2024 · Q9
Consider the following statements about Sawai Jai Singh's astronomical work:
- 1He learnt of the accuracy of European observations, and obtained de La Hire's tables from which he reproduced a refraction table.
- 2His astronomers also developed a telescope of their own to observe the lunar phases of Venus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Sawai Jai Singh II (1688–1743) of Amber founded the Jantar Mantar observatories. Statement 1 is correct: having learned of the superior accuracy of European observations, he obtained the tables of the French astronomer Philippe de La Hire and had a refraction table reproduced from them for his Zij-i-Muhammadshahi. Statement 2 is incorrect: his astronomers worked with large masonry instruments and did not develop their own telescope to observe the lunar phases of Venus. Only statement 1 is correct, so the answer is (A).