The city of Ajmer can be redefined as the green oasis amidst the barren hills of Rajasthan, which forms a part of the Indian
subcontinent. This land of composite cultures was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. Ajmer continued to be a
major center of the Chauhan power till the period when monarch of the Chauhan dynasty Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed
Ghauri. It is since that time that the land of Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left behind indelible marks of
their individual culture and traditions on the history of this famous city.
In the recent times Ajmer has become one of the most popular pilgrimage for both the Hindu as well as the Muslim community. This
land is particularly famous for the Dargah Sharif Tomb of the much popular Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and is frequently
visited with much veneration. Another place of pilgrimage in Ajmer is Pushkar also believed to be the abode of Lord Brahma, which
lies in the western part of the region with a temple and picturesque lake. It is regarded as a very important religious place for the
Hindus. This place is also popular all over India for the camel fair. The city of Ajmer is also believed to be blessed with lakes, which
are again bounded by beautiful hills and hillocks. The other places of interest around the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan are Mangliyawas,
Badnor, Beawar, Kishangarh and Pachewar.
History
It was in tenth century that Ajmer was founded. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan. It was he who established the
Chauhan dynasty. In 1193, Ajmer was conquered by Muhammad of Ghor,the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. The internal rule of the
government was handed over to the Chauhan rulers upon the payment of a heavy tribute to the conquerors. Until 1365, Ajmer
remained a feudatory of Delhi and was captured by the ruler of Mewar. In 1532, Ajmer was conquered by the Marwar ruler.
In 1559, Ajmer was under the domination of Akbar and continued to be in the hands of Mughals. In 1770, Ajmer was ceded to the
Marathas. Till 1818, Ajmer was the scene of an ongoing struggle. Ajmer was seized at different times by the Mewar and the Marwar
Maharajas, from whom it was often retaken by the Marathas. In 1818, the Marathas deplorably sold Ajmer to the British for 50,000
Rupees. During the British rule, Ajmer was a province of the British. The province cosisted of the districts of Ajmer and Merwara
which were seperated by the territory of Rajputana Agency. Ajmer-Merwara was administered directly by the British Raj. After India`s
independence it was merged into Rajasthan.
Geography
Ajmer is a city in Rajasthan state situated on the lower slopes of Aravalli Range. To the North of the city is the artificial lake called
Anasagar. Ajmer is situated in the center of Rajasthan and is surrounded by the districts of Jaipur and Tonk towards the East and by
trhe district of Pali in the West. The north boundaries of the district is touched by Nagpur and the south by Bhilwara district. Ajmer is
situated at 26° 27, N. lat. and 74° 44, E.
Demographics
As per the 2001 census, the population of Ajmer is 485,197. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48% of the
population. Ajmer has an average literacy rate of 74%. Out of which, with 56% of the males and 44% of females are literate.
Education
Mayo College of AjmerThe important educational institutions of Ajmer are Sophia Girls` School, Mayo College( founded by the British
Raj), Ajmer Music College. One of the four NCERT Demonstration Schools of India is also located in Ajmer.