South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. Ajmer, the land of composite cultures, is a city in Ajmer District in India's Rajasthan state. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" meaning the invincible hill in the local language. Ajmer continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam. The city gives its name to a district, and also to a former province of British India called Ajmer-Merwara, which, after India's independence, became the state of Ajmer until November 1, 1956, when it was merged into Rajasthan state. Its population was approximately 500,000 in 2001.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British choose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (October / November), devotees throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.

History of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Ajmer (Ajaya-meru in Sanskrit) was founded in the Seventh century AD by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan. He established the Chauhan dynasty which continued to rule the country while repeated waves of Muslim invasion swept across India. Ajmer was conquered by Muhammad of Ghauri, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193. Its internal government, however, was handed over to the Chauhan rulers upon the payment of a heavy tribute to the conquerors. Ajmer then remained feudatory to Delhi until 1365, when it was captured by the ruler of Mewar. In 1509 Ajmer became a source of contention between the maharajas of Mewar and Marwar, and was ultimately conquered by the Marwar ruler in 1532. Ajmer was lost to the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1559. It continued to be in the hands of the Mughals, with occasional revolts, till 1770, when it was ceded to the Marathas. From that time up to 1818 Ajmer was the scene of an ongoing struggle, being seized at different times by the Mewar and the Marwar maharajas, from whom it was often retaken by the Marathas. In 1818 the Marathas sold Ajmer to the British for 50,000 rupees. Since then Ajmer has enjoyed unbroken peace and stable governance. Great musicians have lived and worked in Ajmer.

Places of interest of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

As mentioned earlier, Ajmer has indeed emerged as a true Oasis in the state of Rajasthan in every sense. The beauty of the small town of Ajmer is an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam. Ajmer Sightseeing includes its fort and other monuments that are quite famous throughout the state of Rajasthan. They are examples of the magnificent architecture for which the state of Rajasthan is renowned throughout the world. Apart from that, there are a number of other places to visit in Ajmer. Some of the prime tourist attractions of Ajmer are Pushkar, and the Dargah, tomb of the most revered Muslim sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, the Gharib Nawaz.

Pushkar in Rajasthan, India

Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 km to the North-West of Ajmer. Captivated by the charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement the great Indian poet, Kalidas found a place for Pushkar in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. A lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.

Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. In Hindu mythology it is said that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated 14 Km from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

There is another legend about the Creator God, Bramha which describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation so thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.

Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were destroyed by Aurangzeb, a Mughal ruler and subsequently rebuilt. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at Besakih in Bali, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, and Prambanan in Indonesia. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum or Girbha-griha. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of Lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

Pushkar in Rajasthan is a favored destination of North India. Hundreds of foreigners throng this place all through the year. The Pushkar fair is an important occassion when tourists flock Pushkar, however it is not only at this time of the year when tourism flourishes. Pushkar is the flavour of every season. Pushkar is a pilgrimage site and is considered one of the holiest sites in India. The town of Pushkar is far from the noisy environment of the city. When he reaches the Ghats, particularly the Ghats near the Sarovar Tourist Bungalow, he gets refreshed and loses his tiredness of his journey. Pushkar is situated at the foot of the hills which add to its beauty. Five rivers, Suprabha, Kanaka, Prachi Nanda, and Saraswati flow here and make the place more beautiful and serene.
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Dargah Sharif of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India
 
The most important of all Muslim pilgrimage centers in India, the dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti at Ajmer Sharif is revered by people of all faiths. It is situated 135 km from Jaipur and is renowned for fulfilling the wishes of the followers. The Dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin ChishtiThe Dargah Shareef of Khwaza Moinuddin Chishti is situated at the foot of the Taragarh hill, and consists of several white marble buildings arranged around two courtyards, including a massive gate donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad, a mosque donated by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Akbari Masjid, and the domed tomb of the saint. To this place Emperor Akbar, with his queen, performed pilgrimage on foot from Agra every year in observance of a vow he had made when praying for a son. The large pillars, erected at intervals of two miles the whole way between Agra and Ajmer, marking the daily halting places of the royal pilgrim, are still extant.

Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti was the founder of Islam in India. He was one of the greatest preachers in the world. The revered prophet undertook to propagate Islam in India by the most peaceful means and with great forbearance. When Khwaja arrived, the Muslim community in India was not as large as it is now. The Khwaja, by his noble teaching, touched the hearts of everyone who came his way.

The dargah is the tomb of the sublime Sufi saint who came to Ajmer from Persia and died in 1236. Apart from the devout Muslims, people of other religions throng the holy dargah and pray for the fulfillment of their desires. The devotees also offer flowers, velvet cloth, perfume (non-alcoholic) and sandalwood at the shrine.
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Taragarh Fort of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Tour the imperial Taragarh Fort and explore the regal secrets of this remarkable structure in stone located atop the Nagpahari hill in Ajmer. Taragarh, the fort of Ajmer, seat of the Chauhan rulers, is claimed to be the first hill fort of Asia, built at a time when the Aravalli mountain ranges were above the snowlines. This gives it the reputation of being one of the oldest hill forts of the world, and it is definitely the oldest among the hill forts in India.

Taragarh Fort was constructed in 1354 A.D. with six imposing gates and a thick crenellated wall which guard the entrance to this erstwhile Chauhan bastion. The Taragarh Fort in Ajmer is a spectacular illustration of Rajasthani architecture. You can explore the royal secrets of Taragarh; although a section of this massive structure is not open for public viewing.

See the awe-inspiring Bhim Burj which is a massive battlement on which rests a large canon and admire the huge stone water reservoirs built within the fort. The main gateway that leads you to the fort is decorated with stone sculptures of elephants. Pay homage at Miran Saheb ki Dargah that is located within the fort walls. This mausoleum is dedicated to Miran Saheb, a brave warrior who sacrificed his life defending Taragarh in an enemy invasion.

Taragarh Fort was an important center of military activity during the Mughal domination in Ajmer. Later during the British occupation of Ajmer, Taragarh was used as a sanatorium. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the city below from the Taragarh Fort and drink in beautiful vistas of Ajmer steeped in the warmth of the last rays of the setting sun.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra, a Jain temple constructed in 1153 and converted into a mosque by Qutubuddin Aibak after 1193, is situated on the lower slope of the Taragarh hill. With the exception of that part used as a mosque, nearly the whole of the ancient temple has fallen into ruins, but the relics are not excelled in beauty of architecture and sculpture by any remains of Hindu art. Forty columns support the roof, but no two are alike, and great fertility of invention is manifested in the execution of the ornaments.
No matter what people believe about the secular nature of Muslim rulers in India, the Adai-din ka Jhonpra is the ultimate example of the destruction of a Hindu or Jain temple to construct a mosque.

The mosque is believed to have been built in two and a half days, thus named Adhai-din (two and a half days). Another belief is that its name is attributed to a two and a half day fair held nearby each year. The edifice was originally a Sanskrit college, but Muhammad Ghori converted it into a mosque in 1198 and built a seven-arched wall inscribed with verses from the Koran

Architecture of Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Designed by Abu Bakr of Herat, the mosque is a fair example of early Indo-Islamic architecture and is built from masonry taken from broken down Hindu and Jain temples. Of special mention are the pillars which hold up the ceiling in the main chamber. An intricate jali (screen) under a raised arch was added by Sultan Altamush in 1230AD. Colonel James Tod; the Britisher who was the first to map Rajasthan and write about it in immense detail, describes the Adhai-din ka Jhonpra as a temple in his book Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan Volume I. He writes that "the entire façade of this noble entrance … is covered with Arabic inscriptions … but a small frieze over the apex of the arch is contained an inscription in Sanskrit." The Arabic script he attributes to Ghori who used local masons and artisans to break down this originally Sanskrit centre of learning and built a mosque in its place. Perhaps that is the reason why the mosque was completed in two and a half days, for the original infrastructure must already have existed.

Entrance of Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The mosque is entered through a simple gateway in the north, on whose right stands a ruined minaret. The gate leads into a stairway leading up to a small tower from where the muezzin (mosque official) called the faithful to prayer. The front façade consists of a number of small arches built of yellow limestone. The main arch is flanked by six smaller arches of Arab origin wherein tiny rectangular panels allowed for a lighting system, a feature found in ancient Arabian mosques.

