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Ajmer

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Ajmer is a significant city located in northwest India. It sits within the state of Rajasthan. Because of its central location, it is often called the Heart of Rajasthan.

A view of ajmer city
A view of ajmer city

The city is nestled against the Aravalli Mountains. These mountains surround the urban area. To the northwest, the Nagapathar Range of the Aravalli Mountains provides a natural barrier. This range protects the city from desertification caused by the nearby Thar Desert.

The city's name has deep historical roots. It was originally established as "Ajaya Meru." In Sanskrit, this phrase means "invincible hill." This name refers to the Taragarh Hill where the city is built.

A view of ajmer city
A view of ajmer city

A Chahamana ruler likely founded the city. Some sources name Ajaydeva as the founder. Historian Dasharatha Sharma notes the name appears in a text copied in 1113 CE. This suggests the city existed well before that date. The name "Ajaya Meru" eventually evolved into the modern name, Ajmer.

Ajmer has seen many different rulers throughout its history. Chahamana kings used the city as their capital until the 12th century CE. In 1193, the Ghurids annexed the city. Later, the city was held by Gaur Rajput rulers. By the 15th century, the territory was captured by Mewar. In 1556, the Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Ajmer. He made the city the capital of the Ajmer Subah.

The Mughals showed great favor to the city. They built structures like Akbar's palace near the Ana Sagar lake. Even the children of Emperor Shah Jahan were born here in 1614 and 1615.

The geography of the region influences its climate. Ajmer has a hot, semi-arid climate. Most of the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon months. These months run from June to September. During this time, heavy rain and thunderstorms are frequent. However, flooding is not a common occurrence.

Pushkar ghati (LongShot)
Pushkar ghati (LongShot)

Summer temperatures are high from April to early July. Winter months from November to February are mild and temperate. During winter, temperatures can occasionally fall near freezing levels.

Religious sites are a major part of Ajmer. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a famous shrine for the saint Moinuddin Chishti. It sits at the foot of the Taragarh hill.

Dargah of moinuddin chishti
Dargah of moinuddin chishti

The shrine features white marble buildings and a massive gate. About 125,000 pilgrims visit this site every day. The Urs celebration occurs annually on the 6th and 7th of Rajab. Another important site is the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. This monument was originally a Sanskrit college. It was later converted into a mosque in the 12th century.

Architecture and heritage are visible throughout the city. The Taragarh Fort is a massive hill fort. It stands at 2,855 feet above sea level.

A view of ajmer city
A view of ajmer city

It is reputed to be the oldest hill fort in India. The Akbari Fort and Museum is another notable landmark. It was commissioned by Akbar in 1570.

The museum holds collections of Mughal and Rajput armor and sculpture. For Jain heritage, visitors can see the Soni Ji Ki Nasiyaan temple. Its main chamber, called Swarna Nagari, uses 1,000 kg of gold.

Ayodhya Nagri
Ayodhya Nagri

The Nareli Jain Temple is a more recent addition to the city.

Modern Ajmer serves as an important administrative center. It is the headquarters for the Ajmer district and division. The city has a large population. According to the 2011 census, the city and its suburbs held over 550,000 people.

Anasagar Lake, Ajmer
Anasagar Lake, Ajmer

The city also maintains a high literacy rate of 86.52%. Education is supported by institutions like Mayo College. This college was founded in 1875. It was once known as the "Indian Eton" because many Indian princes studied there.

Jain Temple-Ajmer
Jain Temple-Ajmer
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Jahangir Receives Prince Khurram at Ajmer on His Return from the Mewar Campaign.jpg
Jahangir Receives Prince Khurram at Ajmer...
File:A view of ajmer city.jpg
A view of ajmer city.jpg
File:Dargah of moinuddin chishti.jpg
Dargah of moinuddin chishti.jpg
File:Adhai Din-ka-Jhonpra Column detail (6134514518).jpg
Adhai Din-ka-Jhonpra Column detail...
File:Ayodhya Nagri.jpg
Ayodhya Nagri.jpg
File:Akbar Fort.jpg
Akbar Fort.jpg
File:Jain Temple-Ajmer.jpg
Jain Temple-Ajmer.jpg
File:Anasagar Lake, Ajmer.JPG
Anasagar Lake, Ajmer.JPG
File:मक़बरा ख़्वाजा हुसैन अजमेरी रहमतुल्लाह अलैह अजमेर शरीफ .jpg
मक़बरा ख़्वाजा हुसैन अजमेरी रहमतुल्लाह...
File:Pushkar ghati (LongShot).jpg
Pushkar ghati (LongShot).jpg
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