The city of Ajmer lies in the heart of Rajasthan,
some 130 km west of Jaipur. Literally an oasis surrounded by the rocky Aravalli
hills Ajmer is a major tourist destination because of its eventful history,
spiritual sites and the neighbouring village of Pushkar. Witness to the rise
and fall of several kingdoms, Ajmer's history tells the tales of great romances,
heroism and valour. The social fabric in Ajmer is a truly secular one with both
Hindus and Muslims cutting across religious divides to revere its holy land.
The Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, located at the end of a dusty
alley in the main market, makes Ajmer an important pilgrim centre for Muslims
from all parts of the world and Pushkar is the abode of Lord Brahma, which devout
Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. As an important tourist
destination the ins and outs of travel in Ajmer are well documented in many
a tourist guide.
History
Ajmer was founded by Rajput chieftain Ajayapal Chauhan, who also built first
hill fort in India, the Tara Garh. He named the place Ajaimeru means invincible
hill. Ajmer was Chauhan stronghold till 1194. It was during the region of
Prithviraj, in 1191, that Muhammad of Ghori invaded in India. Prithviraj died
fighting the sultan's army, and with the establishment of the sultanate in
Delhi, a new era began. Ajmer remained under the Sultanate till 1326. Thereafter
it became a bone of contention between the sultans of Delhi, the Ranas of
Mewar, the Rathores of Marwar and the Sultans of Gujarat. Peace was restored
with the accession of Akbar to the Mughal throne in 1556. He made Ajmer a
full fledged province and the base for his operations in Rajputana. Akbar
used it as the headquarters for his vitally important operations in Rajasthan.
It was here, a generation later, that the first British Ambassador, Sir Thomas
Roe, had an historic meeting with Emperor Jahangir in 1615, and it was here,
half a century later, that the critical battle between the Mughals crown prince,
Dara Shukoh, and the usurper, was fought. Later Emperor, Aurangzeb, took place.
In the 19th century, Ajmer became a little British enclave, from where the
British Chief Commissioner for Rajputana kept and eagle eye on all the Rajput
Kingdoms. Today Ajmer is, frankly, not the most charming of towns, unlike
its hayday in the 17th century when it was Emperor Shah Jahan pleasure resort.
There are also various buildings of historical interest to visit here. In
1818, finally the Marathas ceded Ajmer to Sir David Ochterlony and, as part
of the British Empire; it remained under the care of successive superintendents.
In 1947, with the reorganization of the princely states Ajmer became a part
of Rajasthan.
Places to See
The 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. Akbar
used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year.
The mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interest and on
the right side of the courtyard ins the Akbari Masjid built in white marble.
There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjahan. The saint’s
tomb with a splendid marble dome is in the centre of the second courtyard which
is surrounded by a silver platform.
The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs-commemorating the
death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic
month of Rajab. A colourful fair that springs up during this time is the major
attraction.
Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra
A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture
located on the outskirts, of the city, just beyond the Dargah. As the legend
goes, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It
was originally a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed
Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding
a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-half days
(adhai-din) and hence the name. The distinct pillars-and arched "Screen"
with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.
Taragarh Fort
A steep one and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra leads to the
ruins of the Taragarh Fort perched on a hill. One can have an excellent view
of the city from here. The fort was the site of the military activity during
the Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium by the British
Adhal-din-ka-Jhonpra
The Museum: Once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum houses a
rich repository of the Mughal and Rajput armour and exquisite sculptures.
Excursion
Pushkar Lake (11km.)
The lake is situated on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills on three
sides, is separated from Ajmer by ‘Nag Pahar’-the snake mountain.
On this mountain the Panchkund and the cave of the saint Agastya are located.
It is believed that Kalidas-the 4th century Sanskrit poet and play right, chose
the setting for his masterpiece Abhigyanam Shakuntalam in this forest heritage.
