Jantar Mantar Road, a short passageway through the administrative center of New Delhi, takes its name from a complex of gigantic red astronomical instruments at its north terminus, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1724. The Jantar Mantar consists of a series of geometric jungle gyms that surround the all-important shadow of the Supreme Instrument, a four-story, right-triangular sundial …
Read More »Changing Indian Political Landscape
Launched by anti-corruption crusaders last year, the Aam Aadmi Party (the Common Man Party, or AAP) defied expectations in the recent Delhi state assembly elections and came very close to winning half the seats — in a state so far dominated by the two national parties. Can the AAP replicate its success elsewhere in India and upset the major parties? …
Read More »A Vote for the Social Sciences in India
Although the elections are still some time away, a different political climate is being created by various stakeholders. The tone was set with Anna Hazare’s and the nationwide stir against growing corruption in high places and the demand for the setting up of an independent body at the apex to examine cases of money laundering and the misuse of public …
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