The Interiors of the Mosque of Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The interior of the Jhonpra is more on the design of a Hindu temple than that of a mosque, with a main hall supported by numerous columns. Three pillars are placed over each other to gain more height while the roof is supported on square bays. The columns are of an uncommon design, heavily decorated and quite similar to Hindu and Jain rock temples, each of one being dissimilar to each other. Their bases are large and bulbous, tapering as they gain height, with nichés to house images of gods and goddesses. Even the ceiling is an extensively carved adventure, below which is a pulpit especially constructed to deliver sermons from the Koran.

Akbar Fort of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Built by Akbar in 1570 for his visits to Ajmer as well as a bastion for his advancing empire, the fort is rather small compared to others. But its lack of size is compensated by its impregnable structure, being one of the strongest forts in southeast Rajasthan. The entire fort is surrouned by two thick walls; one on the outside and another running parallel to it on the inside. The fort walls encompass a double storeyed palace surrounded by a row of columns held together at the top by arches. A large hall in the centre of the palace leads into number of rooms around it, meant for the emperor and his entourage while he was in Ajmer.

Sir Thomas Roe, East India Company’s envoy met Jahangir in this fort in 1616. The British took charge of the fort in 1818, and during the mutiny of 1857 used it as a magazine to hold arms and ammunition, calling it the Rajputana Arsenal

Magazine, the city Museum of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

The Royal palace of Akbar was converted into a museum and Ajmer Government Museum Housed in the beautiful fort and palace built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1570, and situated in the heart of the old city and close to the railway station is this museum. This residence of Salim is significant from a historical point of view, because it was here that the British envoy Sir Thomas Roe met Emperor Jahangir in 1616 and Salim as Emperor Jahangir read out the firman for trade to India to the British East India company from here, thus starting the chain of events that lead to India's colonisation by the British. Commonly known as Magazine in the present day is the palace quarters where the emperors lived. After British occupation in 1818 and during the first war of Independence in 1857 it was used as the Rajputana Arsenal by the British which gave the name magazine. 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.

This imposing edifice was converted into the Ajmer Museum in 1908 and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the week except on Fridays. The museum houses 6th and 7th century Hindu sculptures and fine examples of Rajput and Mughal armour. A black marble statue of Goddess Kali is a must see.

Mayo College of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

It is a school that was designed to make British gentlemen out of Indian princes. Years after its first student, Maharaja Mangal Singh of Alwar, rode into the campus on an elephant in 1875, Mayo College in Ajmer still retains the quality to attract the crème de la crème of India. Today however, the school is not looking for princes to turn into Englishmen. It seeks to impart excellence in academics as well as sports to boys with potential.

Founded by Richard Southwell Bourke, The Earl of Mayo who was a Viceroy of India from 1868 to 1872, the school is regal in its reputation as well as its Victorian architecture. This residential school sprawls over 300 acres and caters to boys from class 4 to class 12. The boys are housed in eleven houses named after the princely houses of Rajasthan. Some are named after the luminaries of Rajput tradition and one after the Ruler of Oman. The uniform is a comfortable ensemble of shorts or trousers paired with shirts. The blazers, when used, are emblazoned with the school's emblem designed by Mr Lockwood Kipling, a former principal of the School Of Arts, Lahore, and probably better known as the father of Rudyard Kipling.

Mayo College is one of the finest schools for boys in India but to get into this iridescent marble bastion, one needs to be, so to speak, a `cut' above the rest! Even though brothers of present students, children of Old Boys and seniority of registration are given preference as in many such schools, admissions to Mayo College are made on the basis of the Indian Public Schools' Conference (IPSC) entrance tests in English, Mathematics and Hindi conducted in the 3rd or 4th week of November every year at various centers in India.

The medium of instruction is English and is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The boys are exposed to music, automobile engineering, woodwork, metal work and the fine arts. There are various societies like Geographical, Natural History, Museum Society, Photography, Lalit Kala Parishad and Mountaineering Club that meet once a month. In fact, the Mayo museum is quite easily the best school museum anywhere in the world.

