The Astronomical Observatories of Jai Singh c13.44

c13.44

The observatory at Benares has long since ceased to be used for practical purposes. The Brahmans consulted by Williams in 1792 all agreed that it "never was used for any nice observations." Its present situation, surrounded on most sides by buildings, is not ideal for astronomical purposes; and the instruments are, of course, very crude compared with those in modern observatories. The value of the observatory is chiefly historical; it is a monument to one of the brightest intellects of India; and it illustrates a very interesting phase of the history of astronomy. It might have another value if advantage were taken, namely an educational one: for the demonstration of the elements of practical astronomy a better set of instruments could hardly be devised. But, apparently, astronomy is no longer studied at Benares, Ujjain and Jaipur.