According to legend, the origin of Pushkar dates aback to the time when lord
Brahma was on his way in search of a tranquil land to perform a Yagna. A lotus
fell from the hands of the lord into this valley. A lake sprang up on this spot
and was dedicated to him. A Brahma temple located here is a popular place of
pilgrimage.
Pushkar Fair
It is one of the most colorful fairs of India. Lakes of pilgrims
throng the lake during the annual cattle fair. Besides trading of horses,
camels, cows and bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events.
Cloths, household items and leather goods are for sale during the fair. On
the full moon of Kartik (Nov.) pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake.
Man Mahal
Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence of Raja
Man Singh of Amer, Man Mahal. Presently it is converted to RTDC Sarover Tourist
Bungalow ensuring convenient accommodation to travellers. Pushakar palace
(Kishangarh House) adjoining it is a heritage hotel.
Foy Sagar (5km)
A picturesque artificial lake named after the engineer for who created
it under a famine relief project.
Shopping
Shopping in Ajmer is a pleasant and enjoyable activity that leaves you with
memorable holiday impressions.
Walk along the bazaar streets of Ajmer and be enchanted with the riot of
colors and glitter that shows you the brighter side of rustic Ajmer, famous
for the Dargah Sharief. The best time to enjoy shopping in Ajmer is during
the 6-day Urs festival that infuses a new life into the sleepy Ajmer soul.
Tour the shops and stalls of Ajmer brimming with arts and handicrafts. Shop
for souvenirs, bangles, leather belts and bags, brass utensils, embroidered
shoes, woodcrafts, home décor items and a lot more on your shopping
tours to Ajmer in Rajasthan, India.
The annual Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela is a must visit. One particular bazaar
street in Ajmer is famous for its silver items. In fact you'll get nothing
but silver items while shopping on this street.
Leather goods and furniture from the Tilonia village entice you into shopping
for exquisite furniture and delicately embroidered handicraft items. Buy local
costumes and other interesting items that are created by the skilful local
artisans.
Visiting
Temperature is very high in summers and very low in winters. Ajmer has an extreme
climate with high climatic variations between the seasons. Average summer temperature
stand at around 38°C maximum and minimum temperature is 27°C. There
is not much of rain in Ajmer even during the monsoons. Ajmer receives 40 - 50
cms of precipitation in the rainy season. The best season to visit the Ajmer
is in the winters or in September to March.
Special Events
The annual
Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is held in the month
of May and is one of the most visited festivals in India. Held at the Dargah
(mausoleum) of the Sufi saint, pilgrims come from across the Muslim world, as
do devotees of other religions, to pay homage to the saint on his death anniversary.
A festival of Sufi music enhances the spiritual aura at the huge fair. Shops
sell religious books, rosaries, mementoes, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments.
How to get there
By Air : Ajmer does not have an airport of its own but the
nearest airport is at Jaipur (130 km). Buses or taxis available outside the
Jaipur airport can be hired for the drive to Ajmer. You can book a car with
driver through a good travel agent or tour operator.
ByTrain : Ajmer lies on the main western railways grid and
so is well serviced by a number of regular trains that connect it to the important
cities in the region. Ajmer has multiple superfast, express and mail trains
to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. The air-conditioned superfast
Shatabdi Express connects Ajmer to Delhi most conveniently.
By Road : A good national and state highway network links Ajmer to
other parts of Rajasthan and many important destinations in India. Plenty of
hired transport is easily available, be it cars, jeeps, minibuses or MUVs and
almost all come with experienced drivers. If you drive your own vehicle, an
international or a valid country driving license is mandatory for all drivers,
traffic drives on the left and though road traffic is heavy, the roads are in
good shape with frequent service and gas stations and highway restaurants enroute.
State and interstate roadways buses, RTDC conducted tours and coaches connect
Ajmer to most important cities in the region, including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur,
Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mt. Abu, Jaisalmer, Mumbai and Delhi.