The school takes part in inter-school competitions with other illustrious schools like The Scindia School, Gwalior, and The Doon School, Dehra Dun. There is a vibrant exchange programme with several schools in the United Kingdom, and it is not uncommon to see an exchange student attending class.

The Houses provide a home-away-from-home atmosphere to the boys who are cared for by senior teachers. Competition between the houses is healthy and continues throughout the year. Indeed it is in the field of sports that Mayo excels. Equitation is considered very important and the school has arguably one of the best junior division polo teams in the world. Cricket is another sport where Mayo performs superlatively. Above all, with the other two top schools in the country, Mayo offers a platform for providing a valuable social base on which to build the foundation of a successful career.

The college motto `Let there be Light', results in more than just light into a boy's life and personality. It provides a guiding principle that holds every graduate in its thrall, always encouraging him to do better than his best.

Ana Sagar of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India
 
In a valley surrounded by hills lies the Ana Sagar lake which was made in the 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni. It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The catchments were built with the help of local populace. The Daulat Bagh on the banks of the lake has a series of white marble baradaris (pavilions) built by Shah Jahan in 1637. The 'Baradari' pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer. The Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite outing spot.  However, the lake dries up in summer.

Khobra Behroon Temple near Ana Sagar in Ajmer

The temple of Khobra Behroon on the south bank of Ana Sagar offers a panoramic view of the lake and Dault Bagh. The temple’s name is derived from the word khobra, which means `mischievous’, and according to tradition a newly wed couple must pay their respects to the temple or else – married life can be full of unforseen complications!

Nasiyan Jain Temple of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Nasiyan Jain Temple also known as the Red Temple and located on Prithviraj Marg, this Digambar Jain temple was built in 1865. Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabdeoji, the Nasiyan Jain Temple also has a museum of considerable size that displays objects related to Jain beliefs and mythology.The main chamber consists of a double storeyed hall in which are housed large wooden figures portraying the Jain concept of the world. The hall is decorated lavishly with precious gems, gold and silver. The Nasiyan temple is one of the finest Jain temples in Rajasthan after the temples of Ranakpur and Mount Abu and is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an entry fee of Rs 2. Rajasthan Jain Temples

The first floor of the Nasiyan Jain Temple is known as the 'Swarna Nagri' and displays gold plated replicas of almost all the Jain temples in India. Be enchanted with the little silver balls that are suspended from the ceiling in the inner sanctum of the Red Temple in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.

The interiors of the Digambar Jain Temple or the Nasiyan Jain Temple are decorated with gold, silver, precious stones and semi-precious gems. The wooden gilt decorations and delicate paintings that adorn the main hall of the temple display scenes from episodes in Jain mythology and preach Jain beliefs regarding life and the world.

Speaking of Jain temples, western India namely Rajasthan is renowned for its dazzling temples built by rich Jain merchants. Jain temples are the richest in India and their splendour surpasses Mughal architecture at its best. With marble as the central theme, Jain temples boast of amazing finesse apparent in intricate carvings especially on ceilings and pillars. Jainism continued to make its subtle impact even during the Mughal rule, with the only difference being that at times Jain temples were built on the lines of a fort with a high wall surrounding the entire complex.
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Sola Khamba of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Built during the reign of Aurangzeb albiet minus his contribution, the Sola Khamba is also known as the Shaikh Ala-al-Din’s tomb. This saint was the overseer of the shrine of Moin-ud-din Chisti and he built his own tomb in four years from 1659. Located just outside Chisti’s dargah and completed in 1660, the Sola Khamba is so named because of the 16 pillars that support its roof (sola or solah means 16).

Built in white marble, this rectangular building is not a very large one, but its size is overshadowed by the spectacular trio of cusped arches leading upto the flat roof out of which rise four slender minarets from each corner. The cusped arches are a rare sight for these times, and it was only during Aurangzeb’s reign that they came into their own.

Tombs of Abdullah Khan of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Another tomb is that of Abdullah Khan’s wife. The Khan was the father of the Sayyid brothers who, after Aurangzeb’s death, went into the business of making emperors, starting with Bahadur Shah Zafar I. Abdullah Khan’s wife is buried in a white marble tomb without a roof. Built on a raised platform accessed by four steps, it is a simple edifice with arches filled in with lattice work with four slim minarets on each end of the rectangular roof.

