October 2015: The Astronomical Observatories of Jai Singh

Sunday Oct 18, 2015 at 3pm

Archaeological Institute of America Lecture

The Astronomical Observatories of Jai Singh

Dr. Barry Perlus

Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories or “Jantar Mantars” incorporate multiple buildings of unique form each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement. These structures with their striking combinations of geometric forms at large scale, have captivated the attention of architects, artists and art historians worldwide yet remain largely unknown to the general public. Jai Singh’s observatories present us with a unique opportunity to think about and experience the relationships among many fields of activity including astronomy, astrology, mathematics, architecture, design, politics, religion and art. A visitor to the observatory is immersed in space and time as physical phenomena: walking within a projection of the celestial sharper, following the movement of the sun’s shadow across a marble quadrant, measuring the passage of time against the cycle of her own breath.

Discover more about the astronomical observatories of Jai Singh on the website: http://www.jantarmantar.org/, and also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jantarmantar.org

Unless otherwise noted Lectures are on Sundays at 3pm in Spiro Hall 2, Wagner College,
631 Howard Avenue (1 Campus Road), Grymes Hill, Staten Island, NY 10301

AIA lectures (Oct 18 & April 24) are FREE and open to all
ASSI lectures are free for ASSI and AIA members, students 22 years or younger
And Wagner Faculty and Staff – Please show ID
Others may attend ASSI lectures for a $5.00 donation or may join the ASSI at the door.

Meet the speaker over coffee and cake following each lecture
For more information write: The Archaeology Society of Staten Island P.O. Box 140504
Staten Island, NY 10314-0504