History of Ajmer

There are different theories by different scholars on the establishment of Ajmer. According to some stories, this city was founded in the 7th century, while some others say the city was built during the 11th – 12th century, but they all agreed that this is the place where the Mughals and the British came into contact with the first time. Ajmer, also formally known as Ajay Meru, was established by the Chauhan King, Ajay Pal Singh. The very first fort built here was the ‘Taragarh fort,’ about which some believed is the oldest hill forts of the country. After Chauhan Empire, the Afghans came into power and took over the reins from Prithviraj Chauhan, the last king of the Chauhan Dynasty. Afghans ruled for approx. Three centuries at Ajmer, which later on came into the power of Mighty Mughals. Mughal king Akbar declared his reign in 1556 AD, and the place became the headquarters for the operations of Mughals in Rajasthan. After the Mughals, Ajmer subsequently came into the hands of Scindias. It is believed that the first contact between Mughal and the British also happened in Ajmer when Jahangir (Mughal Emperor) met Sir Thomas Roe here in the year 1616 AD. When the British came into power, they influenced Ajmer in a different way. They chose Ajmer to establish top-line educational institutions like Mayo College and King George Military School.

Culture, Traditions, and Cuisine of Agra:

Ajmer is a place full of colors and life. People of Ajmer celebrate every festival with all zeal and joy. The place houses one of the major pilgrims for Muslims also is the place that has many majestic temples for Hindu devotees. Pushkar Lake, Brahma temple, Jain Temple of Nareli are one of the major tourist destinations in Ajmer. Muslim festivals like Urs and Eid are celebrated as enthusiastically as Hindu Festivals Diwali, Holi, Buddh Poornima, Guru-Parv, and so on. Being the home to Rajputs, Ahirs, Gujjars, Christian, and Sindhis, and other different communities, the dialect is highly influenced by this vibrant cultural mix. The major languages spoken here are Hindi, English, Sindhi, Urdu, Rajasthani, and its allied language.

Being a part of Rajasthan, one can see the spirit of Rajasthani music very often here. Fariyadis a type of music that is very popular in Ajmer. The music is the compilation of Qawaalis sung in devotion to Sufi Saint Khawja Sahab or Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. There is an ancient church in Ajmer named CNI where the prayers are sung with the instruments like piano, harmonium, banjo, and dholak (Indian banjo). If you want to peek into the spirit of Rajasthan, one must see the Kalbeliya Dance, which is the most famous dance form of Rajasthan. This dance form is especially practiced in Ajmer by a tribe that goes with the same name, ‘Kalbeliya.’ The performers of this dance are both men and women. These performers are generally the habitant of rural Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Pali, and Ajmer. All the rulers that ruled Ajmer brought something with them: the specific form of Art and Craft. These royal empires played a vital role in developing and filling the colors in the tradition and culture of Ajmer. One of the famous works is Leatherwork which is famous in Pushkar and Ajmer. Embroidery and ornamentation played a vital role in shaping a part of art and craft in Ajmer. Kishangarh, a nearby city of Ajmer, has the finest schools of miniature paintings that were widely popular during the 18th century.

Talking about the festivals and fairs that are celebrated in Ajmer, you would definitely like to attend one of the biggest Conventions organized by the Christian Community of Ajmer and all over India. People from different parts of the world attend this convention, praise the Lord with their prayers and devotions, and witness many miracles here. The five days fair named Urs, the Pushkar Camel fair, and Holi festival of Pushkar are not to be missed. Then there’s an international Sufi festival held in Ajmer in October. Artists from different parts of the world like France, Egypt, etc., do perform in this Sufi festival.

Cuisine of Ajmer

Rajasthani food is considered the richest food in India. The impression of richness and taste can be easily detectable in Ajmer’s food. Just like all Rajasthan, once savor the same rich food in Ajmer also with slightest of difference. Ghewar, Dal Bati Churma, Rajasthani Pulao, Jalebis, Bajre ki Khichdi are major dishes that Ajmer people here. There’s a special sweet dish named Sohan halwa, a very popular sweet dish all over Rajasthan. Sohan Halwa is a hard pancake-like sweet dish wish is made purely in Ghee garnished with Cashews. As we know that Ajmer is a Muslim majority region it is because this reason, one savor different Non –Vegetarian delicacies, which are famous for their mouth-watering taste and scrumptious aroma. Some of the majorly popular non-veg dishes are Pasande, Mutton Curry, Mughlai Murg Mussalam, Chicken, Sula kebab, and Mutton Biryani. If you are a street food lover, you will like to tickle your taste bud with Ajmer ki Kadhi Kachori along with Samosa, which is triangle bread having spicy stuffing served along with tangy chutney. Madar Gate, Chudi Bazar, and Dargah Baazar are the famous Ajmer travel places where you can savor these mouth-watering delicious street foods.

Shopping places in Ajmer

Shopping in Ajmer always gives a pleasuring experience. This city in Rajasthan is known for curious and antiques, Bandhini Sarees, embroidered Jodhpuri Jootis (Rajasthani designed shoes), charming Rajasthani Jewelries and many more. The most projecting shopping center in Ajmer is Station Road, Madar gate, Naya Bazaar, Nala Bazaar, Purani mandi, and Kaisarganj.