Three centuries of 'Jantar Mantar': From an astronomical observatory to a symbol of protest in Delhi

Currently, whenever a major protest or mass gathering in Delhi is discussed, the name Jantar Mantar comes to the forefront. In recent times, this place has also become the center of various movements, hunger strikes, and sit-in programs by students and young people.

How did it become a protest hub?

In 1993, public gatherings were banned in the area adjacent to the Parliament House. Subsequently, to ensure citizens' opportunity for peaceful protest, Jantar Mantar Road was designated as a specified protest site.

Before this, the main protest site in Delhi was the Boat Club area. However, after a massive gathering of nearly five lakh farmers in 1988, security and traffic congestion issues arose there, eventually leading to a ban on gatherings at that location.

Why Jantar Mantar?

Although located in the heart of the capital, Jantar Mantar is relatively far from the Parliament House and the Prime Minister's official residence. As a result, even if protest programs occur here, there is less direct impact on important administrative areas. At the same time, being an easily accessible location, it is also convenient for activists.

In 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that conducting peaceful protest programs at Jantar Mantar in accordance with the law is part of citizens' fundamental rights.

Center of recent movements

Recently, Jantar Mantar has also been the center of a sit-in program by a movement called the 'Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)'. When an attempt was made to march towards the Parliament House at the organization's call, tension arose in central Delhi. Later, the movement's leadership stated that although there would be no new road march for now, their indefinite peaceful sit-in program at Jantar Mantar would continue.

Thus, this three-hundred-year-old structure is today not just a historical monument of astronomy, but is also known as one of the key symbols of democratic protest and citizen expression in India.