Consider the following statements about Sawai Jai Singh's astronomical

Consider the following statements about Sawai Jai Singh’s astronomical work :

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He learnt of the accuracy of European observations, and obtained de La Hire’s tables from which he reproduced a refraction table.
His astronomers also developed a telescope of their own to observe the lunar phases of Venus.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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Statement 1 is correct: Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur was a keen astronomer who sought to improve upon existing astronomical tables (both Indian and Islamic) by making fresh, accurate observations. He was aware of European advancements in astronomy and did acquire and consult European astronomical tables, including those compiled by French astronomer Philippe de La Hire. Reproducing such tables, like refraction tables, was part of his effort to create accurate zījes (astronomical tables). Statement 2 is incorrect: While Sawai Jai Singh built sophisticated observatories (Jantar Mantars) with large masonry instruments, these were primarily designed for naked-eye observations to measure astronomical positions accurately. There is no significant evidence to suggest that his astronomers developed or regularly used telescopes for observations like the lunar phases of Venus. European astronomy was heavily reliant on telescopes for such observations, but Jai Singh’s approach focused on different methods and instruments.

Sawai Jai Singh II built five astronomical observatories (Jantar Mantars) in Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain, and Varanasi, equipped with large, precise instruments of his own design or inspired by older traditions, aimed at improving the accuracy of astronomical observations.

Sawai Jai Singh’s major astronomical work was the Zīj-i Muhammad Shahi, a set of astronomical tables. He consulted various astronomical traditions, including Ptolemaic, Islamic, and European ones, in his pursuit of creating more accurate tables.

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