A UNESCO World Heritage marvel, Jaipur’s very own Jantar Mantar will soon be seeing the revival of a scintillating ‘light & sound’ show of 15-18 minutes. The show will be based on the scientific relevance of the collection of 20 significant astronomical instruments that the unique open-air astronomical observatory encompasses.
The historically, scientifically, and architecturally rich site was built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II. A timeless wonder, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur exhibits the world’s largest sundial made of stone.
Why is Jantar Mantar monumental?
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is an astronomical wonder that UNESCO defines as the “most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India’s historic observatories.” Located near Hawa Mahal and City Palace in the city, the structure was completed in 1734.
The nearly 20 main fixed instruments here were utilised to make various scientific calculations like tracking the location of stars, predicting eclipses, determining declination of planets, ascertaining celestial altitudes, and so on. The instruments were “designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye,” embodying numerous architectural and instrumental innovations.
Even in the contemporary world today, the monumental Jantar Mantar is used for several astronomical purposes.
The light & sound show
Using light and sound as tools, besides animation and graphics, the show is all set to bring life to the rich history and influential astronomical means associated with Jantar Mantar in Jaipur. The light and sound show will highlight the scientific significance of the astronomical instruments here.
The department of archaeology and museology (DAM) has gathered a group of experts from India to compile the latest interpretation of the astronomical instruments that the site envelops.
“The idea behind light and sound show is to give exact and the closest verbal narration of the 19 astronomical instruments. It was realised that due to its scientific value, visitors were not able to gasp the relevance of these historic instruments,” DAM Secretary Mahendra Khadgawat explained.
The show, which is expected to come up in the next few months, will run 3-4 times in a day. The previous version of the light & sound show, which showcased the history of erstwhile Jaipur royal family, did not garner a great response. This version is assembled in a way that will be very different from the former, Khadgawat said.
“The new light and sound show will have all the elements from facts, original music, lights thrill and narration by a renowned personality in order to make it appealing,” he added.
A step to increase footfalls at the heritage site
The said change in the light and sound show will, predictably, boost the footfalls of this rare historic place. It is one of those heritage sites in Jaipur that is valuable in influencing tourism of the city and the state.
The information on the timeline and other details will be released soon.
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