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Ajmer Sharif
It is situated in 26° 27, N. lat. and 74° 44, E. long., on the lower slopes of Taragarh hill, in the Aravalli Range, and in the Indian desert State of Rajasthan, Ajmer has always been a strategic place for the Mughals, the Rajputs the Marathas, even to the British Rulers. Ajmer was also the seat of administration for the Chauhans, till the period of Raja Prithviraj Chauhan, who got defeated by Mohammad Ghori, in the year 1193 AD. Ajmer then became a part of the " Delhi Sultanate " - ( Persian for government ) |
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The annual URS of Khawaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, RA, is held on a grand scale each year, and attracts pilgrims from all over the world, irrespective of their caste and religion. Ajmer now has a blend of Sufi culture and Hindu religion. GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is that of Jaipur. But the city is well connected by trains and the buses with all the major places in India. The state transport has its bus services from all over Rajasthan and also from Delhi. However, during the Urs large number of people arriving in Ajmer it is advisable to plan your trip in advance during this extraordinary time. CLIMATE: Temperatures are very high during summers and very low during winters. Ajmer has a typical desert type of extreme climate. The best season to visit this place is between October and March. ACCOMMODATION: The RTDC has done a lot to retain the traditional flavour in its hotels in and around Ajmer. Hotels like Khadim, Khidmat, Mansingh Palace, Regency provide you AC Deluxe rooms as well as ordinary rooms which give comfortable stay in the city. There are also Sarai facilities for the pilgrims. The government sponsored paying guest scheme makes the visitor feel at home. SHOPPING: Ajmer presents items which carry the Rajasthani fervour and which reflect ancient mood of the area. One can purchase here amazing gold and silver jewelery with designs of a totally different era. The annual Urs gives an opportunity to bargain some of the intriguing and colourful items of the region. SIGHTSEEING: Dargah Sharif - It is the final resting place of the Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti RA. The Dargah of Garibnawaz, RA is visited by many people, irrespective of caste and religion. Dhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara - One of the oldest and most interesting historical building of Ajmer, is the Jamae Al tamish popularly known as Dhai din ka Jhonpra. Located in the Anderkot neighbourhood of Ajmer. It is so sad to mention that it is so unknown, so unvisited and so ignored. According to Tod Rajasthan "it is a relic of nobler days and architect and the antiquarian because of its multifarious artistic attractions". This monumental mosque has, however, been the subject of diverse opinion about its origin. According to the book - Ajmer Historical and Descriptive, by Diwan Bahadur Harbilas Sarda, it is claimed to be a Saraswati Mandir. which is said to have been built in 1153 AD, by Raja Visaldeva, who was the first Chauhan ruler of India. But according to the Arabic inscription appearing on the marble arch in the centre of the mosque and the convincing arguments advanced by the author of Moin-ul-Arifin ( P. 150-154 ), it is recognised to be a mosque ever since it’s origin. Which is, it was built by Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori in 595 AH - 12th century AD, wherein Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti himself, who came to Ajmer in 587 AH, is said to have offered his prayers for a considerable time. Later on, Sultan Shamsuddin Altamish of Delhi ( 607 to 633 AH ), is reported to have completed the present massive structure of red stone, in 614 AH. Ali Ahmed was the mason, and the supervisor was Mohammed Ariz - a claim which is also substantiated by another Arabic inscription on its central arch. ( Ahsan-us-Siar, P. 87-92 ). Sir Alexander Cunningham (1814-1893) a British Army Officer and archaeologist, who excavted many sites in India, visited Dhai din ka Jhonpra in 1864. He fell in the same pit, without any historical reference or text, and a total disregard to the above facts. In any case, this magnificent mosque is one of the rare historic monuments of India. The Museum - The Royal palace of Mughal Emperor Akbar the great, now converted into a museum, and today it houses a rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some of the fine and delicate sculptures of the region have been displayed here. The building itself has been constructed of red sandstone which have been laid down in a square pattern giving it a fabulous look, the gigentic palace doors are still there to be witnessed. Ana Sagar Lake - This lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors made additional constructions to beautify the lake. 'Baradari', a beautifull marble pavilion was built by Emperor Shah Jahan ( more pictures - Pictures Gallery ). The foundation of a garden was laid by his dad Emperor Jahangir and he named the place as 'Daulat Bagh' ( treasure garden ). This lake is located towards the north of Ajmer city. Few things happened here. Sir Thomas Roe a british envoy ( 1614-1618 ) met here with Emperor Jahagir, who granted him the permission for trade with India. Jahangirs first grandson Dara Shikuh was also born here in Ajmer Sharif. Taragarh Fort - Build in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the fort gives a birds eye view of the city. Taragarh fort or the 'Star fort' is situated on a hill and to reach there one has to take winding bridle path. Mayo College - A unique English educational institution built by British in the 1870s for the eduation of the children of the Rajas and the Maharajas of the Indian British Raj. The College was opened in October 1875, with Sir Oliver St. John was appointed as the first Principal. It started with one student and that was Maharaja Mangal Singh of Alwar State. The Main Building was completed in 1885 and was designed by Major Mant. Some of the greatest changes in the school were brought about by Mr. Stow, who was the Principal from 1931-1943. In the same year, the Viceroy ceased to be the President of the General Council. This body was in future presided over by a ruling Prince elected by the council. Today, students from all walks of life, study in this prestigious school. And, make complete use of the many facilities offered. It is the pride of the city of Ajmer Sahrif, besides the Railways workshops of Loco motives and Carriage cars. EXCURSIONS: Foy Sagar: This artificial lake was built by British Government in 1890 as a water reservior. And as source of drinking water supply for the residents of the city of Ajmer. This reservior is connected through huge and small pipes to supply water on the modern tap system. It carried water for the first time to homes and localities. Before this time the supply of water was mainly from wells and boulies ( a well where water can be reached by walking to it through the steps ) . It is named after the engineer responsible for its construction. It did not cost much to built, the stone at the lake, reads; it costed British Government just one hundred thousand rupees. The lake is 5 Kms away from Ajmer city. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><>< TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES: Tourist Reception Centre Rajasthan Tourism Bikaner House, Near India Gate New Delhi - 110 001 India Tel. - +(91)-11-3381884 / 3389525 / 338-6069; Fax. - +(91)-11-3382823 SOME FACTS ABOUT AJMER SHARIF: POPULATION: Around half a million MAIN LANGUAGES: Hindi, Urdu and Rajasthani A WORD OF CAUTION: To all tourist- beware of touts, if new to the place NEAR BY CITIES : Pushkar- 11 kms Agra- 360 Kms Bundi- 142 Kms Delhi- 395 Kms Chittaurgarh- 190 Kms Jodhpur- 198 Kms Udaipur- 302 Kms Jaipur- 131 Kms Kishangarh- 27 kms DARGAH SHARIF: 132 Kms. from Jaipur Airport, 3 Kms. from Railway Station AND 1 Kms. from downtown area 5 {*****} STAR HOTEL ADDRESS :- HOTEL MANSINGH Vaishali Nagar, Ajmer, Raj., India -305001 For Reservation and Booking Click here Phone : +(91)-222-404-2211 ( 9 lines ) RATES: Single - Rs. 3,500.00 Double - Rs. 4,000.00 Extra bed - Rs. 1200.00 Family suite - On request <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> |
( Ajmer City, a view from Barae Peer Hills )
Ajmer Sharif