Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Jantar Mantar: From Astronomy to Dissent
Jantar Mantar is a historic site in New Delhi that was originally built in 1724 as an astronomical observatory by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
It contains several large instruments used to measure celestial movements.
Over time, it has become a famous place for protests in India.
People gather there to express their demands and grievances to the government.
Recently, students and activists protested against a leaked exam paper, which led to the resignation of the Education Minister.
The site is significant because it represents the right to protest and democratic expression in India.
Jantar Mantar was built in 1724 as an astronomical observatory by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
It contains large instruments like the Samrat Yantra and Jai Prakash Yantra for measuring celestial movements.
In 1993, it was designated as the official protest site in New Delhi.
Recent protests in 2026 over the NEET-UG paper leak led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Jantar Mantar is a symbol of democratic expression and the right to protest in India.
- Who
- Protesters, including students, activists, and organizations like the Cockroach Janta Party, and government authorities.
- What
- Protests over the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak leading to the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
- When
- Protests began on June 6, 2026, and culminated on July 25, 2026.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, India.
- Why
- To demand accountability and reforms in the education sector following the NEET-UG paper leak.
Protesters
Government
Protest Location
Protesters
Protesters argue that Jantar Mantar is a historic site for democratic expression and should remain accessible for protests.
Government
The government and local residents argue that protests at Jantar Mantar cause environmental and noise pollution, disrupting daily life.
Protest Regulations
Protesters
Protesters believe that strict regulations on protests infringe on their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly.
Government
The government and authorities argue that regulations are necessary to balance the rights of protesters with the rights of residents to live peacefully.
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- Built
- 1724
- Builder
- Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
- Primary Use
- Astronomical observatory and protest site
- Key Instruments
- Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra, Rama Yantra, Mishra Yantra
- Protest Designation
- 1993
- Recent Protest
- 2026 NEET-UG paper leak protests
- Outcome
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan