Chapter II

ETHNOGRAPHIC SETTINGS

As the field of study Pushkar is situated within the district of Ajmer, it is imperative

to outline the district profile of Ajmer, so as to anive at an understanding regarding the

various nuances ofthe socio-cultural milieu, in which the universe of study is situated.

AJMER: The City of All Faiths

Rajasthan the land ofheroes and waniors has always been a source of inspiration

with the heroic history being a saga of Raj put valour and gallentry. The colourful costumes,

architectural splendour, magnificient paintings and fascinating fairs and festivals of the

state attracts a large number of tourists every year. Ajmer is one of the 32 districts in

Rajasthan and owes a strategic position because of its location exactly in the centre of the

state for which it is also known as the "Heart of Rajasthan". Situated in the centre of

Rajputana, the land of chivalry and ancient tradition, Ajmer is sunounded by erstwhile

Raj put states of Marwar on the west, Kishangarh and Marwar on the north, Jaipur and

Kishangarh on the east and Mewar on the south. Picturesquely situated in a valley

sunounded by high hills, adorned with two fine lakes, abounding in natural spots, hoary

with age and historic associations, resting in the shadow of one of the most renowed

fortresses in the east, nature has endowed Ajmer with the attractions of lake and hill

scenery. The splendid situation of Ajmer making the highest eleYation of the plains of

Hindustan and the center of a region is inhabited by warlike races, famous for their

unsurpassed color and valour has made Ajmer not only a place of supreme strategical and

political importance, but the cynosure of all eyes. It occupies the first place in the religious

1 6

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sentiments of the people, both Muslims and Hindus, owing to Pushkar the 'King of sacred

places' of the Hindus, and the shrine ofthe "Chief of the Muslim Saints" Khwaja Muinuddin

Chisti also known among the faithfuls as Khwaja Garib 1\awaz "KGN". Its natural beauty,

its superb situation and its political distinction have placed it on a high pedestal amongst

the cities oflndia. With the fall of the Mughal Empire, the prosperity of this historic city

suffered an eclipse but with the advent of British and particularly since the coming of the

Railways, Ajmer has been making steady progress.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, SIZE AND CLIMATE

It lies on the border of arid zone ofRajasthan and covers the entire valley between

Taragarh and Madar hills and lies between latitude 25: 24' and 26°42' N and longitude

73°45' and 75°24' E.The plateau on which the city of Ajmer stands marks the highest

elevation of the plains of Hindustan and fom1s the hills which surround it, the country

slopes to all points of the compass. Geographically Ajmer district is a triangular plain

having an area of 8481 sq .km. The climate of Ajmer is one of the healthiest in India,

particularly bracing in \Yinter. The air is dry and hot in summer and cold and bracing in

winter, particularly in December, January and February. The level of the district varies

from one thousand to two thousand feet abow sea leYel. The average temperature is,

therefore much moderate and is generally lower than the latitude would indicate. The

place is free from cyclones, earthquakes and violent storms. The rainfall is partial and

precarious. The south west monsoon which sets in late June and ends in mid September

are the seasons for rainfall. The average rainfall is 21.2 inches. Average temperature is :

Summer mean max. 4 3. 7° C and mean min. 3 7. 7° C

1 7

·Winter mean max. 23.3° C and mean min. 5.5° C

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

It is situated in valley surrounded by Aravali hills which are the oldest mountains in the

world. It derives it's name from Ajaymeru (the invincible hill) believed to be found in the

7th century by King Ajaypal Chauhan.

The early history of Ajmer is legendary in character. It is said that Raja Ajaypal

attemped to build his stronghold on the Nagpahar hill, but each night an evil genius

destroyed the walls which had been built during the day and this induced Ajaypal to

transfer his fortress to neighbourhood hill Taragarh. Here he built a fort Garah Beetli, and

in the valley at the hill known as Indrakot founded a city which he called after his own

nameAjmer.

The Chauhans dominated here till 12th century with serie's of fierce battle of

succession. Prithvi Raj Chauhan was the last great ruler who defeated Mohammed Ghori

in 1192 A.D. and was later defeated by him in 1193 A.D. in Ajmer. A son ofPrithvi Raj

was established as a subordinate ruler but was cheated by his uncle and the latter too later

also could not rule for long, so finally the city was annexed to Delhi.

Subsequently it was seized by Ralia Kumbha of Mewar, then came the Muslim

rulers of Malwa, who were thrown out by Maldeo Rathore of Marwar. Later Akbar

annexed it to Mughal empire in 1556 A.D. and made it headquarters for the operations in

Rajputana and Gujarat.

Ajmer is also associated with many historical events. Sir Thomas Roe, the

ambassador of King James I of England had his first audience here and presented his

1 8

credentials to Jahangir on 1 O'h January 1616 (colonial rule began from Ajmer). The life at

Ajmer is described vividly by him in his 'journal'.

Dara Shikoh the eldest son of Shah Jahan was born here and the war of succession

between the sons of Shah Jahan was won in 1650 by Aurangzeb in the battle of Dorai

near Ajmer. The great importance of fort and district of Ajmer in the midst of Rajasthan

was early recognised by Muslim rulers. It commanded main route~ from north India to

Gujarat on one side and Malwa on other. It was a centre of trade earlier with a well high

impregnable wall to protect it.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

As per the 2001 census the total population of the district is 2180526.

1. Population

Male 1128763

Female 1051763

Total 2180526

Rural 1306398 and Urban 874128.

2. Percentage decade wise increasing rate 26.10%

..., .). F/M ratio per 1000 on male -female 932

4. Density per Sq.Kms 257

5. Literacy rate

Male 79.96%

Female 49.10%

Total 65.06%

1 9

6. Scheduled Castes 319934

7. Scheduled Tribes 39704

Source: SC/ST population from 1991 census

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

For the sake of administration the district is divided into 6 subdivisions and nine

tehsils with 8 towns. The headquarters of the Ajmer district is the historical city of Ajmer.

The six divisions include Ajmer, Beawar, Kekri, Kishangarh, Nasirabad and Masuda. The

9 Tehsils are: 1) Kishangarh 2) Ajmer 3) Pisanganj 4) Beawer 5) Masuda 6) Nasirabad 7)

Bhinai 8) Sarwar 9) Kekri. The total number ofpanchayat samities are 8.

Population of the Towns as per 2001 census

TOWNS MALE FEMALE TOTAL

Beawar 65569 60354 125923

Kishangarh 61025 55131 116156

Kekri 17630 16499 34129

Sarwar 8355 7839 16194

Vijaynagar 14431 13257 27688

Ajmer 256379 233759 490139

Nasirabad 28242 20869 49111

Pushkar 7952 6837 14789

TOTAL 459583 414545 874128

Administrative Profile

Sub Division 6 Village Panchayat 276

Tehsils 9 Municipal 8

20

Panchayat Samities 8 Community development blocks 8

Total No. of Gram 1038

Total number of inhabited villages 1025

Total number of uninhabited villages 13

Total numbers of towns 8

Linguistic and Religious Composition

The dialects known are Hindi, Marwari, Urdu, Sindhi, and English. The Hindus,

who form about 2/3 of the population in the city of Ajmer are divided into several sects;

Vaishnavas, Shivas, J ains and others.

Jains:

The Jains are divided into three sects ; 1) Svetambari 2) Digambari 3) Sthanak

vasies. These Sthanakvasies do not worship idols but who have their thanaks where their

preachers reside. They move from place to place but always on foot.

Muslims:

The Indigenous muslims consist chiefly of the Khadims ofDargah and the Inderkots

and Deswalis who are converted Hindus. The Deswalis are the latest converts among

whom Hindu ceremonies and rites are still observed.

Parsees:

THESIS 306.6911709544

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The Parsees have a fire temple of their own and a Tower of silence outside the town.

2 1

AryaSamaj:

The Arya Samaj is a body of Hindus whose aim is to restore Hinduism to its purity

and it rejects the authority of the Puranas and all other books held as sastras by the .

orthodox Hindus. It's close association with Ajmer is due to the fact that the founder of

the movement Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati breathed his last in Ajmer on 30th September

1883 A.D. The remains were interred with great ceremony in a garden on the bank of

Ana Sagar presented to the Paropakarini Sabha by his disciple, the late Rajadhiraj Nahar

Singh. Arya Samaj has been established in Ajmer since 1881.

Christian Mission:

The central position of the city of Ajmer in Rajputana early attracted the attention

of various Christian Missionary bodies. In addition to Church of England, the Scott United

Free Church Mission, the American Methodist and the Roman Catholics have made it a

centre of their activities especially in the field of education and health.

