Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Jantar Mantar I






This observatory was built by Sawal Jai Singh II in 1724. He was interested in calculating the planetary positions in order to plan sacred rituals at the appropriate times. The Samrat Yantra is a right-angled triangle that functions as a giant sun dial since its hypotenuse is parallel to the earth's axis. Note the calibrations along the edge of the dial. Thank you to DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for India for the facts.

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