Famous Forts and Palaces in Ajmer

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Ajmer is a centrally located city in the state of Rajasthan. Visited by tourists along with Jaipur and Pushkar, Ajmer is mainly known for its Dargah Sharif Tomb which is much revered by Muslims and Hindus. Apart from this there are famous forts and palaces in Ajmer that attract a number of visitors.

The state of Rajsthan has always been known for palaces and forts. All the major cities of Rajsathan, like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Ajmer have forts and palaces that are famous tourist spots. These structures are historical monuments and architectural masterpieces of medieval India. Rajasthan, the land of Mahrajas, holds lot of historic value for the tourists.

Ajmer is a prominent city of Rajasthan. With a good mix of Hindu and Muslim population this city is a great example for the secularism that India holds. The famous Dargah Sharif Tomb of Mouinuddin Chishti in Ajmer is revered equally by Hindu and Muslims.

Ajmer is surrounded by Aravalli hills. One can have a good view of the mountains from a high point in Ajmer. Ajmer was once ruled by Chauhan Dynasty and more particularly Prithviraj Chauhan. In 1559 however the city was seized by Akbar. Thus the architecture and buildings of Ajmer have a combined influence of Hindu and Muslim style. Later during the British Raj the architecture of Ajmer also underwent some modifications according to Western style.

There are quite a few famous forts and palaces in Ajmer. Here are a few prominent Ajmer forts and palaces. They have been summarized below:

Taragarh Fort

Taragarh Fort is an impressive structure built on an elevated plain of the Aravalli Hills. The fort belonged to the Chauhan dynasty and was constructed in AD 1345.

Taragarh Fort was built by Rajput kings in true warrior style. The fort has been designed in a way that it is invincible by enemy. The fort has huge gateways through which elephants and camels could easily get in the fort. Three main gateways are Laksmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza, and Gagudi Ki Phatak.

The most unique feature of the fort is the crisscrossing tunnels that used to run across the entire hillside. The tunnels were used to run away from enemies during attacks.

Some of the beautiful and exquisite parts of the fort are Rani ka Mahal or the Queen's Palace. Beautiful carvings and colorful paintings adorn the walls of the palace. Other interesting things to see inside the fort are huge stone water reservoirs and the battlements on which cannons were displayed.

Akbar Fort

Akbar's Palace is a small fort but quite impressive. It was built by Akbar in 1570 for his visits to Ajmer. The fort is not very huge but most robust and impregnable out all the forts in Rajasthan. The fort is layered with two layers of thick walls.

The fort is well secured that English army used it as a den to store arms and ammunitions during the mutiny of 1857. The fort has great historic value because this is the place where Jahangir met East India Company and granted them trade permission in India.

Apart from these there are other forts and palaces like Mansingh Palace, Bijay Niwas Palace, and so on. There is no dearth of famous forts and palaces in Ajmer that are specimens of Rajputana, Muslim, and Colonial architecture.