Ajmer is a city located in the northwestern part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city was founded in the 11th century by Ajayaraja I or Ajayaraja II, who were rulers of the Chahamana dynasty. The name Ajmer comes from Ajayameru, meaning invincible hill, in reference to the Taragarh Hill on which the city is located. Ajmer quickly became an important administrative and military center, and in 1193 the city was captured by the then Delhi Sultanate. After paying tribute, Ajmer was returned to its Rajput rulers, but in 1556 the city was again captured, this time by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Under Mughal rule, Ajmer became an important military base and a center of operations against the Rajput rulers’ supporters. In 1770, Ajmer was annexed by the Marathas, leading to constant fighting between Rajput and Maratha forces until the area was handed over to British colonialists in 1818. In 1878, Ajmer was constituted as a province under a Chief Commissioner and divided into the two separate districts of Ajmer and Merwara. Ajmer became part of the state of Rajasthan in 1956.

The centre of Ajmer is characterised by bustling markets, historical buildings and interesting sights. You can start a walk along Nala Bazar Road and Dargah Bazar Road, both of which are the city’s lively main streets with lots of trade and activity. In the streets, you can soak up the Indian atmosphere and enjoy a cup of chai or try local delicacies such as kachori and samosa. It is a wonderful experience and gives an impression of daily life in the Indian metropolis.

At the southern end of Dargah Bazar Road is the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of the finest Sufi shrines in India. The dargah is dedicated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a famous Sufi saint, and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Its history dates back to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who was born in Sistan in 1141. He traveled to spread the message of love, unity, and compassion and settled in Ajmer in 1192. Established in the 13th century after the saint’s death, the dargah quickly became a center of spiritual learning and a place of solace for people from all walks of life. Over time, Mughal emperors including Humayun, Akbar, and Shah Jahan contributed to the expansion and embellishment of the complex.

The architecture of Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a blend of Mughal, Persian and Indian styles. The main entrance to the complex is through the Nizam Gate, which leads to a large courtyard. On the right side of the courtyard is the Buland Darwaza, a massive gate built by Akbar. On the left side are two mosques, Jama Masjid and Aulia Masjid, built by Akbar and Shah Jahan respectively. The main shrine is adorned with a white marble dome and fine decorations. In addition to the architectural and spiritual experience, Ajmer Sharif Dargah also offers cultural events such as the Urs festival, which celebrates the saint’s death anniversary with great pomp and splendor, and the soulful Qawwali evenings, which are an important part of the Sufi tradition.

You can also visit Akbari Fort, another major attraction in the center of Ajmer. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1570, the fort served as an important military garrison and administrative center. Within the walls of the fort is the Akbari Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts such as weapons, sculptures and antiques. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage of the region and the many historical events that have taken place here. Akbari Fort is also known as the place where Prince Salim, later known as Emperor Jahangir, read out the royal charter that allowed the British East India Company to trade with India.

Another important attraction in Ajmer is the Taragarh Fort, which is located on the top of Taragarh Hill and offers a fantastic view of the city. The fort was built in the 12th century by the Chauhan dynasty and is known for its impressive architecture and location. The fort has three large entrance gates: Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak, which are beautifully decorated. There are several interesting parts of the fort such as Bhim Burj, which is a large bastion from the 16th century, where a large cannon called Garbh Gunjam was once mounted. Within the walls of the fort is, among other things, Miran Saheb ki Dargah, which is a shrine dedicated to Miran Saheb, a Muslim saint who lost his life in 1202. The shrine is today revered by both Hindus and Muslims.

When you are on an adventure in Ajmer, there are also other exciting things to see and experience. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is an old mosque that was built in the 1190s. The place was originally built as a Hindu Jain temple, before being converted into a Sanskrit school and mosque in the years 1192-1199. The Hindu temple parts are still visible in the building, which was used as a mosque until 1947. After that, it was designed as a place for all religions, where the building itself is also interesting. It stands as an early example of Indo-Islamic architecture with Hindu elements.

Mayo College Museum is also an option. It is a museum located on the campus of Mayo College, and its exhibitions focus on the preservation of traditional art and culture. The museum exhibits beautifully printed textiles and demonstrates, among other things, the techniques used in this ancient art form. At the Daulat Khana museum, you can gain further insight into the regional history through a large collection of paintings and historical objects. Like many other places in Ajmer, it is set in fine architectural settings. If you want to enjoy the city recreationally, you can go to Ajmer’s many parks such as Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh, where you can take some relaxing walks.