HISTORY OF AJMER
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| PRITHVIRAJ CHAUHAN |
Ajmer is one of the most sacred places in India. The history of Ajmer dates back to the 7th century when it was established as by Ajaipal Chauhan. It is a city rich in history. Surrounded by the Aravali hills it lies 130 kilometers west of Jaipur. It was always the stronghold of the Chauhan Rajputs. They claimed that they were the descendants of the Agni kula. Ajmer was with them till the 12th century.
The subcontinent`s first hill fort was built here-Taragarh Fort in the 7th century. The ruins of this fort by the Anasagar Lake are still visible in Ajmer. The city was very coveted because of its strategic location on the major trade route between Delhi and the sea coast of Gujarat and on the royal road leading from Delhi to the heart of Rajputana.
The kingdom of Ajmer was ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan, Raja of Delhi and Ajmer. In the year 1191 the First Battle of Tarain started between Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori, an Afghan governor. In the second Battle of Tarain the Afghan forces crushed the Rajput cavalry and the emblematic figure of Rajput heroism was taken a prisoner and put to death. The name, Prithviraj Chauhan still remembered in the domain of Rajasthan with great respect because he was the last Hindu king of Delhi. His chivalry, intelligence and valor made him one of the most revered kings in Rajasthan.
The deeds of Prithviraj Chauhan, his fierce resistance, his desperate battles and his proud honour makes an epic poem made of 69 books, the `Prithviraj Raso` which was recited by bards from one kingdom to the other. The poems continue to immortalize the spirit of Prithviraj Chauhan. Ajmer remained under the reign of Delhi Sultanate till 1326. After the Sultanate rule several battles ensued to between various clans to conquer Ajmer.
Political stability returned only after Akbar, the Mughal Emperor ascended the throne in Delhi. It became an important center for the Mughal emperor, as he was a devout follower of Moinuddin Chisti. The dargah sharif was quite important to him. He fortified the city and built his own palace here, Daulat Khana. Jahangir also lived in Ajmer from 1613 to 1616. After the Mughal rule it was under the control of the Marathas. But with the advent of the British the scenario changed.
Ultimately in the 19th century, it became the base for the British operations. In the year 1947 it was merged with the state of Rajasthan and was stopped being recognized as a princely state.
TRAVEL PLACES TO VISIT IN AJMER
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AJMER ROAD MAP |
DARGAH SHARIF :-
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DARGAH SHARIF - AJMER |
Dargah Sharif' or 'Holy Dargah' is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in the country. Venerated by both Hindus and Muslims, it is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The Dargah has a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Revered by the Mughal rulers, it has touches of Humayun to Shah Jahan in its structural architecture. A silver railing and a marble screen surround the actual tomb of the saint, made of marble with a gold plated dome.
Every year Urs is held here for six days in his remembrance. It is said that when he was 114 years old, the saint locked himself in a room for six days to pray and left his mortal body in solitude. Several thousand devotees throng to this place during this time of the year and food is cooked in huge cauldrons and served to the devotees. The surprising part is that the people serve the food while standing inside the scalding hot food in the cauldrons. These cauldrons are said to be offered by Emperor Akbar when the saint blessed him with an heir for the throne.
The pilgrims make rich offerings called 'nazrana' at the sacred spot where the saint has been entombed that include rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense that put in to the fragrance that floats in the air inside the shrine. Cash offerings are also made. Also offered by devotees are the 'chaadar', 'ghilaph' and 'neema', which are votive offerings for the tomb. Outside the holy place of the Dargah, professional singers called 'qawwals' sit in groups and sing hymns in the praises of the saint in a characteristic high-pitched voice. One can also see 'fakirs' on the main gate begging for alms in the name of the Khwaja. Qawwalis at the shrine and fragrance of the incense sticks together create a divine effect.
TARAGARH FORT :-
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TARAGARH FORT - AJMER |
Tour the imperial Taragarh Fort and explore the regal secrets of this remarkable structure in stone located atop the Nagpahari hill in Ajmer with Indian Horizons.
Constructed in 1354 A.D., the Taragarh Fort in Ajmer is a spectacular illustration of Rajasthani architecture. Six imposing gates and a thick crenellated wall guard the entrance to this erstwhile Chauhan bastion.
You are welcome to explore the royal secrets of Taragarh though a section of this massive structure is not open for public viewing.
