Delhi's Jantar Mantar observatory on the path to former glory?

Among the five observatories built in the 18th century under the guidance of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, Rajasthan (1724-1734), the facility at Delhi was the first to be established

- Aheli Das

[e-mail] NEW DELHI: Pre-telescopic astronomical instruments from the 18th century at Jantar Mantar are among the most popular historical marvels of Delhi, but many are not aware of them due to the instruments lying partially functional or dysfunctional.

While the observatory may have faded over time, its historical significance has not, as evidenced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) working with a team of experts to restore some instruments that have lost their accuracy and others that have lost their markings.

At the northern wall of "Misra Yantra" or composite instrument, one of three astronomical pre-telescopic instruments at Jantar Mantar, work is currently underway on the "Karka Rashi Valaya", which roughly translates to "change of seasons", under the first phase of the restoration undertaken by ASI in the last few weeks.