Lot 166: A MUGHAL BRASS PLANISPHERIC ASTROLABE WITH DEVANAGARI SCRIPT, INDIA, 18TH CENTURY

This planispheric astrolabe is a scientific instrument of Indian origin, dating to the 18th century and constructed from cast and engraved brass. Following the Indo-Persian design tradition, the instrument is extensively engraved in Devanagari script rather than the more common Arabic or Persian. The assembly comprises a deep mater with a raised limb graduated in degrees and minutes. The limb is surmounted by a decorative throne (kursi) with a scalloped profile, supporting a suspension shackle and a swivel ring. The openwork rete features a circular ecliptic ring divided into signs of the zodiac and numerous dagger-shaped pointers indicating the positions of fixed stars. Notable star names engraved on the pointers include Abhijit, Prajapati, and Vishnudatta. A removable tympan (plate) is visible beneath the rete, engraved with a stereographic projection of the celestial sphere for a specific geographical latitude, including altitude circles (almucantars) and azimuth lines. On the front, a sighting rule (alidade) is mounted with two perpendicular sighting vanes containing apertures. The zodiac ring is inscribed with Sanskrit names for the signs, including Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces).

L: 27cm