After one night in Agra, we drove to Jaipur for three. After a first night at Dera Rawatsar, another comfortable, small guest house, we went on a tour the town. First, we visited Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory park first started in 1727…

Then we went to the Maharaja’s or Rambagh palace in the city. Unfortunately we could not take photos inside, nor in the weapons museum which was particularly interesting. Here’s what we could take…

After going back to the hotel for a nap and dip in the pool, we left in the late afternoon for an elephant safari. We drove out of town into the countryside and a fair stretch on a dirt road through the biome of Rajastan. Eventually we came to a touristy, but nice compound where folks ride elephants then have a nice dinner outside surrounding by monkeys, various birds, and the lilting strains of a lone musician on hill (a la the British Raj perhaps?). So we did and here are some pix…

Videos may be added when smokin’ hot wifi becomes available…

Study Questions:

1. Research the Jantar Mantar (see link). What kind of astronomy could be done in the mid 1700s? Relate astronomy to astrology, how are they linked, especially in Indian culture?
2. Research the time of Maharajas. How did they live, what were their priorities, what were the roles of wives, concubines, and court personnel?
3. Research elephants and how they’ve been domesticated, especially in India…