Your Rendezvous With the City

Charmingly
cuddled in the Aravalli mountains of central Rajasthan, Ajmer is a beautiful
burgeoning city on the banks of Anna Sagar, a large artificial lake. The
town is an important pilgrimage for followers of Islam. The city is also
proud of many structures that reflect the excellency of early Muslim
Architecture. The tomb of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti, the founder of Chistiya
order in India, still surpasses the test of time. The city of Ajmer, which
was once called Ajaymeru, was ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan till 12th century.
Ajmer is one of the most beautiful and historical Cities of Rajasthan. The
city has seen sovereignty of the chivalrous Rajputs, the royal Mughals and
the great Marathas.
Glimpses From
History
The city was a major trade route between Delhi and Gujarat's ports. Founded
by Ajaipal Singh Chauhan in the 7th century, the city has witnessed many
interesting historical upheavals. Ajaipal built a hill fort and and coined
the term Ajaimeru meaning Invincible Hill. Prithiviraj Chauhan
strongly held Ajmer till 12th century. Then the city was conquered by
Mohammad Ghori in 1193 A.D., who founded the Delhi Sultanate in the same
year. However, the internal administration was looked after by Chauhans in
lieu of paying heavy tributes to the conquerers.
The city slipped into oblivion for next few centuries. It was Akbar who
annexed Ajmer as a part of Mughal empire in the 16th century. Initially it
served as a military base for Mughals and later it transformed itself to a
pilgrimage for Muslims. Many empresses and princesses used to spend time
here. Nur Jahan, for instance, has cultivated roses for the making of her
favorite attar. Also famous is the variety of betel leaves. Later in its
history Ajmer saw the first contacts between Mughals and Britishers when Sir
Thomas Roe met Jahangir here in 1616. With the due passage of time, the city
was eventually were in hands of Scindias and in 1818 was handed down to
British.
A Tourist's Delight
Ana Sagar Lake : Fringed by Aravalli hills, this
artificial picturesque site located to the north of Ajmer was made in the
12th century by King Anaji, the grandfather of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Daulat
Bagh Gardens set up by Emperor Jehangir and Baradari built by Shah Jahan are
worth visiting next to the lake.
The Dargarh : Ajmer's nighest association is with the
Dargarh Sharif, the
final resting place of Hazrat Khwaja Muin-ud-din-Chisti whose disciples were
Mughals. It is regarded as one of the most prominent pilgrimages of Muslims
in India. Humayun constructed the shrine and the Nizam of Hyderabad later
added an gate to it. Even Akbar used to make a pilgrim from Agra each year.
Urs
Fair : The richly adorned shrine is a hub of activities and rites. It
attracts innumerable pilgrims every year to commemorate the death
anniversary, the
Urs,
of the great Saint in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Pilgrims and
sufi saints from all over horde the place in huge number during the Urs.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra : Located on the outskirts of towns,
the relic of the fine piece of Muslim architecture and once biggest mosque
of India, literally means 'two and a half day shed'. The legends hold it
that the construction of this mosque was completed in two and a half days.
Taragarh Fort : You will find the early antecedents of
Ajmer at Taragarh Fort's ruins. A drive to the steep hills of the Star Fort
offers awesome city view. Built by Ajaipal Singh Chauhan, who founded the
city also, the site was busy with military activities during Mughal reign
and late served as sanatorium for British.
Akbar's Palace (Government Museum) : The imposing edifice
was constructed by Akbar in 1570 and is today a Government museum.
Exhibiting a variety of old weapons, ancient rock inscriptions and stone
scriptures dating back to 8th century A.D. command your attention.
Nasiyan (Red) Temple : The antediluvian double storied
Jain temple contains a chain of huge, gilt wooden images from Jain mythology
narrating the Jain concept of the ancient times. You will like the gold,
silver and precious stones' embellishment in the hall.
Ajmer Highlights
The city is soaked in the ecstasy of Sufism. The holy shrine of Ajmer is
abuzz with activities on the appearance of the moon for the month of Rajab.
Day and night the doors of shrine, which are otherwise closed during night,
remain open. Daily and weekly programs are ceased and functions and
ceremonies begin from that night. The last day of Urs sees the Qul ceremony
where people tie turbans on each others head and pray for harmony and peace.
Visit the place during and you will yourself immerse in the spirit of
Sufism.
Not to Pretermit
The city has an array of attractions. Every thing is just so unique. When
you visit the city do not miss :
- Interesting metal wares in form of pitchers and urns.
- Carry back home some beautiful cane chairs and murahs which will
adorn your veranda.
- A factory in the region provides children's plastic tricycles which
are much sought after by children coming to the place.
- People find it hard home without taking a concentrate of attar which
are personalized for you.
May We Assist You
!
We take care of you and your concerns right from the day you book a tour
with us. From arrival till departure we will be there for you. We will
arrange sightseeing tour of the city and tell you the history and legends
related to a particular attraction. Be it a currency exchange matter or
locating important spots, we are there at every step. The exciting drives
and astounding destinations are sure to entice you and this is what are
motto is.
Please feel free to make any inquiry to us. Your satisfaction comes first
for us.