Jantar Mantar:Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh's Observatory in Delhi - S2Ep12 with Anisha Shekhar Mukherji

In the final episode of Season 2 of Books and Us, we welcome back author and conservation architect Anisha Shekhar Mukherji. Listeners will remember her from our earlier conversations on the 'Red Fort of Shahjahanabad'. This time, she joins us to discuss her remarkable book Jantar Mantar - Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh’s Observatory in Delhi — a work that uncovers the layered history and meaning of one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.Built in the early 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh of Amber, the Jantar Mantar has long been recognised as an observatory, yet its precise functions and architectural significance remained elusive. Anisha’s research brings clarity to these mysteries, revealing how the site embodies both scientific ingenuity and cultural symbolism. Today, Jantar Mantar is not only a monument of astronomical heritage but also a living space in the heart of Delhi, often associated with civic gatherings and public memory.As we close Season 2, this episode feels like a fitting finale — weaving together history, architecture, and storytelling. With three episodes this season featuring Anisha, her insights have truly shaped our journey.