See the awe-inspiring Bhim Burj i.e. a massive battlement on which rests a large canon and admire the huge stone water reservoirs built within the fort. The main gateway that leads you to the fort is decorated with stone sculptures of elephants.
Pay homage at Miran Saheb ki Dargah that is located within the fort walls. This mausoleum is dedicated to Miran Saheb, a brave warrior who sacrificed his life defending Taragarh in an enemy invasion.
Taragarh Fort was an important center of military activity during the Mughal domination in Ajmer. Later during the British occupation of Ajmer, Taragarh was used as a sanatorium.
Enjoy a spectacular view of the city below from the Taragarh Fort and drink in beautiful vistas of Ajmer steeped in the warmth of the last rays of the setting sun. Also tour the interesting Dudha Mahal located at a little distance from the Taragarh Fort.
ANA SAGAR LAKE :-
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ANA SAGAR LAKE - AJMER |
The Ana Sagar Lake was built by King Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. King Anaji was the grandfather of Prithvi Raj Chauhan and he built the landscape for the better cause of the society. Presently the lake acts as a major reason for increase in the popularity of Tours to Ajmer. The Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer in India is probably the largest and most popular Lakes and Gardens in Ajmer.
The lake was built in the 12th century by putting up a dam across the Luni River and the lake was named after the then ruler of Ajmer Anaji Chauhana. The lake is surrounded by some of the marvelous piece of attractions of the city like the Daulat Bagh that was built by Shah Jahan and is built completely by marble stones. Surprisingly the lake dries up completely during the summers.
The Ana Sagar Lake is surrounded by many other attractions like the temple of Khobra Behroon which lies on the southern bank of the lake. The lake is an artificial creation that has been a lifeline for the people of Ajmer in the past. The lake still serves as a lifeline of beauty to the city to the locals and the visitors as well.
The best time to visit the Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer is between the months of October to March when the climate remains cool and the water level up to the mark. The various nearby attractions of the lake are Adahi-Din-Ka Jhopra, Taragarh Fort, Nasiyan and Prithviraj Smarak.
ADHAI-DIN-KA-JHOPRA :-
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ADHAI-DIN-KA-JHOPRA (AJMER) |
Adhai' means two and a half days, and suggests the duration of this building was built. A marvel, a masterpiece of Indo - Islamic architecture, this building is an artifact of an ancient mosque and includes a display of a front wall of seven pointed arches. The pillars feature and a screen in a semi-ruined minarets make it a superb architectural masterpiece.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
PUSHKAR FAIR :-
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PUSHKAR FAIF |
Pushkar Fair held in the month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November, Pushkar, which is 11 km from Ajmer, Rajasthan. One of the most prestigious fair in Rajasthan, many tourists come on pilgrimage to Pushkar Fair and see the display of a mystifying array of topics. With the picturesque sand dunes in the background, the camel fair and camel races, horses and donkeys are also events of the fair. People indulge in body tattoo, the villagers of remote areas come here to exchange their goods.
URS FAIR :-
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URS FAIR |
Urs Fair takes place during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of Islamic calendar) in the death of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Chishti, whose remains are buried and are held in place in great reverence by devotees of all communities "Dargah Sharif in Ajmer. Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishti order of fakirs in India.
CLIMATE
Ajmer has hot summers and cool winters. The maximum temperature in summer (from April to June) is around 45ºC. In winters (from November to February), days are sunny and pleasant but nights are bit cooler.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR:
The nearest airport to Ajmer is situated in Jaipur.
BY TRAIN:
You can find a train to Ajmer from all the major cities of India. From Delhi, you can catch Shatabdi Express, The Pink City Express and Chetak Express.
BY ROAD:
Ajmer is well connected by the network of roads to Delhi, Agra and all the major cities of Rajasthan.
SHOPPING IN AJMER
In Ajmer, one can search for topics that have the fanaticism of Rajasthan, which echoes the old world ambience of the area. Silver jewelry with beautiful old traditional design is the biggest tourist craze. Other things to buy, antiques, curios, enchanting modern gold and silver jewelry, colorful saris and-tie-dye and fabrics, and embroidered jutis. There is also a beautiful display of colorful local handicrafts to annual meeting Urs fair.
OTHER INFORMATION
STD Code: 0145
Best Season October To March
Language: Hindi, Urdu, Rajasthani
Distance From Jaipur 131 Km
Distance From New Delhi: 389 Km
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