Jai Singh

Jai Singh II, a mathematician, astronomer, and king, was passionate about science and knowledge. He began ruling at age 11 and believed he was descended from the sun. To explore the heavens, he built large observatories, including the Samrat Yantra in Jaipur, the world's largest sundial. Jai Singh understood that larger instruments provided more accurate measurements, allowing his sundial to measure time to within 2 seconds. This advancement enabled precise predictions of eclipses and monsoons, cementing his legacy in astronomy and engineering.

How did Jai Singh II's education and background influence his work in astronomy?

What were the practical applications of the enhanced accuracy of the Samrat Yantra during the 18th century?