A plaque in the nearby Shaikh Ala al Din’s tomb dates this shrine to 1702-03AD. It seems that this plaque was originally embedded in Allah Khan’s wife’s tomb and was later removed from here, for it refers to the demise of a woman. A couple of other inscriptions mention that another mosque and a garden were built along with this mosque, of which neither survives. Abdullah Khan himself is buried in a tomb within this complex. He died in 1710 and his sons built this tomb as a tribute to their father.

Jami Masjid of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

In the inner courtyard on the east is Shah Jahan’s mosque or Jami masjid, another white marble mosque of all the monuments within the dargah complex, Shah Jahan’s masjid is indeed the most spectacular. This 45m long mosque with 11 arches bears Persian inscriptions under its eaves and is surrounded on three sides by an intricately carved balustrade. The arches are not true arches but merely curved brackets meeting in the centre to hold up the ceiling. The marble that went into the making of this mosque was extracted from the same mines in Makrana from where the marble for the Taj Mahal in Agra was sourced. Slender pillars divide the mosque into three sections, and the mihrab (prayer niché) is a deep star shaped recess in the wall.

On the outside wall of the mosque just above the arches is an inscription in Persian stating that it was built in 1638 and that Shah Jahan, as a prince, had vowed to build a mosque near Moin-ud-din’s shrine. This resolve was in gratitude after Shah Jahan defeated the Rana of Mewar for the second time. The Emperor held Khwaja Moin-ud-din in high esteem, and while building his own mosque ensured that it was devoid of a dome to allow the main shrine to be the dominant one in the complex. The Holy Shrine

The inscription also declares that Shah Jahan comissioned the mosque in January 1628 and that it took nine years to complete it. The Perisian script compares Chisti’s shrine to with that of the Prophet’s in Mecca, adding that Shah Jahan had it built so that he could pray facing the holy Muslim city and still be near the saint’s tomb.

Close to Chisti’s dargah stands the smaller tomb of the saint’s daughter, Bibi Hafiz Jamal. Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter Chimmi Begum is also buried nearby. Don’t forget to check out the small shops within the dargah complex selling a variety of religious and secular goods. The shops sell flowers and chaddars (coloured silk or satin sheets) meant to be placed on the grave of the saint, but don’t get persuaded into paying hefty donations in the name of the saint.

The Circuit House of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

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.

Places of interest around Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Baghera, Archaeological Site near Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Baghera, famous ancient archaeological relics, is located about 107 Km South East of Ajmer in the Kekri sub-division of ajmer district. Founded by the Chauhana king Someswara, Baghera’s original name was Vyageraka as mentioned in a rock inscription in Bijoliya dating back to 1226AD. The village is known for its treasure-trove of archaeological and antiquarian relics. The old name of Baghera was Vyagreraka which has also been recorded in the Bijolia rock inscription during the reign of the Chauhan Emperor, Someswara, dated 1226AD. Baghera attracted the attention of archaeologist A.C.L. Carllyle who examined its relics in 1871-72.

Baghera is well known for its archaeological sites, especially the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Varaha Avatar temple, as it is known, depicts Vishnu in the form of a boar, his third avatar (incarnation). The temple is now located within a fairly new building near the Varaha Sagar, a sacred tank. Towards the west of the Varaha Sagar is a ruined 10th century temple as well as a decorated gateway leading into the house of the chief of Baghera. There is also a magnificent Torana close to the outer wall of the garh (residence) of the Thakur of Baghera. Naginabagh offers a rare sight of low lying mounds having traces of ancient buildings buried underneath.

A little distance away from Baghera is an archeological site named Mataji Dungar, in a rocky area are Jain rock images which seems to loom straight out of the ground. Here one can behold a mystifying sight of Jain images jutting out of land. These images mark the site of a famous Jain temple referred to in the inscriptions of the medieval period of which these rock statues are the only things that have survived.

