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History of Ajmer
Historically, the Ajmer region had considerable strategic importance. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century AD, and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 AD when Mohammed Ghouri on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan sacked it. Since then Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.
The city was subsequently taken over by the Scindias and in 1818 it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by the British rather than being part of a princely state. Ajmer is one of the most popular destinations for tourists when they travel to Rajasthan India.
Ajmer & the Chauhan Kings of Rajasthan
The town of Ajmer was originally the stronghold of the powerful Chauhan kings of Rajasthan. In fact a number of important names in Indian history are associated with Ajmer, which was formerly known as Ajaimeru in honor of its founder Ajai Pal Chauhan. One of them is Prithviraj Chauhan who was the last Hindu king of Delhi and the greatest ruler in the history of Ajmer. He ruled Ajmer till 1192 AD when he lost to the Muslim rulers.
Ajmer After the Downfall of Chauhans
The history of Ajmer indicates that it changed many hands after the downfall of Prithviraj Chauhan before coming under Mughal Emperor Akbar, who made it an important headquarter for his operations in Rajasthan. Later, Ajmer also witnessed a number of battles for supremacy among different kings before falling into the hands of the British.
Under British occupation, Ajmer became a focal point from which the British Chief Commissioner for Rajputana kept a watch on all the Rajput kingdoms.
Ajmer Shopping
If you decide to go shopping in Ajmer, you can be assured that it will be a delightful experience. Every item displayed in the colorful shops of Ajmer speaks volumes about Rajasthan culture and its delightful people.
Things You Can Shop For!
As you go on a shopping spree, you can buy a variety of items like antiques, curios, jewelry, tie and dye fabrics, embroidered shoes (Mojaris) and trinkets. While you are shopping in Ajmer, don't forget to buy some of its famous atar (perfume), which is made from the juice of roses. As you navigate through the bustling markets of Ajmer every shop will have something to offer. Browse through them and get to know much more about Rajasthan and its culture.
If you are present in Ajmer during the Urs festival, you will have a great time browsing through the colorful wares displayed by the local craftsmen and artisans.
The Places Where You Can Shop
Some of the best places to shop in Ajmer include Purani Mandi, Naya Bazaar, and Kaisarganj. So, while you are in Ajmer don't forget to have a look at these places and make your shopping experience in Ajmer a truly memorable one.
Ajmer Tourist Attraction
Ajmer has more to offer than one would think of! Pushkar, just 11 kms away from Ajmer is a religious site for Hindus that pulls in Hindu pilgrims in large numbers. Pushkar is no less significant than the Chardhams (the four most sacred places) of the Hindu pilgrims. Ajmer is access point to reach Pushkar.
The Sites You Should Not Miss in Ajmer
Dargah SharifDargah of Khwaja, Ajmer Tour Packages
Dargah, the tomb of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is one of the most famous attractions of Ajmer. The Dargah is located at the foot of a barren hill in the old part of Ajmer, and is visited by people of all faiths. It was in 1192, when the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti came to Ajmer from Persia.
Mughal Emperor Humayun completed the construction of the shrine and the Nizam of Hyderabad added its massive gate. There are two mosques in the courtyard, one built by Akbar and the other by Shah Jahan. The saint's tomb with
a marble dome is in the center of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. The shrine is next only to Mecca for the Muslims of South Asia.
Ana Sagar Lake
The Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that was created in the 12th century by damming River Luni. On its bank is the pleasant park, the Daulat Bagh containing a series of marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shahjahan. There are fine views from the hill beside the park. Boats are available for hire at the jetty. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is another major attraction located beyond the Dargah; on the outskirts of the town are the ruins of this mosque.
Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort lies about 3 km beyond the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque in Ajmer. Built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town's founder, the fort commands a superb view over the city. It was the site of much of the military activity during the Mughal period and was later used as a sanatorium by the British.
The Museum
The Museum was once a palace built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this imposing building now houses the government museum. Its collection includes stone sculptures, old weapons, and miniature paintings. You can visit this museum on your Ajmer travel tour.
Nasiyan Temple
Nasiyan Temple, Ajmer ToursYou can visit Nasiyan Temple on your Ajmer travel tour. This Red Temple is a Jain temple built in the 19th century. Its double storey hall contains a fascinating series of large, gilt wooden figures from Jain mythology that depict the Jain conception of the ancient world.
Only in Ajmer!
Urs Festival
Urs is held in Ajmer in honour of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in the month of August every year. Special prayers are offered at the mosque, and huge amounts of consecrated food offered from the large, steaming cauldrons, which were gift by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The entire town is in festive mood during Urs. Quwwallis are sung at night and the complete town is decorated immensely.
The Urs Mela commemorating the death anniversary of the saint is held here in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and attracts a large number of Muslims from India and abroad. A colorful fair that springs up during this time is the major attraction. The Dargah is a must visit on your travel to Rajasthan.
Ajmer was also home to the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti who came here from Persia in 1192 AD and passed away in 1236 AD. His Dargah at Ajmer is now one of the most sacred sites in India.
Besides, Ajmer also boasts of the first hill fort in India, the Taragarh Fort that was built by Ajai Pal Chauhan.
How to Reach Ajmer
Air
The Sanganer airport near Jaipur is located at a distance of 132 km from Ajmer. It has frequent flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Rail
Since Ajmer lies on the Delhi-Mumbai railway line; several trains connect it to major parts of India. Ajmer's railway station is located near the famous Dargah of Ajmer Sheriff.
Road
A good network of roads connects Ajmer to places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer and Delhi. Frequent buses and taxis ply between Ajmer and all the major destinations in and around Rajasthan.
Ajmer At a Glance
Location: Located in the eastern part of Rajasthan in north India at 26.27°N and 74.42°E.
Taragarh Fort, Ajmer Tours
Climate: Desert type weather maximum temperature reaching up to 45°C.
Major Tourist Attraction: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ana Sagar lake, Taragarh Fort, Mayo College, Adhai Din Ka Jhopra.
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Pushkar, Kishangarh, Sambhar Salt Lake, Tilonia
Best Buys: Ittar (special local perfume), Gold and Silver Jewellery, Antiques, Tie & Dye Garments.
Best Shopping Areas: Bazaar Street, Urs Fair, Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela.
Famous For: Urs Fair, Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela.
Best Time To Visit: October - March |
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| Colors, colors – red saris, green fruits, pink palaces and towns, blue temples in Pushkar, all these colors were a delightful experience!!! Thank you so much Dear Gautam for all these things during our trip in Agra & Rajasthan. We were like kings! I wish you the very best for continuation, hoping we’ll be able to see you again in India. I wish you also success and chance in your business further with the white Ambassador car !!! Tou tes mes amities Thomas Paris, France |
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