How did Jantar Mantar turn into a protest site in Delhi?

The Delhi Police announced on Monday (October 12, 2026) that Jantar Mantar has been designated as a protest site. The decision followed recommendations by a committee set up by the Home Office to identify alternative sites for demonstrations.

“Three new locations namely Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi have been earmarked for holding protests and demonstrations,” the police said in a statement.

See also: Protests against CEC, October 12, 2026 | Live updates

Here’s a look at the history of Jantar Mantar, how it evolved into one of the capital’s most prominent protest sites, and some of the major demonstrations that have taken place there in recent years.

A monument from the 18th century

Delhi Jantar Mantar, originally known as Yantra Mantra, was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur as an astronomical observatory on the orders of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. Built around 1724, it relied on observation with the naked eye, and its instruments, or yantras, provided remarkably accurate readings.

The observatory is built of crushed brick and plastered with lime and consists of four main instruments: Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra and Mishra Yantra. Its primary purpose was to compile astronomical tables and predict the movements and positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets. The name “Jantar Mantar” is derived from the words for instruments and calculations.

The observatory in Delhi was the first of the five Jantar Mantars founded by Jai Singh II. Others were built in Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, which no longer survives, and Varanasi.

In addition to the four main instruments, the complex contains 14 geometric devices used to measure time, forecast the weather, track the movements of the planets, and determine celestial heights. These rigid structures were designed to minimize the effect of vibration and were carefully aligned in specific directions.

Protest landscape in Delhi

Jantar Mantar was not always Delhi’s preferred venue for protests. Earlier, the Boat Club lawns were the focal point of major agitations, including demonstrations against cow slaughter and mobilization during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Subsequently, Ramlila Maidan emerged as a key venue where thousands gathered to express their opposition to government policies. It was also the site of India’s anti-corruption movement that caught the attention of the general public.

However, over time Jantar Mantar became synonymous with public protest. From smaller pressure groups to national parties and opposition alliances, a variety of organizations chose the venue to press their demands. It has recently served as a venue for protests by opposition parties seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Delhi is a protest center

Due to its location, less than 3 km from Parliament, Jantar Mantar is a symbolic alternative to marches towards Parliament. The site allows protesters to voice their concerns in close proximity to the country’s political establishment while staying outside the heavily guarded perimeter of parliament. Its proximity to Parliament also allowed political leaders and lawmakers to step out of the chamber and directly address the protesters.

Lokpal Bill movement

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare began her fast at Jantar Mantar on 5 April 2011, demanding the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill drafted with input from civil society groups.

Also Read: Deconstructing Anna Hazare’s Campaign

The agitation sparked a nationwide debate on corruption and accountability. Hundreds of supporters flocked to Jantar Mantar, with some joining Mr Hazare’s fast and others expressing solidarity with the movement.

Nirbhaya protests

Following the death of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student who was gang-raped in Delhi, large crowds gathered at Jantar Mantar on the night of 30 December 2012, demanding justice and stricter laws to address violence against women.

Also read: “It is a multi-organ failure of society, state”

The protests, which were initially largely peaceful, saw clashes the following day after some protesters tried to march into central Delhi and were stopped by the police.

Protests against CAA

Thousands of people opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and the proposed National Register of Citizens gathered at Jantar Mantar on 19 December 2019 after police prevented the gathering from places including Mandi House and Red Fort.

Also Read: Scattered crowds stage massive protest against CAA at Jantar Mantar

On December 25, 2019, another big march approached the Jantar Mantar. Ahead of the demonstration, prohibitions under Section 144 were imposed around Mandi House, prompting many protesters to gather elsewhere before proceeding to the designated location.

Wrestlers protest

Olympians and international wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, launched a protest against the Indian Wrestling Federation and its then president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on 18 January 2023 at Jantar Mantar.

Ms. Phogat alleged that female wrestlers faced sexual harassment, which Mr. Singh denied.

The protest was initially suspended after discussions with government officials and assurances that an oversight committee would look into the allegations. However, the leading wrestlers resumed their agitation on 23 April 2023, saying that no meaningful action had taken place.

On 28 April 2023, the protesters welcomed the Delhi Police’s decision to register an FIR against Mr. Singh, calling it an important step, saying their agitation would continue until further action was taken. A week later, on May 3, 2023, tensions escalated when a scuffle broke out between protesters and police at the site.

CJP protest against NEET paper leak

On 20 June 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched an indefinite sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The agitation gained prominence after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and started an indefinite hunger strike on 28 June 2026. What began as a campaign against examination irregularities has expanded into a movement targeting youth unemployment, recruitment exams and governance issues.

The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy, alleged irregularities in CBSE’s on-screen marking process and wider examination reforms. The agitation finally ended after the resignation of Mr. Pradhan.

Published – 12 Oct 2026 20:02 IST