NATURAL WEALTH

Fauna:

There is little cover for large game. Wolves are rare but Wild hog, Black buck

(antelope), Ravine deer, Chinkara (Gagella Benetti Sykes) and Nilgiri or blue bull

(Boselaphus trago-canelu-Pallas) are met within Ajmer. Sambhars are few and so their

shooting is prohibited. Of the small game the common ones are Indian bustard, Small sand

grouse, Quail (fairly common) Grey patridges (Common), Geese and ducks, Snipe and

Peacock. An occasional tiger can be met within the outskirts on adjoining hills ofPushkar.

22

Flora :Topographical features, drought and frost are the three important factors which

stand against the growth of vegetation in Ajmer. There are only few clusters oftrees to be

met within the district. The grass grown during rainy season is also used for fodder. Owing

to these adverse factors, its flora is mainly xerophytic and indigenous species are very

limited in nature. The common trees grown here are Kumta, Salar, Khejra, Arinja, Babool,

Khair, Neem, Dhobra, Pi pal, Tanboli, Barh, SemaL etc. The common shrubs grown here

are; the Thor, Frangan, Gangan, Arni, Dhasna, Ber, Halepan, Salepan etc. It consists of

dry miscellaneous forest which covers an area of 51028 Sq. Km.

Mineralogy : Lead, iron, copper and silver are found in Ajmer. Iron is found mainly in

Ghugra ghati and Lohagal in Ajmer. The mountain ofTaragarh contains lodes of carbonate

lead but only in small amount. Other ores are of manganese and copper. Iron ore is found

in abundance and is of good quality. The soil in many places is much impregnated with

soda. Besides this mica and garnet mines are being worked in Ajmer. Stone is abundantly

quarried in the district and is used in roofing houses which in other parts oflndia is done

by wood. Marbles of various colours are mined in the ,-icinity of A .. jmer. Iron is found in

Kabra hill in Pushkar.

RIVERS AND LAKES:

The hills between Ajmer and Nasirabad mark the watershed of India. The rain

falling on the eastern side is drained off by the Chambal into the Bay ofBengal, and that

on the western side is carried by the Luni river into the Arabian Sea. Being the centre of

the watershed it could not have any rivers. The main streams are; Saraswati, Banas,

23

Khari, Sagarmati, Luni which are mere rivulets in hot weather but become torrents in

rain. Owing to the regular conditions of drought the irrigation mainly depends on tanks

and wells. The natural lakes are the two in Pushkar while the two artificial lakes are

F oysagar and Anasagar which add to the beauty of the district. Bisal tank is built by Bisal

Deo Chauhan in 1150 A.D. and Anasagar built by Anaj i Chauhan. As the slope ofland in

every direction is on outer side there is no permanent under current of percolation to feed

the supply in the wells. Therefore, both tanks and wells depend on rainfall for water

supply.

AGRICULTURE:

The total area for agriculture is 842345 Sq.kms. of which 47699Sq. km. is not

available· for cultivation. Owing to its geographical position on watershed of India

agriculture is precarious. The soil is shallow and has rocky strata near the surface. Soil

composition is 1/3 stiff yellow loam and 2/3 sand consisting of disintegrating mica schists

and felspar. The city is quite prone to famine. The significant crops cultivated here are

maize, jawar, bajra,: cotton, oilseed, }¥heat. Poppy is generally cultivated in Todgarh

Tehsil and sugarcane and rose in Pushkar valley. It is said that Pushkar is one of the

largest producers of roses in India which have both sacred and secular significance as

they are used both by Hindus in Pushkar and Muslims in Dargah as an offering to God. - ,,

INDUSTRY:

In old days Ajmer was the centre for the trade of Rajputana. Pisangan was the

principal market for Khajrod tobacco, much appreciated in Rajputana which is exported

24

to Marwar, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Upper India. Beawar owing to its situation at

the confluence ofMarwar and Mewar territories has supplanted Ajmer as the commercial

centre of the province. Ajmer is also an important railway centre and the local emporium

for the trade of adjoining parts of Rajasthan. The locomotive, carriage and wagon shops

of Western Railway are established here which employs a lot of people.

ARTS AND MANUFACTURERS:

Dyeing and lac making are the principal manufacturers of Ajmer. English muslins

and silks are dyed in different colours and designs and exported to Gujarat, Berar,

Khandesh, Malwa. Lace making is another important growing industry. Another important

industry is making of various kinds ofbrass, copper and bell metal utensils. The making

of lac bangles used to be a major industry which is declining owing to the introduction of

German and Austrian glass bangles. Ivory and wood bangles, also-sandalwood combs

and rosaries and small boxes, which are largely purchased and taken home by Muslim

pilgrims to the Dargah, along with 'revdees' and 'tillees' (sweets of which the oilseed is the

principal ingredient) are made in Ajmer. Carpets and durries ofbeautiful Kashmir, Persian

and Bokhara pattern are made in Ajmer jail and they are also exported outside the

country.

