Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Explore the eighteenth-century Indian astronomical observatories called the Jantar Mantars, massive, stunning structures built to observe and understand the heavens
Between 1724 and 1730, Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories, called Jantar Mantars, in northern India. The four remaining observatories are an extraordinary fusion of architecture and science, combining elements of astronomy, astrology, and geometry into forms of remarkable beauty. The observatories' large scale and striking geometric forms have captivated the attention of architects, artists, scientists, and historians worldwide, yet their purpose and use remain largely unknown to the public.
In this book, Barry Perlus's visually driven exploration brings readers to the Jantar Mantars and creates an immersive experience. Panoramas plunge the viewer into a breathtaking 360-degree space, while pages of explanatory illustrations describe the observatories and the workings of their many instruments. This book provides the experience of visiting the sites, learning about the historical context of the Jantar Mantars, and gaining an understanding of their scientific and architectural innovations.
Synopsis
This book brings to life the Jantar Mantars, eighteenth-century Indian astronomical observatories. Featuring panoramic images that immerse the reader in a breathtaking 360-degree space, the book also offers to a broad audience explanatory illustrations and text describing these large-scale structures' historical context and their architectural, astronomical, and geometric innovations.