Diaries: Jaipur Day 1 - Jantar Mantar
First posted on WordPress Blog here.
To see about all my travel diaries, go here.
Prologue: A fun series that documents my travels.
This a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan, in 1734. The monument features instruments operating in each of the three main classical celestial coordinate systems: the horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system, and the ecliptic system. The 19 are - Chakra Yantra, Dakshin Bhitti Yantra, Digamsha Yantra, Disha Yantra, Dhruva Darshak Pattika, Jai Prakash Yantra, Kapali Yantra, Kanali Yantra, Kranti Vritta Yantra, Laghu Samrat Yantra, Misra Yantra, Nadi Valaya Yantra, Palbha Yantra, Rama Yantra, Rashi Valaya Yantra (12 constellations), Shastansh Yantra, Unnatamsa Yantra, Vrihat Samrat Yantra (World's Largest Sun Dial) and Yantra Raj Yantra. Don't forget the watch tower that we had no permissions to go up. Some of them are pictured below.