LITERACY LEVEL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES:

The total literacy level as per the 2001 census is 65.06% of which male is 79.96%

and female 49.10%. It bears the distinction of being the first district,in Rajasthan to have

attained cent percent literacy in 1996 which is contradictory to its position in BIMARU

2 5

club. Among the district literacy programme it is the first literate district in the whole of

northern India. The total number of schools are 2145 with primary schools being 1416,

secondary schools being 419, with 201 colleges, 8 professional colleges and 7 schools for

vocational and professional education. It is a home for the students from diverse cultural

and regional backgrounds.

Mayo College : Sometimes known as the "Eton of India" situated on the outskirts of

Ajmer was founded by Lord Mayo, the Viceroy oflndia in 1875 for the education of the

sons of chiefs, Princes and leading Thakurs. Since then it has developed as a premier

educational institution oflndia attracting students not only from Rajasthan but all parts

of India and abroad also. It has a museum displaying historical objects of interest and '

biological preservations.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECT

Festivals and fairs : In addition to the common Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi and

Dussehra which are celeberated throughout India, a number of other festivals are observed

amongst which chief is Gangaur and Teej festivals peculiar to Rajasthan. Gangaur is

celebrated in honour ofGauri, wife ofShiva and all virgins and married women take part

in it. It begins with the Sil Saptmi which comes seven days after the Holi when the

goddess of small pox is worshipped by women and it lasts for a fortnight . A number of

public fairs are held in Ajmer in connection with religious festivals, mostly in the rainy

seasons. The biggest fairs are:

1) Jaljhulni Ekadashi- the eleventh day ofBhadwa Sud (Aug.-Sept.) when the idols in

26

the temples of Ajmer are all taken out in a grand procession for a bath in the

Anasagar lake.

2) The Sil Saptami fair in honour of the goddess of small pox.

3) The Savitri fair held in Pushkar.

4) The Dussehra or the Ravana fair held in the month of Sept.-Oct.

5) The biggest fair in the district is the Pushkar Kartik fair held in October-November

when nearly a lakh of pilgrims bathe in the sacred Pushkar lake.

6) Tejaji kaMela, another local festival of importance though observed by all classes

ofHindus, it is the principal festival of peasantry. It is celebrat~d in honour ofTejaji

who is always represented as a warrior on the horseback with a drawn sword and

a snake biting his tongue. The Jats and Gurjars wear an amulet with this device

around their necks to protect them from snakes.

The chief Muslim festivals with the exception Muhram, Shabrat and the two Ids

are the Urs ofKhwaja Sahib and ofMiran Sahib. The Urs ofKhwaja Sahib attracts lakhs

of people from outside Ajmer every year.

FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

,, The Hindus with the expections of Raj puts, Brahmins and Kayastha are vegetarians.

Wheat, Barley, gram, maize and bajra are the staple food grains. There are few clubs in

the district for the entertainment of the people namely ; The Ajmer Club, The Indian

Club, The Railway Institute and The Bisset Institute for the employees ofthe Railway.

The Ajmer Club has excellent facility for all kinds of games.

27

COMMUNICATION:

There is 1 06 miles of railway running through the district. The total length of metalled

roads is 248 miles and ofunmetalled is 274 miles. These were principally made as famine

works. There are Post Offices, branch post offices and telegraph offices in addition to

those at railway station. The district is situated in the centre of the Rajputana-Malwa

Railway line, being 305 miles north of Ahmedabad, 234 mile south west Agra, 271 miles

south of Delhi, via Jaipur and Bandi and 235 miles vai Phulera Rewadi cord line and 393

miles north ofKhandwa-the four terminus ofrailway station.

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST:

Adltai- din - ka Jhonpra ,,

It is a relic of an old mosque consisting of a quadrangle cloistered on all the four

sides, having on the inside, a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. It was originally

a Sanskrit college, probably within a temple enclosure which was destroyed by Mohammad

Gauri, and is believed that he ordered, the mosque to be made ready for his prayer within

two and a half days.

