Ajmer Travel Guide

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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 Gaure. 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 (14 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.), devotees 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.

The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. And the railway is further north and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Northeast is the main post office and most of the cities market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar.

Ajmer is now popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as the Muslims. Especailly famous is the Dargah Shariff 0 Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khawja Moinuddin chisti, Which is equally reverred by the Hindus and Muslims.


PLACES TO VISIT

The Dargah : At the foot of a barren hill and in the heart of the city situated India's most important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths. It is the splended tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, popularly known as Dargah Shariff. The Shrine is next only to the Mecca or Medina for the Muslims of South Asia. Akbar used to make pilgrimage to Dargah from Agra once a year.

The Mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which is built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of a particular inerest and on the right side of the courtyard is the Akbari masjid built in white marble dome. Thre is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shah Jahan. The saints tomb with a splended marble domes is in the cnetre of the second courtyard which is surrounded by silver platform.

The shrines attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs - commemorating the death anniversary of the saint, held from the Ist to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colourful fair that springs up during this time is the major atraction.

Shahjahans Mosque : In a far corner of the inner court of the dargah is the magnificent building in white marble with a long and narrow court having low arcade and delicate carvings with trellis - work. it is the most marvellous of all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.

Adhai din Ka Jhonpara : Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day shelter) is considered as the first important Islamic structure to be built in India. According to the legends, Arhai-din-ka-Jhonpra was a Sanskrit College initially and Mohammed Ghori converted the college into a mosque within two and a half days, hence the name. According to another legend, the structure is named after a festival, which carried on for two and a half days. The monument has seven arched walls with Islamic calligraphy, though most of it now remains in ruins.

Taragarh Fort : Taragarh Fort was built on a hilltop by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city in the 7th century and is about 3 km from the city of Ajmer. A steep climb up rewards the weary visitor with an amazing birds eye view of Ajmer. The Fort was site of thre Military activity during the Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium by the British.

The Museum : Once the the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum housesa rich respositry of the Mughal and Rajput armur and exquisite sculptures.

Mayo College : One of the India's best public schools, located in the south east of the city, it was founded in 1875 AD only for the princes. Each prince alonwith his entire retinue and English tutor had his own house within the spacious college.

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