometry, trigonometry, and precise measurements to study celestial objects. For example, the Samrat Yantra aligns with the Earth’s axis and uses angles to calculate time. Instruments like the Jayaprakash Yantra measure the position of stars, blending mathematical genius with architectural design.

What is Jantar Mantar Class 7?

For Class 7 students, Jantar Mantar is an ancient astronomical observatory that helps us understand India’s scientific heritage. It was used to calculate time and study stars and planets. Its instruments, like the sundial, teach us how ancient scientists used math and observations to study the universe.

Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about Jantar Mantar. If you like reading about facts, you can visit our interesting facts page to read more such blogs.

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