Dr. Hamad Rizwi - History To Heritage

Jantar Mantar-New Delhi-History and Tour

by Dr. Hamad RizwiDecember 19, 2021March 27, 20220

Jantar Mantar sounds good? When I heard the name of Jantar-Mantar of Delhi for the first time, it sounded very exciting to me. The name sounds like a title of an interesting story, a poem or a novel. But, it was not so. You will know about the history, tour and facts about Jantar Mantar, in this article.

In fact, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical and geographical observatory built in 18^th century A.D, by Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II. The name Jantar Mantar has been derived from two Sanskrit words, Jantar meaning instrument and Mantar means formulae based calculation.

Jantar Mantar is amazing with strange architecture dominated in deep terracotta color, in geometric forms, and it has been a center of wonder and attraction from its’ past. It has been a unique site for historians, scholars, architects and artists from India and world over.

Today, the Jantar Mantar (located in center of New Delhi), is visited by tourists, researchers and students from India and abroad. This is a historical monument with huge instruments’ structures of building size.

Jantar Mantar, New Delhi — Image courtesy Wikimedia commons, Image by Arun Kumar Singh AKS

Historically, the Jantar-Mantar of Delhi was built by Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, (perhaps started in 1721) and completed in 1724 AD. Jai Singh was the ruler of Amber (Jaipur), Kachwaha state under the Indian Mughals. Maharaja Jai Singh was a learned man and he had command over Sanskrit Language, and he was well versed in Persian too. He had great passion in art and science. Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II is credited for translating Euclid’s “Elements of Geometry” into Sanskrit language.

He had high zeal and interest in mathematics, architecture, astrology and astronomy. He had a research bent of mind particularly in astronomy and astrology. Consequently; he built 5 astronomical observatories in five different cities in India, including one in Delhi. He named these observatories as Jantar Mantar.

Jantar Mantar built on open space area with group of different instruments was used to study the movement of stars, moon, Earth, the differences of duration between days and nights and the seasonal change. It was also used to calculate the accurate local time using the huge masonry structure as the instrument like a sundial.

These calculations, data, studies and tables derived from using these instruments at Jantar-Mantar were used to predict even solar and lunar eclipses with high accuracy.

These collected data were also used to make calendar and to predict the auspicious dates for the ceremonies like wedding and to undertake a special journey. Of course, the calculation and study was the job of experts and specialists.

Also read about the history and facts of Lotus Temple, New Delhi.

Even, Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II used to visit and make observations and studies at Jantar Mantar of Jaipur. Hence, that was built in a very close proximity to his Palace at Jaipur.

The Jantar Mantar of Delhi contains 13 different astronomical instruments built in an open space in masonry and stones. Out of these, 4 instruments are wonderful and considered as the most important. (1) Ram Yantra, (2) Samrat Yantra, (3) Jai Prakash Yantra and (4) Misra Yantra.

Rama Yantra:

Rama Yantra or Ram Instrument is named after the grandfather of Sawai Jai Singh II, Raja Ram Singh. It is built in two parts in large cylindrical shapes, complementing each other. This is open on top. Each comprises of a circular wall surrounding a central pillar. The wall floor and pillar have scales marked on them. It was used to measure the distance of stars and to observe other celestial bodies to the reference of Earth’s latitude and longitude.

Samrat Yantra:

Samrat Yantra (Supreme instrument) is a huge triangular sundial of 70 feet high, 114 feet long, and 10 feet broad, and it is the main structured instrument of Jantar Mantar or observatory.

The sundial placed parallel to the axis of Earth points towards North Pole, indicating seconds, minutes and hour in digits inscribed on the concave plane on either side.

The shadow cast by the wall during sunshine on two concave planes of either side tells us the exact local time in AM and PM respectively. Samrat instrument has stairs to reach on top and to observe from top too.

It is rightly said about a sundial or Samrat Yantra at Jantar Mantar that; “No Sun, No Fun”. In fact, in the absence of sunlight, the sundial loses its usability.

