The Astronomical Observatories of Jai Singh c12.s1.31

c12.s1.31

55. The question of the formation of a new observatory at Ujjain is one of great importance. Ujjain is one of the most ancient astronomical centres in the world, and not only should it have a modern observatory, but it should be the centre of Hindu astronomical teaching. Perhaps, one of the most important practical questions to settle is the position of such an observatory, which is to be the position of zero longitude for Hindu astronomers, and is to accord with the traditional position of zero longitude. To assist in this very important matter the annexed map of Ujjain has, with the assistance of the Resident of Gwalior, the Director-General of Archæology and the Surveyor-General, been produced. The Trigonometrical Survey point on the map is Hill 1678, whose longitude is approximately 75°46'44", and latitude approximately 23° 11' 6" North. It is doubtful whether there ever was a fixed position in ancient Ujjain, which was considered as of zero longitude. Rather vaguely, the old city of Ujjain—to the north of the present city—was meant; or, it is just possible, that Jai Singh considered this point when he located his observatory to the south of the present city, and that the site of Jai Singh's observatory is the traditional place—but this is doubtful. The plan now to follow is to fix upon the position of the new observatory and determine its longitude and latitude independently of tradition. The accompanying map should be of help in obtaining the first approximations for the longitude and latitude of such a position, and it is hoped that it will be of use to the Paṇḍits of Ujjain.