| Description: | Located about 250 meters south of Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar is one of the world's oldest astronomical observatories. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743) built this collection of salmon-colored structures after studying Hindu, and Muslim astronomical works. The observatory gives a good insight into the technological innovations of the time and is an integral part of India's scientific heritage. According to Sayyid Ahmad Khan, the author of Athar-us-Sanadid, the construction was completed in 1724. Since Jai Singh himself mentioned that he built the instruments by the order of the emperor Muhammad Shah, who ascended the throne only in 1719, the date of Sayyid Ahmad Khan appears to be authentic. |
