The small town of Ajmer, 78 miles west of Jaipur, played a surprisingly important role in India's history. Set at the point where the rocky Aravalli Hills end and the Thar Desert begins, this was originally the stronghold of the powerful Chauhan Dynasty of Rajputs, who built India's first ever hill fort here in the 7th century. Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Singh in the 7th century AD and was brought under the control of Delhi Sultanate in 1193 when Prthiviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then Ajmer became home to many dynasties. which came and left - leaving behind indelible marks of their cultutre and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalagam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam. Ajmer also played an important role in paving the way for British East India Company in India. In 1616, Jehangir met ambassador of King James, Sir Thomas Roe. That was the first meeting between any Mughal Emperor and representatives of Britain. In the 17th century, Shahjahan built marble pavilions around the Ana Sagar Lake. The Taragarh Fort was damaged badly during the Mughal war of succession between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh. Schindi Rulers of Gwalior took over Ajmer in the mid 18th century, to be handed over to the British in 1818.

Ajmer is now popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as the Muslims. Especailly famous is the Dargah Shariff 0 Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khawja Moinuddin chisti, Which is equally reverred by the Hindus and Muslims.


Places to see

The Dargah: At the foot of a barren hill and in the heart of the city situated India's most important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths. It is the splended tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, popularly known as Dargah Shariff. The Shrine is next only to the Mecca or Medina for the Muslims of South Asia. Akbar used to make pilgrimage to Dargah from Agra once a year.

The Mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which is built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of a particular inerest and on the right side of the courtyard is the Akbari masjid built in white marble dome. Thre is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shah Jahan. The saints tomb with a splended marble domes is in the cnetre of the second courtyard which is surrounded by silver platform.

The shrines attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs - commemorating the death anniversary of the saint, held from the Ist to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colourful fair that springs up during this time is the major atraction.

Shahjahans Mosque :
In a far corner of the inner court of the dargah is the magnificent building in white marble with a long and narrow court having low arcade and delicate carvings with trellis - work. it is the most marvellous of all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.

Adhai din Ka Jhonpara
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day shelter) is considered as the first important Islamic structure to be built in India. According to the legends, Arhai-din-ka-Jhonpra was a Sanskrit College initially and Mohammed Ghori converted the college into a mosque within two and a half days, hence the name. According to another legend, the structure is named after a festival, which carried on for two and a half days. The monument has seven arched walls with Islamic calligraphy, though most of it now remains in ruins.

Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort was built on a hilltop by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city in the 7th century and is about 3 km from the city of Ajmer. A steep climb up rewards the weary visitor with an amazing birds eye view of Ajmer. The Fort was site of thre Military activity during the Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium by the British.

The Museum Once the the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum housesa rich respositry of the Mughal and Rajput armur and exquisite sculptures.

Mayo College One of the India's best public schools, located in the south east of the city, it was founded in 1875 AD only for the princes. Each prince alonwith his entire retinue and English tutor had his own house within the spacious college.

INDIA IS A COUNTRY, WHICH HAS BEEN CREATED BY THE GOD GRACES AS IT HAS GOT ITS MULTIPLE HEART TOUCHING DIVERSITY ASSEMBLED AT SINGLE PLACE.You Must See................

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