Jantar Mantar in Jaipur makes entry into UNESCO list

JAIPUR - The Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory in Japiur has been listed by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site at the body’s recent meeting at Brasilia.

With the new listing, India’s tourism industry canavail of tax benefits as per the central government’s policy.

“Since last two years authorities and state government was trying to involve Jantar Mantar in the list of World Heritage Property. A team of UNESCO visited this monument many times to observe and study it. They found it a source of astronomical study. Students from various universities visit our monument and study about it. Considering all these essential aspects and features of the astronomical observatory, they have finally listed as World Heritage Property,” said O. P. Sharma, Superintendent of the Jantar Mantar.

Experts said the involvement of international experts would improve maintenance and conservation of Jantar Mantar.

“It will boost tourism sector, as it is listed in the site of UNESCO and many tourists visit places after checking websites. In north India, first time this monument has been considered by them, which is prideful report and it will really benefit tourism sector. People would get better job opportunity through this,” said Dipender Singh Naruka, a tour guide of Jaipur.

The Jantar Mantar usually features on tourist itineraries.

“I read in the newspaper this morning that it has been listed in the UNESCO site and it’s an honour well-deserved. It’s an absolutely phenomenal place and the architecture is stunning. In 17th century, India was so advanced in studying the stars and celestials and objects above,” said Christ, a foreign tourist.

The Jantar Mantar is the second site of Rajasthan, next to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

The observatory, which includes 20 astronomical instruments, has become India’s 28th World Heritage Site. By Lokendra Singh (ANI)