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Sawai Jai Singh II [[Kachwaha|Kachhwaha]] (1688–1743) was a Hindu Rajput ruler of Amer and the founder of Jaipur, the first planned city of modern India. He became the ruler of Amber at the age of 11. Initially, he served under the Mughals, but later overthrew Mughal control, expanded his kingdom, and built several Hindu temples and dharmshalas at major pilgrimage sites across the country.

== As a Warrior and Dharmik King ==
Jai Singh II was known as a true Kshatriya and dharmik king. He was recognized by French theologists as ''"'''The most enlightened king of India of the 18th century'''"'' due to his deep interest and knowledge in science, astronomy, mathematics, and architecture.

The strength of his armed forces made him one of the most formidable rulers in Northern India. Other Rajas looked up to him for protection and promotion of their interests. Jai Singh expanded his ancestral kingdom by annexing lands from the Mughals and local rebels.

He was the first Hindu ruler in centuries to perform Vedic rituals such as the '''Ashwamedha Yagya and Vajapeya Yagya''' in 1734, reviving ancient traditions. During these ceremonies, vast amounts were distributed in charity, affirming his connection to the lineage of Lord Rama.

== Religious and Social Reforms ==
On Jai Singh’s insistence, the oppressive jaziya tax imposed by Aurangzeb in 1679 on Hindus was abolished by Emperor Muhammad Shah in 1720. In 1728, he also had the pilgrimage tax on Hindus at Gaya removed.

He was one of the greatest social reformers of his time. Jai Singh worked to abolish the practices of Sati and dowry, and aimed to reduce extravagant wedding expenses, an extraordinary act of reform in an era of social conservatism and turmoil.

== Contributions to Science and Architecture ==
Despite ongoing local wars and foreign invasions, Sawai Jai Singh II found the time and resources to build five astronomical observatories in Delhi, Mathura, Benares, Ujjain, and Jaipur. His astronomical observations were remarkably accurate.

He constructed advanced instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, used to estimate local time, locate the Pole Star, and calculate the declination of celestial objects. His techniques and instruments were considered superior to those used by European Jesuit astronomers, some of whom were invited to his observatories.

Jai Singh compiled a set of astronomical tables titled Zij Muhammadshahi to aid in observations. He also had Euclid's "Elements of Geometry", works on trigonometry, and Napier's work on logarithms translated into Sanskrit.

== Founder of Jaipur ==
Jai Singh’s most remarkable achievement was the founding of Jaipur, the first planned city of modern India, designed using the ancient Hindu grid system, similar to those found in archaeological sites dating to 3000 BCE. Merchants from across India were invited to settle in the safe and prosperous city.

== Preservation of Hindu Dharma ==
A devout Hindu, Jai Singh purchased private lands in Mathura and Vrindavan to build ghats and dharmshalas. He ensured that oppressive taxes, like the bathing tax at Prayag and Sangam, were abolished, restoring dignity and religious freedom to Hindus.

He established fortified townships known as Jaisinghpuras at nearly all major Hindu pilgrimage sites in North India, including Rama Janmasthan, to protect and revive Hindu Dharma. The map of Ram Janmabhoomi, historically preserved by the Jaipur royal family, was submitted to the court in 1991.

== Legacy ==
Sawai Jai Singh II is remembered not only as a brilliant military leader and ruler, but also as a scholar, astronomer, social reformer, and restorer of Hindu traditions.