Jai Prakash Yantra:

Jai Prakash Yantra (named after Sawai Jai Singh, the founder) is another instrument of attention at observatory. It is in two parts representing the Northern and Southern hemisphere of the Earth in hollow, accessible from the ground surface.

Misra Yantra:

Misra Yantra comprises in a set of five different instruments used to measure the longest and shortest period of days occurring in a year. These five instruments of Misra Yantra (Misr Instrument) are the Samrat, Niyat Chakra, Dhakshinottara Bhitti (north-south horizon), Kark Rasivalaya and the Western Quadrant.

Misra Yantra is considered to be the only instrument in Jantar Mantar complex which was not invented by Jai Singh.

As its name “Misra” appears, it seems that, Misra Yantra was installed by Egyptian astronomers under the guidance of Jai Singh. Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II had a good diplomatic and cultural relation with his contemporary Rulers of Egypt. Exchange of ideas and the visits of dignitaries were common. Egypt was then known as Misr in India.

A visit to Jantar Mantar of New Delhi will be an interesting experience to explore the astrological scientific center of experiments and studies of gone days. This is an important historical monument of New Delhi, India.

Also read about facts, history and tour of Qutub Minar in Delhi, a world heritage site.

Jantar Mantar area is also famous for protests and demonstrations. Some times, protests are organized by civil societies and people to register their grievances against anti people policy of government.

Address: Jantar Mantar (Observatory), Connaught Place, New Delhi, Pin Code: 110001

Timing: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

Map Location:

Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II-Honored by Indian Mughals:

Undoubtedly, Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II had a good relation and he was respected by Indian Mughal Emperors, as he was a learned man with healthy wits. Jai Singh was an assertive and able ruler as well.

This is interesting to note here that in 1699 he was honored with the title of “Sawai” (one and a quarter time’s superior to his colleagues) by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Sawai Maharaja Jai Sing II, founder of Jantar Mantar. — Jantar Mantar built by Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II. Courtesy Wikimeda in Public Domain, Image by British Museum.

Muhammad Shah, the 13^th Mughal Emperor (ruled 1719-1748 AD), the successor of Auranzeb Badshah, bestowed upon him the title of Maharaja Sawai, Raj Rajeshwar and Sarmad-e Rajaha-e Hend (eternal among Indian kings) in 1721 respectively.

Read about the facts and history of a temple in Delhi known as Laxminaryan Mandir.

Story behind Making of Jantar Mantar:

It is said, that during a special discussion in the royal court of Delhi, Muhammad Shah expressed his concern over the dearth of astrologers and experts on advising an auspicious date even for the King. The need to modify the traditional calendar to include more details in the same was also a concern of the King.

Jai Singh was also present in the meeting. Hearing this concern of the King, he decided to set-up Jantar Mantar or astronomical observatory at different places for studies and observations. As a result, with the effort and zeal of Jai Singh, and with the co-operation of Muhammad Shah, the five Jantar Mantar came to exist soon in five different cities of India.

The setting up of Jantar Mantar in India played an important role even in daily life of people. The studies and data collected and compiled from Jantar Mantar provided a tool to make advance calendar with more details than the earlier calendars. Generally it was hand written on hand made papers in the form of a small booklet.

Also read about history, length and facts about the Great Wall of China.

The astrology, astronomy and mathematical calculation have a special attention in Indian Subcontinent for a long past. It has been a practice of Indian Kings and people to take advice from a religious expert to find out an auspicious date and time before a journey, a wedding ceremony or entry to a new house.

It is still in practice and the practice of taking advice on auspiciousity of a date, exists even today. However, it is not practiced by all Indians, but most of the people seek an advice for an auspicious date as far as the matter of wedding is concerned.

by Dr. Hamad RizwiDecember 11, 2021May 20, 20250

Ahmad Yadgar or Ahmad Yādgār was a scholar and a historian of India lived in 16^th century AD. He was born in Afghanistan. He is known for his authorship of a book on the medieval history of India, titled Tarikh-e Shahi (History of the Reign) or better known as Tarikh-e Salatin-e Afghaneh (History of Afghan Rulers), specifically describing the events and history of Afghan rulers in India. The language of Tarikh-e Shahi is Persian.

