5 Stone Observatories

Singh, P: 1986 India, softcover, 144 pages, illustrated. Prahlad Singh examines the five astronomical observatories constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century across Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura, detailing their stone and masonry instruments designed for precise naked-eye observations in a pre-telescopic era. The book provides historical context, illustrations, and analysis of these structures, highlighting Jai Singh's efforts to blend architecture, astronomy, and geometry while addressing why he favored large-scale non-telescopic tools over emerging European technologies. In good condition