TRAVEL
JANTA MANTAR, JAIPUR, INDIA
Thinking about India and wondering at this point when international travel will be back on the table , I am reminded of the magnificent astronomical observatories, locally known as the Jantar Mantar. Constructed during the reign of Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II. Each site is made up of varied unique structures somewhat surreal in form. There are a total of five sites dotted around northern India.
The main purpose of the observatory was to amass astronomical tables and to calculate the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets, basically early astronomy. It is astonishing to me that these observatories were built as early as 1724-1730, they have such a modern feel, each site is made up of large geometric forms, one can see why they had such an influence on architects such as Le Corbusier.
On my first visit I couldn’t really take in these awe inspiring structures, I was in some kind of wonderment. They literally took my breath away. One of the key lasting effects on me has been the striking soft red and pink shades of these gorgeous structures.These colours are ever changing with the movement of the sun.
- Heti Gervis
Digasma, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.
Chakra Yantra, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Ram Yantra, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jaya Prakash Yantra, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur