Inside Jantar Mantar: Ancient Science and Precision 2026

On our visit to Jaipur, we went to Jantar Mantar, which is a historical observatory built in 1734. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the largest sundial in the world, called Samrat Yantra. The word Jantar Mantar comes from Sanskrit, where jantar means instrument and mantar means calculation. In India, there are five Jantar Mantars spread across cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura, all built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II.

At Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar, the guide explained everything so clearly that we understood the concepts perfectly. We were surprised to learn that the Samrat Yantra, which includes a small sundial and a large sundial called the Laghu Samrat Yantra and the Vrihat Samrat Yantra, provides local time with an accuracy of two seconds. There were many other yantras as well, such as the Digamsa Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra, Narivalaya Yantra, and Ram Yantra, each used for different astronomical calculations. Apart from calculating time, celestial movement, and zodiac signs. This marvellous instrument also shows how intelligent the people of India were in earlier times. Additionally, we were mesmerised by the unique mix of intricate carvings, delicate decorations, and captivating geometry on the instruments.

Overall, visiting Jantar Mantar in Jaipur was extremely fascinating. With this fun and educational journey, we learnt how intelligent Sawai Jai Singh II was and how his knowledge helped people across North India. It was curious and thrilling to know that before modern technology, nature itself helped people achieve so much.

Team Members: Anshika, Avantika Singh, Chinmayi Choudhry, Divyangana Singh Nirwan, Gaurika Singh, Jaiaditya, Ojasvi Rathi, Priyadarshana Singh Shekhawat & Sanchi Jhanwar (Euro International School, Jodhpur).

EdTerra Edventures conducts various other programs for the youth. If you go to school and are under 17 years of age, ask your school to contact us to arrange a visit to your school for an introduction to “Jaipur” and other journeys under EdTerra’s India Discovery Program.

For queries call +91-11-48885800 or visit EdTerra Browse Journeys page to know more about the programs we offer to school students. Visit our FB page by clicking HERE

Euro International School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

At Euro International School, Jodhpur, we offer an enriching environment where students are continuously encouraged to think differently, question fearlessly, and create independently. We inspire and empower students to realise their full potential as global citizens of tomorrow through innovative education that fosters academic excellence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning within a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to provide a joyful and engaging schooling experience by educating the head, heart, and hand, embracing creativity and innovation, supporting holistic development, and shaping confident, globally sensitive citizens who contribute positively to society.