The Pata Yantra is designed specifically for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon.

The Pata Yantra measures the angle of elevation by observing the position of the plumb line against the graduated arc.

The Pata Yantra is primarily used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon, which typically ranges from 0 to 90 degrees.

Traditional Pata Yantras are typically made of wood or metal for durability and accuracy.

The angle of elevation is measured by aligning the plumb line with the celestial body and reading the angle indicated on the graduated arc.

The Pata Yantra has several limitations, including its inability to measure angles below 10 degrees, its inability to measure the azimuth of celestial bodies, and its difficulty in use in windy conditions.

The Pata Yantra is believed to have been invented in ancient India, with evidence of its use dating back several centuries.

Several notable astronomers in ancient India, including Aryabhata, Bhaskara II, Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta, are known to have used the Pata Yantra in their astronomical observations.

The Pata Yantra has been used for a variety of astronomical applications, including measuring the altitude of celestial bodies, determining the time of day, calculating the distance to stars, and predicting eclipses.

The Pata Yantra is generally considered to be less expensive and more portable than other astronomical instruments used in ancient India.

The Pata Yantra is no longer widely used in modern astronomy, as it has been replaced by more advanced instruments and techniques.

The decline in the use of the Pata Yantra can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the development of more accurate instruments, the advent of electronic devices, the increasing cost of materials, and the lack of skilled craftsmen.

There are some efforts to revive the use of the Pata Yantra in modern times, particularly for educational purposes, to help students understand the principles of astronomy and the history of scientific instruments.

Reviving the use of the Pata Yantra in modern times faces several challenges, including the lack of skilled craftsmen, the high cost of materials, the lack of interest among students, and the difficulty in integrating it into modern educational curricula.

Reviving the use of the Pata Yantra in modern times can have several benefits, including helping students understand the principles of astronomy and the history of scientific instruments, promoting cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, providing an educational tool in remote areas with limited resources, and potentially being used for astrological purposes.