Ensconced in the famous Aravalli ranges, Ajmer exudes bustling life with its engaged market places and moving (and obstructed) traffic. One specific street sells just silver items!
A religious place with a famous dargah of a pious Muslim saint, Ajmer is known to fulfil the wishes of many a disheartened soul. The qawwalis at the dargah on Thursday and Friday nights (and also during Urs festival ) inspires the spirit of devotees and tourists like never before. The history of city reveals changing of ruling dynasties, from Chauhan Rajputs to Ghoris, Mughals and finally British.
The city has numerous other attractions in store for tourists. The famous Mayo college established by British had the Maharaja of Alwar as its first student. The Maharaja arrived in a true royal style, seated on an elephant and followed by a whole fleet of servants, trumpeteers and not to forget camels and horses! One remarkable example of the countless eccentricities of the Maharajas and Nawabs of India.
Ajmer also provides a good base for a day visit to Pushkar. Infact, the city provides shelter (whatever little facility it has) to considerable number guests during the highly famous Pushkar festival.
History Of Ajmer
Ajmer was founded by the Rajput ruler Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century. He constructed a fort at the top of the hill and called it Ajai Meru which literally translates into invincible fort. Its location amidst the Aravalli ranges ensured that it stayed protected from foreign aggression and prosper as a trading outpost between Delhi and ports of Gujarat. However, in 12th century this protective coverage fell and Ajmer was captured from Prithviraj Chauhan by Mohammad Ghori.
Ajmer continued as an intrinsic part of the Delhi Sultanate till early 14th century after which it suffered a period of pathetic instability. Ruling heads of Mewar, Marwar, Delhi and Gujarat constantly fought bloody battles to gain control over this town.
A little later, somewhere in 16th century, Ajmer became a hot spot for the Mughal rulers who frequented it on regular basis. It was in Ajmer that one of the earliest interaction between the Mughals and the British took shape. Thereafter, the Scindias took over Ajmer and brought it under the direct control of Britishers. Infact, it was the one amongst few of those places in Rajasthan that did not form a part of princely state and functioned straight under the British.
Tourist Attraction in Ajmer
Dargah Sharif :
Founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan, Ajmer finds its name on the international map mainly because of the highly esteemed Dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. Though it is basically a Muslim shrine, yet follower of all religions have tremendous faith in its genuineness. Hence, it is not surprising to find people from all over India as well as abroad flocking to the Dargah to pay their obeisance to the saint.
The history of the Dargah has it that the 12th century Persian saint, Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti settled down in Ajmer after
 | Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammad of Gori. He preached there and won numerous followers, so much so that even after his death, his glory never faded. Later, great Mughal Emperor Humayun constructed the tomb in his honour in 16th century at the place where his last remains lay buried. His son, Akbar, and grandson, Shah Jahan also added a mosque each to the Dargah complex. The Nizam |
It is said that Akbar was a devout follower of the saint. He prayed at the Dargah for a son and his wish was fulfilled. Thereafter, he payed regular visits to the Dargah every year from Agra. From then onwards, the Dargah attained the status of wish fulfillment shrine.
Followers of the saint, specially Muslims, believe that seven visits to the Dargah of Ajmer Sharief is equivalent to one visit to Mecca, which is the most auspicious of Muslim pilgrim destination. The importance of Ajmer is also enhanced by the fact that it lies close to town of Pushkar, a famous Hindu pilgrim destination. Together, these two places present the religious diversity and unity of the Indians on the whole.
Shah Jahan's Mosque :
This great mosque is provided in the inner courtyards of the Dargah, is a magnificent building in white marble with a long (30.5m) and narrow court having low arcade and delicate carvings with trelliswork it is the most marvelous of all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.
Built in Mughal architectural style, the mosque features 11 arches and a stunning height of 41 metres. The mosque is topped by a magnificent marble dome, which is believed as having been extracted from the same mines from which marble for Taj Mahal was extracted.
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra :
Stories are abound as to how the name of the mosque came into being. According to few, the mosque was constructed
| within two and half days and thus its name. However, there are others who believe its name derived from the festival that lasted for two and a half days. Whatever be the story behind the name, the fact is that the mosque was originally built as a Sanskrit college and functioned so till the time Mohammad Ghori converted it into a mosque. He was added seven arched walls covered with Islamic calligraphy in |  |
Akbar Palace :
Back in the city, near the railway station, this fort was built by Akbar in 1570 and today houses the Ajmer Museum. Exhibits in limited collection of this museum include old weapons, miniature paintings, ancient rock inscriptions and stone sculptures that date back to the 8th century AD.
The museum houses 6th and 7th century Hindu sculptures and fine examples of Rajput and Mughal armour. A black marble statue of Goddess Kali is a must see. Visiting Hours:1000 to 1630 hrs throughout the week except on Fridays.
Nasiyan Temple :
 | A Jain temple hugely dissimilar to any other temple of Rajasthan. The temple has a double storeyed hall with wooden Jain mythological figures adorning it. Gold, silver and precious stone adds to the glittering charm of the temple. It is open for visit between 8.30 in the morning to 4.30 in the evening. An nominal entry charge is levied. |
Ana Sagar Lake :
| The artificial lake was constructed on river Luni at the behest of the 12th century ruler Anaji Chauhana. The lake, which becomes waterless every summer, has Daulat Bagh and Khobra Behroon on its bank. From the temple, the views of gardens is extremely pleasant. |  |
Taragarh Fort :
 | Also known as the Star Fort, Taragarh Fort is situated atop a hill. It was built by the founder of Ajmer, Ajaipal Chauhan in 12th century and offers exemplary view of the town below. The fort's history also speaks about the military activities during Mughal period and health services during Britishers. It can be reached by covering three km and a steep one and half hour climb on the hill. |
How To Reach
Fly Away: The nearest airport from Ajmer is Jaipur, 132km away. Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Recently, a flight to Dubai has also started from Ajmer by Indian Airlines.
On Tracks: Ajmer is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. Delhi-Ajmer, Pink City Express except Sunday, Shatabdi Express leaves Delhi at 6:15 a.m. and arrives in Ajmer at 1:30 p.m., Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur, Delhi Express, Marwar-Ajmer-Jaipur, Jodhpur mail, Mumbai-Ajmer-Delhi, Gujrat mail.
On Wheels: Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some nonstop. The roads are very good, and it takes around 2 hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi.
Shopping In Ajmer
Shopping in Ajmer can be an adventure in its crowded markets. One can really indulge in inexpensive items representative of Rajasthani art and culture. Silver and gold ornaments, jewellery, tie-dye and block printed textiles, embroidered blouses and shoes called mojaris are hot selling items here.
Ajmer is famous for atar (perfume) made from the juice of roses. Emperor Jahangir was the one who patronized its use when atar was first presented to him, and since then rose atar has been synonymous with Ajmer. While the Urs festival is in full swing artisans, craftsmen and shopkeepers congregate on Ajmer to display and sell their colourful wares.
Main Shopping Centres are Madar Gate, Purani Mandi, Naya Bazaar (upmarket items), Kaisarganj and Nala Bazaar.
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