Tilonia near Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Tilonia is a small town 25 kms from Kishangarh near Ajmer and 7 kms off Jaipur-Ajmer highway. Barefoot college inspires this town, which began in 1972 with the conviction that solutions to rural problems lie within the community. The College, officially known as Social Work and Research Centre, addresses problems of drinking water, girl education, health & sanitation, rural unemployment, income generation, electricity and power, as well as social awareness and the conservation of ecological systems in rural communities.

Kishangarh near Ajmer in Rajasthan, India
 
Kishangarh is a city and a municipality in Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Kishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded in the early 1600s by Kishan Singh, a younger son of the raja of Jodhpur. He was a courtier of the Mughals, and was rewarded for services rendered to the emperor Akbar. In 1818, Kishangarh first came into direct relations with the British by entering into a treaty, in common its neighbouring states, for the suppression of the Pindari marauders by whom the country was at that time overrun. The chief, who held the title of Maharaja, was a Rajput of the Rathor clan.

Maharaja Madan Singh ascended the throne in 1900 at the age of sixteen, at a time when the state was reeling from the impact of a devastating drought. The administration under him and his diwan was widely deemed worthy of approbation; irrigation from tanks and wells was extended and factories for ginning and pressing cotton were started. A social reform movement for discouraging excessive expenditure on marriages made remarkable impact during his reign.

The present maharaja is Brijraj Singhji. The town of Kishangarh has a beautiful palace-hotel known as PhoolMahal, which is lovely place to holiday.

In the 18th century Kishangarh acclaimed fame as one of the finest schools of miniatures paintings. Though a smaller school with a much shorter duration it had a more refined style. It peaked under the patronage of Savant Singh an heir to the throne, who later became a hermit. It is the birth place of the Kishangarh style of painting. Bani Thani, also called the Indian Mona Lisa, is a famous painting from Kishangarh that has also been depicted on an official Indian stamp. It is said that Savant Singh modeled as Krishna while his mistress nicknamed as Bani Thani modelled for Radha. Paintings of Bani Thani are it most celebrated. The artist of this school favoured evening lights and grey skies with fine colours. This outstanding school lasted only a few decades. Today the artists still create duplicates of the work. In recent years, Kishangarh has come to be known as the marble city of India. It is purported to be the only place in the world with a temple of nine planets. The town is now an industrial town for marble and textiles. Kishangarh is connected by train and bus via Indian Railways and National Highway #8.

Beawar near Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Beawar (or Nayanagar) is a town in the Rajasthan state of India. It is a small but prosperous town situated amidst Aravali hills. Beawar was founded by Colonel Dixon in 1835.Beawar is a town of British India, the administrative headquarters of Merwara district in Ajmer. It was founded as a treaty between the Mewars and the British. It is 53 kilometers from Ajmer, with a 1901 population of 21,928. Beawar is situated at a strategic location in Rajasthan, India. The city was founded in 1836 as a military cantt, at an important location between the royal states of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. It was named after a local village called Beawar Khas. It meets the entire requirements for becoming a district, sooner or later it is going to happen.

It is an important centre of trade, especially in raw cotton, and had cotton presses and the Krishna cotton mills. It is the second largest centre of wool trade and also second largest producer of carpet grade woollen yarn in India. Besides this the food processing industry is also well developed. Other industries of the town includes Masala, Mineral based units, Machine based units, Machine tools and accessories, Pre-stressed concrete pipes, Plastic products, Textiles, Wooden furniture and Asbestos cement pipes .It is the largest producer of cement in northern India and home to Shree cement. It is also mineral rich and has reserves of felspar, quartz, asbestos, soapstone, magnesite, calcite, limestone, mica, emerald, granite, and masonary stone. Fairly good reserves of barytes fluorit, wolastonite and vermiculite have also been found. Beawar is well known and famous for the sweet "tilpatti". It was first discovered in beawar in the year 1938AD by shri Ramdhan Ji .Their well known shop for this sweet is "ramdhan & sons". The best time to get this sweet is from october to march because it's a sweet of winter season. Air transport facility is not available in the city. The nearest airport is Jaipur at a distance of 190 km.