As far as the information about his personal life is concerned, we know a little due to lack of documented facts. Whatever we know today about Ahmad Yadgar, that is mostly based on the information contained in his book in the preface, that he mentioned himself. And that too is very precise. But, on the basis of his respected place in the court of rulers, as well as his migration from Afghanistan to India, reflects and it also seems that he was from a learned and well off family and he had migrated to India in his early age. He held a respected post as a scholar and a writer (or may be a tutor too) in the court of Afghan rulers.

Also read about a beautiful mosque in Old Delhi, built by Shah Jahan, known as Jama Masjid of Delhi.

According to his book Tarikh-e Shahi (تاریخ شاهی), as the author mentions himself in the preface, that he was a courtier in the court of Daud Shah, the Sultan of Karrani Dynasty of Bengal. “And the book has been written on the order of Daud Shah”, (Tarikh-e-Shahi, Author Ahmad Yadgar, Translation (Urdu) by Sayyed Nazeer Neyazi, Urdu Science Board, Lahore, 1985).

Also read the history and facts of the Great Wall of China.

Daud Khan or Sultan Daud Shah-bin-Sulaiman or Daud Shah Karrani wanted to preserve the history of reigns of Afghans in India, and wanted it to be written and documented. He succeeded his father, Shah Sulaiman, and Daud ruled for a short period in Bengal from 1572-1576 AD (980-84 AH). Shah Daud was the last ruler of Karrani Dynasty and reigned till he was defeated by the Mughals.

Shah Daud Karrani, the last ruler of Karrani Dynasty — Daud Khan Karrani, the patron of Tarikh-e Shahi by Ahmad Yadgar! Courtesy wikipedia commons, in public , illustration by Hiranand

Ahmad Yādgār also notes in his Tarikh-e Shahi that, he was “an old servant at the Sur Kings and says that Daud Shah gave him order to write a History of Afghan Sultans, and thus do the same for them as the Tarkikh-i Nasiri and Zia-i Barni had done for the kings of their times”, (The History of India as Told by its own Historians, The Muhammadan Period, by Sir H. M. Elliot and Dowson, Vol. V, London).

Also read facts about Qutub Minar, a 13th century monument in New Delhi, India.

His book Tarikhe-e Salatin-e Afghan-eh (تاریخ سلاطین افغانه ) is considered as one of the valuable primary sources by historians specially for the history and accounts of the reigns of Lodi and Sur sultans. A brief description of the Mughal kings like Babur, Humayun and Akbar has also been mentioned by Ahmad Yadgar in his Tarikh-e Shahi.

by Dr. Hamad RizwiDecember 8, 2021December 23, 20210

Hālā, the King of Satavahana Dynasty and a fine poet, lived during 2^nd century AD in India. He was the 17^th ruler of the said dynasty, and he ruled in a larger area of Deccan. He was a popular king among the people of his state. He had a huge trained battalion of army.

Hālā had a brave commander-in-chief of army named Vijayananda. There was an army campaign led to Ceylon under the command of Vijayananda. The victorious campaign to Ceylon was a big reason of fame to the king, Hālā. Apart from being a successful king, Hālā is also known for his literary work in Prakrit language (one of older languages of India).

Also read about facts about the last journey of Mahatma Gandhi and his Tomb.

He is credited for composing romantic poems known as Gāhā Sattasai or Gāthā Saptāsati, meaning “700 stanzas”. According to historians, these verses contain rich information about the peoples’ life, their happiness and sorrows, mainly focusing on the emotion of love, village set up and family life etc, prevalent in ancient days of India.

Also read about Ferdowsi, a Persian poet.

There is a beautiful and popular love story of Hālā and his marriage to Lilavai. It is said that, when his commander-in-chief of army, Vijayananda came back from the campaign of Simhaladwipa (Ceylon), he informed to his master about a beautiful daughter of Ceylon’s king.

The name of the king’s daughter (princess) was Lilavai. Hālā was so convinced that he decided to send a wedding proposal to marry the princess. The proposal was accepted by the father of the girl. And finally, the marriage got materialized and she immigrated to India.

