Ajmer was founded by Ajayadeva, an 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 here, in 1875.
The most important tourist spot of Ajmer is the Dargah or tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh are other important sites within the city. Ajmer also has an imposing fort built by Akbar. It also houses the government museum within it. The Nasiyan (Red) Jain Temple built in the 19th century is also worth paying a visit.
PLACES AROUND AJMER
Adhai-din-ka-Jhompara mosque is on the outskirts of the city. Three kilometers beyond the mosque and located on a steep hill is the Taragarh Fort, which offers a breathtaking view of Ajmer city. The small town of Kishangarh is located 27 km from Ajmer and is famous for its traditional miniature paintings. Roopangarh Fort is 52 km from Ajmer and can be reached via Kishangarh.
No comments:
Post a Comment