The Maharaja Jai Singh II (prime contractor for the city of Jaipur) was a lover of architecture and astronomy. It was erected in the 18th century 5 remarkable observatories: Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Varanasi. I've briefly talked about the Jaipur and I want to show you that New Delhi is probably the most spectacular. It is located in downtown, in a well appointed park. The red hue of the various masonry structures also presents a superb contrast with the natural environment. 
Strongly influenced by Islamic tradition of astronomy, Jai Singh II has adapted and refined the instruments of observation of the time to create structures that exceed in complexity and originality all that had been done before. 
The main structure of all is the Samrat Yantra, which is actually a gigantic sundial (one of Jaipur Even more impressive). One can read the time or the declination of the sun on the vast quadrants graduated on either side of the triangular structure. The precision of the Jaipur is two seconds. The Jai Prakash 
the device is probably the most complex and most elaborate. This is a bowl-shaped structure, located partly above and partly below ground. The inner surface is divided into segments and steps give access to observers. A perforated metal disc at its center is fixed on the upper level and son at the center of the structure. This "target" is used to calculate the position of celestial bodies overnight. In Delhi and Jaipur this unit is built as a pair. 
Other dual structure: the Ram Yantra. Its primary function is to calculate the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects including the sun. It is a circular building with a central pillar and beams above the ground graded. The interior walls are also graduated in degrees and minutes. Measurements are observing the projection of the top of the column.
observatories are still occasionally used for astronomical measurements. However they are mostly tourist attractions, both historical monuments and sights peculiar. It is true that their architectural quality is remarkable. Those who want to know more about them can visit the interactive website: www.jantarmantar.org
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