Pushkar Fair near Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Every November, the sleepy little township of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity and of course the occasion is the world famous Pushkar Fair. Also known as Pushkar ka Mela, Pushkar Fair, is the world's largest camel fair held in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. The Pushkar Fair is no less than an encyclopedia on the tradition and culture of the state of Rajasthan. It is the event when a better population of the state can be found at one place and at one time. It seems as if the whole state has come alive at Pushkar to stand witness to its pulsating cultural heritage. Very few, if at all any, fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. Most people associate the Pushkar Fair with the world's largest camel fair but it is much more than that. Competitions such as the "Matka Phod", "moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main attractions of this fair which attract thousands of tourists. It's during this period that the population of 14,000 swells to over 200,000 while the festival hosts over 50,000 camels which are sold, raced and decorated. Colourful sights at the fair can touch and move even the sternest heart. Hindu pilgrims can be seen flocking the place to take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake, washing away all the sins of the past. Devotees and worshippers can be seen surrendering themselves at the only Brahma Temple.

In the month of Kartik each year, a staggering number of camels travel their way across the golden sands of Rajasthan to collect at Pushkar for the week-long fair devoted to them. Coming in from all directions, their masters astride them, they flick the sand at every step with casual ease. The horses that march to this site find the sand-trot a tough exercise. Numerous cows and sheep also come to the animal fair. Completing the scene thousands of men, women and children, come with their beasts, suddenly inhabiting the barren plain with the camel providing the backdrop.

The contrast to the dull desert landscape is the riot of colours - the large gaudy turbans of the native males arriving here to trade their animals or set up the stalls to cater to the booming captive market, and the loud hues of the pleated ghagaras (ankle-length skirts) of the women bangled by the armful, bejewelled from head to toe- adding charm and zest to the massive affair.
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Geography and Transport of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

It is situated in 26° 27, N. lat. and 74° 44, E. long., on the lower slopes of Taragarh hill, in the Aravalli Range. To the north of the city is a large artificial lake, called Anasagar, adorned with a marble structure called Baradari.

The city is well laid out with wide streets and handsome houses. Ajmer is at an important railway junction. The city is a trade center and has cotton mills and railroad shops. Manufactures include wool textiles, hosiery, shoes, soap, and pharmaceuticals.

The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. And the railway is further north and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Northeast is the main post office and most of the cities market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar.

Air: Jaipur 132 km is the nearest airport.

Rail: Regular train services link Ajmer with important cities.Some important train connections are: Gujrat Mail (Mumbai-Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Jodhpur Mail (Marwar-Ajmer-Jaipur): Delhi, Express(Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur);Shatabadi Express(New Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi).

Road: A good network of bus services operate from Ajmer to key destinations around.

Local Transport: City bus service operate in the city and to Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also available.

Facts about Ajmer in Rajasthan, India

Area :55.76 sq.km.
Altitude :486 meters
Climate :Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer :38.1degree C 27.7 degree C
Winter :23.3 degree C 05.5 degree C
Rainfall :38 to 51 cms.
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical
Winter: Woolen
Best Season :July-March
Languages :Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi.

Other useful Information about Ajmer in Rajasthan

Banks/Money Changers: Bank of Baroda,Prithviraj Marg, Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur,Station Road, Bank of India,Kaisarganj,  Bank of Rajasthan,Mayo College, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Prithviraj Marg, State Bank of India, near Collectorate,  Also,authorized money changers are available in the leading hotels.

Hospitals: J.L. Nehru Hospital

Club: Ajmer Club

Tourist Reception Centre: Assistant Director, Tourist Reception Centre, Hotel Khadim(RTDC), Tourist Information Counter at Railway Station.

Guide Service: Approved guides may be hired through the Asstt. Director, Tourist Reception Centre

Important Telephone Numbers: Police Control Room

Roadways (Central Bus Stand), Railways, 131 (Enquiry), 132 (Reservation), General Post .

Shopping : Shopping in Ajmer is an enjoyable experience. One can shop for antiques, curios, fascinating gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs, colorful tie-and-dye sarees and embroidered jodhpuri ‘Jutis’. Especially during the annual Urs fair, a range of colourful items and marvellous creations of traditional folk aristsans are for sale.