A 17th Century 'supercomputer' once owned by Indian royalty sells for record in auction
The astrolabe - or astronomical computer - is possibly the largest in existence and had never been exhibited before.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
""The object is 'perhaps the largest in existence' and had never been exhibited before.""
— Benedict Carter , Academic
""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 , Academic
"It is 'perhaps the largest [astrolabe] in existence.'"
— Benedict Carter , Academic
"They are essentially a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional universe."
— Federica Gigante , Academic
Key People
Nobleman who commissioned the astrolabe during the Mughal era.
Head of the department of Islamic and Indian Art at Sotheby's.
Associated with the Oxford Centre for History of Science, Medicine and Technology.
The Mughal Emperor during whose reign the astrolabe was commissioned.
Historian at the Oxford Center for the History of Science, Medicine and Technology.
Former Maharaja of Jaipur, associated with the royal collection of the astrolabe.
Wife of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and known as one of the most glamorous women of her time.
The other master maker associated with the astrolabe.
One of the master makers who produced the astrolabe.
The Royal astronomer and astrolabist to the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun.
Tags
All Coverage
The astrolabe - or astronomical computer - is possibly the largest in existence and had never been exhibited before.
A 400-year-old brass astrolabe, crafted by Mughal artisans and once owned by Indian royalty, was auctioned by Sotheby’s in London for approximately $2.75 million.
A 17th-century brass astrolabe, previously owned by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi, is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in London, estimated to fetch between £1.5 million and £2.5 million.
A 17th-century astrolabe, possibly the largest in existence and once owned by Indian royalty, is set to be auctioned, marking its first exhibition.
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