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Ajmer Travel Guide
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Ajmer Travel Guide
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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 Chauhan in the 7th
century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of Chauhan power. When Prithviraj
Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri leaving behind indelible marks of their culture
and traditions on the cities history, converting it to an amalgam of various
cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Places to Visit
The Dargah:
At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India's most important Piligrimage
centre for people from all faith. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, more popularly known as Khwaja Sharif.
Mayo College:
One of Indian's best public schools located in the south east of the city. It
was founded in 1875 A.D. only for the princes. Each prince along with his entire
retinue and an English tutor had his own house in the spacious college grounds
covering 81 hectares. Now it is a public school open to all.
Shahjahan's Mosque:
In the corner of the inner court of the Dargah, is a magnificent building in
white marble with a long (30.5) and narrow court having low arcade and delicate
carvings with trellis work. It is the most marvellous all the sanctums within
the sanctuary of the Dargah.
Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra:
A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo Islamic architecture located
on the outskirts of the city. Just beyond the Dargah. As the legend goes, its
construction took two and a half days. (Adhai-Din) to complete. It was originally
a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohammad Ghauri conquered
Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall
in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-a-half days (adhai-din) and hence
the name. The district pillars and arched "screen with its ruined minarets
make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.
Taragarh Fort:
A steep one and half hour climb beyond the Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra leads to the
ruins of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill. One can have an excellent view
of the city from here. The fort was the site of the military activity during
the Mughal period later used as a sanatorium by the British.
The Museum:
Once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum houses a rich repository
of the Mughal and Rajput armor and exquisite sculptures.
The Circuit House:
The former British Residency, overlooking the artificial lake, Ana sagar, has
now been converted to the circuit House. The lake and the cenotaph and the shrine
of the Hindu reformer Swami Dayanand, founder of the Arya Samaj movement in
India,can be viewed from here.
Excursions
Pushkar
Lake(11km.) :
The lake, situated on the edge of desert and surrounded by hills on the three
sides is separated from Ajmer by Nag Pahar-the snake mountain. On this mountain
the Panchkund and the cave of saint Agastya are located. It is believed that
Kalidasa the 4th century Sanskrit poet and playwright, choose the setting for
its masterpiece "Abhigyana Shakuntalam" in this forest heritage. According
to legend, the origin of Pushkar dates back to the time when Lord Brahma was
on his way in search of a tranquil land to perform a "Yagna", A lotus
fell from the hand of the Lord into this valley. A lake spring upon this spot
and was dedicate to him. A Brahma temple located here is a popular place of
pilgrimage.
Puskhar Fair :
It is one of the most colourful fairs of India. Lakhs of pilgrims throng the
lake during the annual cattle fair. Beside trading of horse camels, cows and
bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and culturalecents, clothes household
items and leather goods are for sale during the fair on the full moon of Kartik
(Nov.), pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake.
Man Mahal :
Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence of Raja Man Singh
of Ajmer, Man Mahal. Presently it is covered to RTDC sarvour Tourist Bunglow
ensuring convenient accommodation to travelers. Pushkar palace (Kishagarh House)
adjoining it is a heritage hotel.
Foy Sagar (5km) :
A picturesque artificial lake named after the engineer foy who created it under
a famine relief project.