You may like to read about the history and facts about India Gate, New Delhi.

by Dr. Hamad RizwiDecember 4, 2021December 23, 20210

Sacred Heart Cathedral Church built in 20^th century is a house of worships (Christianity) located in the heart of New Delhi, India. The exterior view of the building with fine Italian cathedral architecture, painted in white color dominated by rich terracotta, is wonderfully attractive and beautiful. The Church has Roman Catholic affiliation.

Sacred Heart Cathedral is an important Church of Christians fellows; and the prayers take place daily on regular basis. The Church turns into rush hour during morning and evening prayers time, and are attended by devotees. The Sundays are full of people and it is a rush day. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the most happening center during Christmas and Easter Day celebrations.

The Holy Father John Paul II during his visit to India, visited Sacred Heart Cathedral Church of Delhi, India, in 1986. His visit to the church provided a high popularity to this church. Apart from believers, the church is a major tourists’ attraction of Delhi. It is visited by a considerable number of tourists from India and abroad.

Also read about the history and facts of India Gate, New Delhi.

Sacred Heart Cathedral is situated near Gurdwara Bangla Saheb and it is easily accessible. A statue of Father Pope John Paul II, stands with outstretched arms greeting the devotees and people, can be seen from a distance on the church building. A massive historical bell donated by Archbishop Evangelisti Vanni is still there on the top of the main building.

As you enter the interior part of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, you will see a well furnished huge prayer hall with seating arrangements for devotees.

Also read the facts, history and tour of Qutub Minaret, a world heritage site, New Delhi.

The interior of the building has a large statue of Virgin Mary, beautifully carved into stone, alongside a huge crucifix, beside the Chapel, attracting your attention. Behind the priest-celebrant and in the front of praying people the mural of the Last Supper of the Lord can be seen.

The church has been built in the center of a land area of 14 acres. The premises of the Sacred Heart Cathedral contain two separate buildings of learning as well. One of them is St. Columba’s School and the other one is Convent of Jesus Mary School, providing modern education to the students.

The spaces and areas of the Church have beautiful gardens and contain green trees multiplying the beauty to the space.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Church Delhi — Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, Delhi, India! Courtesy Wikipedia, CC-by-SA 2.5, Image by Maria Kruger.

Background:

The plot to build Sacred Heart Cathedral was bought in 1922 AD, by Father Luke Vannucci Ernesto da Parato popularly known as Fr. Luke. The architectural plan was drawn by Henry Medd (a British architect) and his associates.

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Archbishop Evangelista Latino Enrico Vanni of Agra in 1929. However, the construction work was efficiently started in 1930. It took five years to complete the building of Sacred Heart Cathedral. The fund to build the church was generated from the voluntary and societal contributions.

After the completion of church building, the inaugural ceremony of the Church took place on 8^th of December, 1935. It was inaugurated by Papal Internuncio and Leo Kierkels in the presence of other bishops and Christian people. The participation and presence of priests and people, men and women belonging from other faiths too, into the congregation of inaugural occasion of Church. It was a wonderful example of respect and brotherhood.

Also read about Laxminarayan Temple, New Delhi.

If you are in Delhi, or coming to Delhi, I will recommend you to include Sacred Heart Cathedral Church of Delhi in your visit/tour list.

The Church remains open all the days of the week from 06:30 AM to 06:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).

For more details please visit the official website of the Church.

Map location Sacred Heart Cathedral Church Delhi:

by Dr. Hamad RizwiNovember 30, 2021December 23, 20210

Rābia Balkhi or Rabeha Balkhi or Rabia Balkhi Quzdāri also known as “Zayn al-Arab” was the first woman poet of Iran (Persian), present-day Afghanistan. Rābia Balkhi is also considered as the first woman poet of Islamic world. She was born in a royal family in 10^th century AD in Khasdar, in the city of Balkh, Khorasan, Iran, (present-day Afghanistan).

Her father, Kāb al-Quzdāri, was originally a native of Arab, and he had immigrated to Balkh. Kāb al-Quzdāri (Quzdaari) held and important post of a chieftain during the rule of King Amir Nasr II of Iranian Samanid dynasty.

