Jantar Mantar: From astronomical marvel to India's protest capital — all you need to know
Why is Jantar Mantar India’s protest capital?
Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory built in 1724 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber, has evolved into a significant site for political protests in India. Originally designed to measure time, track celestial bodies, and calculate astronomical events, the observatory's name comes from Sanskrit words meaning "instrument" and "calculation or formula."
Today, a narrow stretch of road beside the observatory has become synonymous with political dissent, hosting various protest movements over the years. From demanding debt relief and better pensions to challenging government decisions, the site has become a recognizable center of political protest in India. Recently, the area was once again at the center of a political confrontation as police prevented demonstrators from gathering for a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, which demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
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