South west of Jaipur, Ajmer
is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay
Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of
the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to
Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today,
Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims.
Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. It is
a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its
prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility.
Ajmer
is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma,
lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is
a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotes
throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
Ajaipal
Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur"
or the invincible hill. The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when
Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the
sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great
Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir
Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818
and then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only part of
Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co.
| » Major
Attractions of Ajmer |
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara : This is a masterpiece of Indo -
Islamic architecture. As legend goes its was constructed in two and a-half
days (Adhi-Din). It is a relic of an old mosque consisting of a quadrangle
with a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. The distinct pillars and
arched screen with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural
masterpiece.
Ajmer-e-Sharief
Dargah : At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s
most important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. It is the
splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly
known as Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca
or Median for the Muslims of South Asia. Emperor Akbar used to make a
pilgrimage to this Dargah from Agra once a year.
Taragarh
Fort : The giant fort stands guarding the city. It has six gates. The
fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargha who was the governor of the fort and
laid down his life in an encounter. It gives a panoramic view of the city
situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges, this fort has immense
archaeological and historical importance.
Ana
Sagar Lake : It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The
catchments were built with the help of local populace. The 'Baradari'
pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer.
the Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite
outing spot.
| » Places to
Stay in Ajmer |
The RTDC has done a lot to retain the traditional flavour in
its hotels in and around Ajmer. Hotels like RTDC's Khadim, come with AC
Deluxe rooms as well as ordinary rooms, which give a comfortable stay in the
city. There are also Sarai facilities for the pilgrims. The government
sponsored paying guest scheme makes the visitor feel at home.
While Shopping in Ajmer , one can go on a buying spree of
various kinds of items representing Rajasthani culture and style. The
'Ittar' (perfume) is a major specialty of Ajmer. One can purchase here
amazing old silver jewellery with designs of a totally different era.
Air : The nearest airport is that of
Jaipur.
Rail : The city is well connected by
trains with all the major places in India.
Road :
The state transport has its bus services from all over Rajasthan and
also from Delhi. However, during the Urs, large number of people arriving in
Ajmer, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance during this time.
Local
Transport : City bus service operate in the city and to Pushkar.
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also
available for commutation.
Pretty hot in summers and becomes green with first rain as all
its small mountains become green, in winters temperature is chilled.
