Ajmer Tourist Destination in Rajasthan
If Jaipur is the heart of the history of Rajasthan, Ajmer is probably the key. The city is placed 132 km southwest of capital, about thirty miles from the fort of Kishangarh at the foot of Mount Taragarh which dominates at a height of 243 meters.
Ajmer was founded in the 10th century by Ajaipal Chauhan. Defeated by Muslim invaders, it passed under the rule of successive dynasties finally falling under the supremacy of the Grand Mughals in 1556. This place has better control of roads which ensures better hold on Rajasthan as well as on Gujarat.
This place had seen other masters in the eighteenth century which were Marwar and then it was transferred to Britain by Daulat Rao Scindia in 1818. Picturesquely situated at the foot of a hill Ajmer is a major center of pilgrimage for Muslims.
History of Ajmer
Ajmer is also a common religious center for Hindus & Muslims; hence it plays an unenviable role for discord. Ajmer changed hands a substantial number of times during its eventful history. It is only in 12th century during successful reign of King Ajayraj, Ajmer became a major city.
In 1556 it was taken over by Akbar, who made an imperial residence. It was he who constructed the fort, which even today dictates the city. Akbar had well understood the strategic importance of the city of Ajmer that commanded access to the main northern highway.
Tourist Attractions – Important Religious Places to Visit in Ajmer
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is a popular tourist attraction in city of Ajmer. It is a mosque whose remains are standing in the south-west of Ajmer. Initially this place was an ancient Jain College but it was transformed into a mosque on orders from Mohammed Ghori, who conquered this city in 1192. Its name means the shelter of two and a half days; this name was given by Afghans after dominating this place of prayers.
Dargha of Khwaja Muin-ud-Din Chisti
You may see large assembly of fakirs who come here each year. Near this mosque is holiest dargha of Muslims in India that is “Dargha of Khwaja Muin-ud-Din Chisti”. He was a great Islamic saint, revered by countless pilgrims over the last seven centuries.
Places to Visit in Ajmer
At the center of Ajmer, you may still see the palace built for Akbar to reside at the time of his rule in the city. Its structure is very massive square flanked by octagonal bastions of relative grace.
The palace houses a museum of Rajputana and you can see:
- Hindu and Jain sculptures
- Inscriptions
- Coins
- Some miniature artifacts
- Few arsenal
A beautiful artificial lake colonized by many birds extends in the north of Ajmer that is named Ana Sagar Lake and is also an incomparable location to visit.
As an expert author Peter Hogg provides valuable information on India Religious Tours and how trends are changing in the tourism industry.
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