Consider the following statements regarding the Rajput king Raja Sawa...
- Raja Jai Singh was a distinguished statesman, lawmaker, and reformer. He ruled from 1699-1743. But most of all, he appreciated science very much.
- He founded the city of Jaipur in the territory taken from the Jats and made it a great seat of art and science. Jaipur was built upon strictly scientific principles and according to a regular plan. Its broad streets are intersected at right angles. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
- He was a great astronomer. He erected observatories at Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura. None of the observatories were in Deccan because Rajputs didn’t rule the Deccan region. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
- These observatories were erected with accurate and advanced instruments, some of them his own inventions, These were remarkably accurate. He also drew up a set of tables to enable people to make astronomical observations. He had Euclid’s ’Elements of Geometry’ translated into Sanskrit, and Napier’s work on the construction and use of logarithms.
- He was also a social reformer. He tried to enforce a law to reduce the expenditure which a Rajput had to incur on a daughter’s wedding and which often lead to infanticide.
- Initially, Jai Singh served as a Mughal vassal. He was given the title of Sawai by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in the year 1699, who had summoned him to Delhi, impressed by his wit. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding the Rajput king Raja Sawa...
The correct answer is option 'D' - 1, 2, and 3.
Explanation:
1. Establishment of an astronomical observatory in Ujjain:
Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Amber was a renowned astronomer and mathematician. He established several astronomical observatories in different parts of India, including the one in Ujjain. The observatory in Ujjain, known as the Vedh Shala, was built in the early 18th century and had various instruments for astronomical observations and calculations. Jai Singh's observatories were known for their accuracy and precision.
2. Foundation of the city of Jaipur:
Raja Sawai Jai Singh is credited with founding the city of Jaipur, which is now the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city was established in the year 1727 and was planned and built according to Vastu Shastra and grid system principles. Jaipur is known for its well-designed and organized layout, with wide streets, squares, and markets. The city also has several iconic structures, including the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace.
3. Title of 'Sawai' given by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb:
Raja Sawai Jai Singh was given the title of 'Sawai' by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The title 'Sawai' is an honorific term used to denote someone of high rank or exceptional ability. It is believed that Jai Singh received this title due to his exceptional skills in astronomy, mathematics, and governance. The title added to his prestige and recognition within the Mughal court.
In conclusion, all three statements regarding Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Amber are correct. He established an astronomical observatory in Ujjain, founded the city of Jaipur, and was given the title of 'Sawai' by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.