Amir Nasr was a great patron of Persian poetry, literature and art. He patronized and rewarded the poets. Often, he used to organize the forum of poets reciting verses at his royal palace.

Also read about the biography of Ferdowsi, a Persian Poet.

Rābia’s father was a respected man and he had access to the court of king and to the forum of poets. Rābia also accompanied her father to the forum of poets from her childhood. She listened to poetry recited by the renowned court poets.

In the process of attending the poets’ forum, Rābia Balkhi, developed a poetic interest and talent. She, too, started to compose verses and poems in Persian language.

After the death of her father, Rābia’s brother named Hāres (also known as Hāreth) occupied the seat of chieftain, and he was in power now. Hāres was obsessed with a mindset of social and class discrimination in his personal and family life.

There are many legends and popular stories in Afghanistan and Iran about the Hāres’s atrocities done to a servant Baktāsh (Baktaash). One of the most popular and heart wrenching stories is about the love affair of Rābia and a servant named Baktāsh.

Baktāsh was the servant (slave) of chieftain Hāres. Rābia and Baktāsh fell in love with each other. It was a secret, not to be expressed to others due to fear of Hāres. Somehow, Hāres, the brother of Rābia, came to know about this matter.

Hearing this news, Hāres became very angry loosing his mind and he imprisoned and killed the Rābia’s beloved, Baktāsh. He also imprisoned Rābia in the house. When she came to know that her beloved has been killed, she shattered from within her existence. She entered in ladies bathing room and she cut her vein. She wrote verses on the wall of bathroom from her blood, expressing her loyalty to the love. She was found dead, of committing suicide, with her last verses on the wall written from her own blood.

Rābia Balkhi, a beautiful lady in her youthful age, had left the world by now, but she has left her poems behind, and nonetheless, a tragic and incomplete love story as well. The writings of Rābia were not known until her death, since she kept it personal. The main theme of her writings is based on the topics like love, nature, emotions, beauty of creation and so on.

Rābia Balkhi is an iconic woman poet and she is mostly celebrated in Afghanistan, Iran, and central Asia. Due to her family nativity and lineage from Arab, she is known as “Zayn al Arab” (Grace or beauty of Arab).

You may like to read about Saadi Shirazi. About a poet of Iran.

Later on, Reza Quli Khan Hedayat composed Baktaashnameh or Baktāshnameh in 19^th century AD, inspired by Rābia’s love story with the slave Baktāsh. Baktāshnameh is also known as Golestan Eram and it has been written on the poetry meter of Khosrow-vo-Shirin. Reza Quli Khan is a well known writer and poet and he was the tutor of Mozzafar al-Din Shah Qajar.

Apart from above, there are many references and information about Rābia’s life and work mentioned in different sources. The earliest source of information regarding Rābia is found in Awfi’s book Lubabul-al-Bab. Faridudin Attar’s mathniwiyat (masnavi) and Nafahaatul-Uns have also useful information about Rābia’s life.

Rābia was the contemporary to Rudaki, the famous court poet of Samanid dynasty. She was the first woman poet of modern Persian language. She is also the earliest known poet and called the “first documented Persian woman poet” by the Library of Congress.

Rābia Balkhi Quzdāri is still alive in among the people of Afghanistan and Iran. Her poems are recited in schools and universities. Her references are made by academicians and she is remembered at various occasions and ceremonies and by media.

Rābia Balkhi was good in painting, swordsmanship and horse riding as well. She is a bold icon of courage and bravery to the woman of Afghanistan.

There are many important schools, centers of learning and hospitals named after Rābia, to commemorate her, in Afghanistan, Iran and in other countries of Central Asia today.

Rābia’s Tomb

Rābia’s mausoleum located in the city of Balkh (Afghanistan) is visited by people and youths. They pay their homage and respect to one of the most famous woman poet with an amazing love story. Specially, the young girls and boys, for a long past, had treated her tomb like a saint’s grave. Most of the visitors pray for their own romantic dreams to come true with a happy ending.