1:24 Scale Model of the Zodiacal Dials (Rashivalaya Yantra) at the Jaipur Observatory, India

Made:
1884-1886
maker:
Jai Singh
and
Jai Singh
and

Model (scale 1:24) of the 12 Zodiacal Dials (Rashivalaya Yantra), part of the astronomical instruments (1728-1734) built at the Jaipur observatory in India, unsigned, 1884-1886. Used to measure the celestial co-ordinates of the stars and planets with respect to the ecliptic (zodiac). Exhibited at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, White City, London, England, 1886

This is one of a series of models made 1884-6, showing the astronomical instruments of the Jaipur Observatory, India. These were exhibited in 1886 at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, London. Built of masonry the Jaipur instruments were used to accurately measure the position of the Sun, stars, moon and planets. Lacking telescopes these devices used naked eye sights and massive, but precise construction. Known as Rashnalaya (Zodical Dials), they were built and designed under the supervision of Maharajah jai Singh II. Finding European, Islamic and Hindu astronomical tables inaccurate, Singh decided to make his own observations to improve matters. As ruler of Rajastan, he built several observatories starting in 1724 with one near Delhi.

Details

Category:
Astronomy
Object Number:
1887-2/1
Materials:
paint, paper (fibre product) and wood (unidentified)
Measurements:
overall: 290 mm x 1745 mm x 1220 mm,
overall (without case): 330 mm x 1440 mm x 1760 mm, 20 kg
type:
model - representation
credit:
Colonial and Indian Exhibition (1886)