{
  "id": 15362341,
  "title": "Just Like That | Jantar Mantar: From the science of the stars to the politics of dissent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/just-like-that-jantar-mantar-from-the-science-of-the-stars-to-the",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T06:08:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/just-like-that-jantar-mantar-from-the-science-of-the-stars-to-the-politics-of-dissent-101792303435431.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jantar Mantar, a scientific monument in New Delhi, has evolved from a tool for measuring celestial bodies to a platform for public protests. Built in 1724 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it was commissioned to improve astronomical observations. The monument's five instruments, such as the Samrat Yantra and Jai Prakash Yantra, were designed to enhance accuracy in determining celestial positions and local time. Despite the rise of telescopes and heliocentric theory in European astronomy, Jai Singh's work focused on refining the tradition of positional astronomy using naked-eye observations and mathematical calculations. Over time, Jantar Mantar became a site for citizens to voice their grievances against the government, especially during large-scale movements like the India Against Corruption campaign led by Anna Hazare in 2011 and anti-Wrestling Federation of India protests in 2023. However, the monument's status as a designated protest venue was challenged in 2026 when the Delhi Police withdrew its official status, replacing it with other grounds like Ramlila Ground and Burari Ground. The ongoing debate over Jantar Mantar's role as a symbol of dissent raises questions about the truth-seeking process in a democracy.",
  "summary": "Built in 1724 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Delhi’s Jantar Mantar evolved from an astronomical observatory into a landmark of protest and political dissent.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jantar Mantar, built in 1724, evolved from astronomical tool to protest platform.",
    "Instruments like Samrat Yantra used for celestial positioning and local time determination.",
    "Challenged as protest venue in 2026, replaced by other government grounds."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The shift from astronomical site to protest venue illustrates how historical monuments can transform into contested political battlegrounds where the right to public dissent clashes with state regulation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}