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Seventeenth Century Mughal Astrolabe from Jaipur Set for London Auction
(MENAFN) A rare brass astrolabe dating back to the 1600s, originating from the royal Jaipur collection in western India, is scheduled to go under the hammer in London on April 29. Specialists highlight its exceptional dimensions, intricate workmanship, and significant historical importance as key reasons for its value.
The artifact is believed to have been part of the possessions of Sawai Man Singh II, the former maharaja of Jaipur. After his death, it passed to his wife, Maharani Gayatri Devi—long celebrated for her grace and style—before eventually being transferred into a private collection during her lifetime.
Astrolabes are sophisticated metal instruments composed of several layered, rotating components. Historically, they were used for a wide range of purposes, including measuring time, charting celestial bodies, identifying the direction of Mecca, and observing astronomical movements.
The device traces its conceptual origins to ancient Greek scholars around the second century BCE. It later spread and evolved significantly within the Islamic world by the eighth century, where astronomers refined its design and functionality. Over time, major production hubs developed in regions such as Iraq, Iran, North Africa, and al-Andalus in what is now Spain.
“They are essentially a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional universe. I compare them to modern-day smartphones because you can do so many things with them," Dr. Federica Gigante of the Oxford Centre for History of Science, Medicine and Technology, told reports.
"You can calculate the time of sunset, sunrise, the height of a building, the depth of a well, distance and even use them to predict the future. Along with an almanac they were once used to cast horoscopes."
The astrolabe in question was produced in the early 17th century in Lahore, a major intellectual and artisanal center of the Mughal Empire in what is now Pakistan. It was created by two brothers, Qa'im Muhammad and Muhammad Muqim, who were known for their craftsmanship.
It was commissioned by Aqa Afzal, a Mughal court official who served under emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The piece is seen as a reflection of the scientific sophistication of the period as well as the strong tradition of elite patronage within the imperial court.
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