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Introducation
South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped
in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in
the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the
Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to
Mohammed Gaure. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties.
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. It is a centre of culture and education, the
British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College a school
exclusively for Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting
Pushkar (14 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 (Oct./Nov.), devotees throng in
large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed
a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill. The Chauhans ruled
Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer
was also favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first
contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe
took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and
then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only
part of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co.
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.
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