In the Shadow of the Maharaja

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is an ancient Indian observatory that is home to the largest sundial in the world. 

- Beatrice Amagat

THE ANCIENT CELTS, MAYANS AND GREEKS all had a passion for observing the sky with aweinspiring architecture.

But one of the most incredible ancient observatories surviving today is Jantar Mantar in Japiur, India. Built 300 years ago, it is a collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments, some of which were built in two versions with different orientations that took into account the two solstices. Resembling a giant Lego building or a drawing by Escher, this remarkable building is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

It was built at the instigation of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, head of the Amber State and ally of the Mughal Empire. He was a brilliant young an passionate about the arts, mathematics and architecture, who carefully charted the layout of the city of Jaipur, aligned the main avenues and drew the plan of the castle where he lived after moving from Amber Fort. Completed in 1738 CE, Jaipur became the first entirely new-build city in India and duly became the capital of Rajasthan when the country gained independence.