Ajmer

Located in the heart of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a small town with a rich and fascinating past, and in today’s world, it is growing in many facets including culture, education, and both state and privately-owned industrial and infrastructure establishments. These elements contribute to Ajmer’s appeal for trade, tourism, and investments.

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by the hills of the Aravali range, 132 km west of the current state capital Jaipur, lies the historic city of Ajmer—a green oasis wrapped by barren hills. Founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D., Ajmer got its name from ‘Ajay Meru’ or the invincible hill. Here, he built India’s first hill fort, Taragarh. Ajmer continued to be the power center of the Chauhan clan until the end of the 12th century, enduring times of war and peace, serenity, and sacrifice.

Today, hundreds of years later, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Muslims. It is the final resting place of the great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Muslims from all over the world revere the Dargah Sharif, where the saint lies buried, and it is locally revered by both Hindus and Muslims alike.

Additionally, Ajmer serves as a base for visiting Pushkar, about 14 km away. The abode of Lord Brahma, the Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus, where they take a dip, especially in the month of Karthik, which is considered spiritually significant.

Thus, Ajmer is a perfect symbol of Indian culture and ethics, demonstrating a blend of diverse religions, communities, cultures, and languages all coexisting and flourishing in peace and harmony. Besides the local Hindus and Muslims, Ajmer is home to several communities such as Gujarati, Marathi, Malayali, other South Indian communities, Sikhs, Catholics, and Parsis. Historically, Ajmer has been a centrally administered state, reflecting its multicultural heritage.

Ajmer stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of a wide array of religions and communities, each contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the town. This makes Ajmer a unique and significant place in India’s cultural and historical landscape.