ajmer

Ajmer

city, central Rajasthan state, northwestern India. The city is on the lower slopes of Taragarh Hill, on the summit of which stands a fortress. It was probably founded about 1100 and was the capital of the former state. Architectural monuments include an ancient Jaina temple (converted c. 1200 into a mosque); the white marble tomb complex of the Muslim saint Mu'ih-ud-Din Chishti (d. 1236); and the palace of Akbar (Mughal emperor who reigned from 1556 to 1605), now a museum. The city was a Muslim military base used in operations against the Rajputs (the warrior people who ruled the historic region of Rajputana). To the north lies Ana Sagar, a lake created in the 11th century, on the shores of which stand marble pavilions built by Shah Jahan (Mughal emperor of India from 1628 to 1658). Situated on major road and rail routes, Ajmer is a trade centre for salt, mica, cloth fabrics, and agricultural products. Industries include railway workshops and oilseed mills; cotton and woolen fabrics as well as hosiery, soap, shoes, saddlery, and pharmaceuticals are produced there. Ajmer is known for its handicrafts and cloth weaving and dyeing.

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