The Astronomical Observatories of Jai Singh c10.109

c10.109

The Samrāṭ Yantra (figure 40, etc.) is the most important of the instruments, and every effort should be made to preserve it permanently. Its foundations are in a rectangular excavation, which is now partially filled with water. Apparently the bottom of this excavation is lower than the surrounding water level, and, consequently, the water percolates and covers the lower portions of the instrument. Not only is it damaging the structure, but it makes it useless for purposes of present observation. To get rid of the water is a problem for the engineers, and possibly they will decide to ‘concrete’ the whole of the lower part of the excavation, and install a small electric pump. Unless some such means to exclude the water are taken, the chief instrument of the observatory will be utterly ruined. When the water has been excluded, the chamber containing the Shashṭhāṁśa Yantra, described above (page 42), should be opened out, and the instrument put in working order.