History in Ajmer

Nuzzled in the base of Aravali mountain ranges, Ajmer is a holy place for Hindus and Muslims. The king of the Chauhan dynasty, Ajaipal Chauhan in the year 1100 AD, established this historic city. Ajmer signifies India's true rendezvous with religious convictions, where a saint is revered by all, irrespective of his caste or creed. The secular nature of true India is enlivened in the life and history of this great city. Bestowed with the natural beauty, Ajmer is flanked by majestic mountains on all sides. Formerly called as Ajaimeru, which is synonymous with 'Invincible Hill', Ajmer reflects all that is virtuous and thrilling about Rajasthan. **Ajmer - Places of Interest** Abdullah Khan's Tomb The tomb of Abdullah Khan is noteworthy for its simplicity and elegance. This tomb in glittering white marble stands as a magnificent memoir. Situated in a strategic location, this tomb was constructed by the Sayyid brothers as a memoir of their late father. This marvelous marble structure is erected on an elevated platform that can be ascended through four steps. A plain rectangular construction with four towers and burnished arches, its bends are ornamented. The tomb has a stunning appearance. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra Adhai-din ka Jhonpra was constructed on the structure of a Jain temple. Since it took only two and a half days to finish the construction of the mosque, it became known as Adhai-din which literally means two and a half days. In 1198 Muhammad Ghori changed it into a mosque. A perfect blend of Hindu Muslim architecture, the seven-arched wall and the pillars of this pretty shrine makes special attraction. Ajaipal A picturesque spot, Ajaipal, is the place where the famous king Ajaipal embraced Islam and led a life of an ascetic after an extensive time in power. A devoted follower of the Sufi saint Khawaja Sahib, the king was amazed by the formers saintly powers. Akbar's Palace & Museum Small but elegant citadel, built by Emperor Akbar, this palace lures the tourists with its invincible structure. Flanked by two parallel dense walls, this was the place where Jahangir met the British ambassador Sir Thomas Roe. Constructed in the year 1570, this palace is considered as one among the mightiest citadel in the southeast part of Rajasthan. The fort walls include a double storied bastion enclosed by a chain of columns held jointly at the top by bends. A hefty foyer in the core of the turret leads into rooms. This palace was intended for the emperor and his troops whilst there stay in Ajmer. This magnificent palace serves as an ostentatious way to obtain quixotic and riotous history of Ajmer. This impressive structure was transformed into a Museum in 1908, which functions all days of the week except on Fridays. The working hours is scheduled between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ana Sagar A dazzling milestone in the history of Ajmeer, Ana Sagar Lake has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Flanked by some of the most fabulous attractions, this beautiful lake is the innovative outlook of King Anaji. The lake is surrounded by some of the marvelous piece of attractions of the city like the marble pavilions built by king Shajahan. Besides this, a pretty shrine of Khobra Behroon on the banks of this artificial lake offers a picturesque appearance to the surroundings. Anded-ki-Mata Temple A lovely Jain temple which showcases the saints of Digamber sect, Anded ki Mata is renowned not only for its serenity but also as a place of festivity. The annual fair held on Rakshsbandhan day in the month of August turns the temple premises into a hub of activities. Dargah Sharif One of the most famous pilgrim centers in Ajmer, the Dargah Sharif, is the burial ground of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-Ud-Din Chist. This shrine is visited by millions of people every year and regarded as a holy place by devotees of all religion. Durga Bagh A quaint garden on the banks of the Ana Sagar lake, Durga Bagh was built in the year 1868 AD during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh. A lovely garden, which offers a tranquil atmosphere with a myriad of fabulous flowers, it is an ideal place to visit in the summer season. The garden has a delightful background entitled Shimla, which was erected by Maharaja Mangal Singh. Foy Sagar Situated in the suburb of the city, the Foy Sagar, lake is an artificial lake envisioned by a great Englishman, Mr Foy. This synthetic lake was constructed in the year 1891, as a part of a dearth relief project and it is named after the architect who had supervised this great work. Kishangarh The beatings of time has been benevolent to the legacy of Kishangarh and today Kishangarh stands out as the fusion of numerous exceptional entities, which makes this tiny locale a famous tourist center. The former capital of the Rathores, this drowsy locale is fostered one of the supreme disciplines in diminutive paintings of the 18th century. The unique style in miniature paintings of Kishangarh is renowned as The Bani Thani style, which uses exciting colours in paintings. Mayo College Museum Started by the then Viceroy of British India, Mayo College is one among the best educational institutions in India. Mayo College is famed not only for the excellence of edification it impart, but also for its architectural grandeur. Built in 1875 with white marble, this is a classic example for the celebrated Indo-Saracenic architecture. This style is found its place in the Archive wing of the British Museum in London. This prestigious institution is also called as Eton of the East. Nasiyan Jain Temple (Red Temple) The beautiful Nasiyan Jain Temple, popularly called, as the Red Temple is one of the crowd pullers in the city. An architectural marvel, this pretty shrine depicts the by gone era in a Jain perspective. Dedicated to the first Jain Teerthankara, this temple belongs to the Digamber sect. The temple opens at 08:30 am and it closes at 4.30 pm. Roopangarh Fort A 17th century monument, The Roopangarh Fort was constructed by Maharaja Roop Singh. It has now been successfully changed into hotel. The royal ambience and elegance have been skillfully refurbished and it can be experienced from its aesthetically furnished interiors. ** Ajmer - Fairs and Festivals** The main festival of Ajmer is the celebration of the Urs held every year in the seventh month (date varies) of the lunar calendar. A number of Qawali (traditional Muslim recital of devotional verse) functions are held within the Dargah or tomb.

Ajmer was founded by Ajayadeva, a 11th-century local Rajput ruler. It was shortly annexed by Delhi Sultanate in 1193, but returned to the local rulers, upon payment of tribute. Ajmer was also sacked by Mohammed Ghori in one of the many raids carried out by him on India. Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the patron Saint of Ajmer, came here from Persia at the end of the 12th century. Ajmer became the part of the mighty Mughal Empire during the medieval period and was an important military center. Military campaigns against local Rajput rulers were initiated from Ajmer. Akbar built a fort here. The first contact between the Mughals and the British also happened in Ajmer, when Jahangir met Sir Thomas Roe in 1616. Shahjahan built marble pavilions around the Ana Sagar Lake in the 17th century. The Scindia rulers of Gwalior took over Ajmer, which was later taken over by the British in 1818. The British founded the famous Mayo College, a prestigious school, in 1875.