Ana Sagar

An alluring artificial lake, built in the 12th century and is named after Anaji Chauhan.

The huge embankment erected with people's help is a fine example. of the corporate life

in Ajmer at that time. The 'Baradari' of pavilions were built by Shah Jahan.

28

Dargalt Khwaja Sahib

The landmark of Ajmer, revered by all the sects is, one of the most sacred Muslim

shrines in the country. Millions of pilgrims from within the country and abroad, come

here to pay homage at the shrine, which is the final resting place of the great Sufi Saint­

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti- the Bestower of Boons, better known as Garib Nawaz. The

sacred shrine was built in the early 13th century. The grave of the saint is surrounded by

the silver railing and partially by a marble screen, and lies in a domed chamber.

Dargah attracts millions from all the sects and regions during the six day celebration

of the Urs or death anniversary of Khwaja, held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic

month ofRajab. The shrine is considered the next to Mecca/Medina for the Muslims of

South Asia.

Prithvi Raj Chauhan Smarak

Halfway up the interesting drive to Taragarh Fort, Prithviraj Smarak, a memorial

dedicated to last Hindu emperor of India, Prithviraj Chauhan III was built in 1994.

Taragarh Fort

This giant fort stands guarding the city at height of about 1300 feet above ground

level. It was built before 1113 AD by founder ruler of the city, Ajaypal of Chauhan

dynasty.

It commands panoramic view of the city situated in Nag Pahari of Aravalli ranges.

and has immense archaeological and historical importance.

29

APPROACH ROAD TO PUSHKAR

The road in the photograph is one that cuts across the Nag Hills and joins Ajmer and Pushkar.

PUSHKAR

Seven miles to the west of Ajmer and separated from it by Nag Pahar lies the

sacred lake of Pushkar. The town of Pushkar is located on the lake with hills on three

sides and the sands drifted from the plains ofMarwar, have formed a complete bar to the

waters of the lake, which has no outlet, though the infiltration through the sand hills is

considerable. The lake is semi circular, fed from Nag Pahar and nearly 52 bathing ghats

have been constructed around it .

GeographiCal Location Size and Climate of Pushkar

It is about 13 Kms. in the west of Ajmer covers an area of 5 Sq. K.m. and at a level

1580 feet high and the lake is semi circular in shape with 52 ghats around and is 15 metres

deep. Temperature during winter is average and also during summer with an average

rainfall of20 inches. The best seasons are July to March.

Summer mean max. 37.7° C and mean Min. 15.5° C

Winter mean max. 23.3° C and mean Min. 3.7° C

Population: The population oftown as per 2001 census is total14789 of which male is

7952 and female is 6837.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN

Antiquity of Pushkar

There have been several myths about the existence ofPushkar like the punch marked

Hindu coins which are held to be the most ancient of Indian coins, as being of date

anterior to the fourth century B.C. reveal that Pushkar existed during 4th century B.C.

3 0

Similarly Ramayana the oldest epic poem in the world, mentioned pushkar in (Sagra 62

Sloka 28) which says that Vishvamitra performed Tapa (devotion) here. Furthur another

myths adds on in (Sagra 63, sloka 15) that the Apsara Menka came to Pushkar to bathe

in its sacred waters. In the Mahabharat it is mentioned in a programme of Maharaja

Yudhishthir's travel saying that after entering the jungles ofSindh and crossing the small

rivers in the way he should bathe in Pushkar. The inscriptions found in other parts of

India reveal that the place was equally sacred to the Hindus as the four stone inscriptions

of the second century B.C. in the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi near Bhopal (Central India).,

mention the charitable donations made by Bhikshus Aradhina, Nagarrakshita, Arya

Buddaraklshitas, Himgiri Pusak and Isidata, all inhabitants ofPushkar. These inscriptions

also show that Pushkar was a popular town and a holy place in the second century B.C.

The oldest inscription found in Pushkar itself is of the time of King Durgarja, dated in the

Rajputana Museum, Ajmer in 1909 A.D. Another inscription of the Chauhan King of

Ajmer, about 1000 A.D. found in Pushkar is in Rajputana Museum. In September 1910

A.D. another inscription dated 1187 A.D. was found on a Sati Pillar in the temple of

Ashtotar Shatling Mahadeva. The epic poem Prithviraj Vijay \\Titten in 12th century

A.D. mentions about a celebrated temple of Ajagandha Mahadeva which does not appear

to be in existence now, instead a temple by name Atmateshwara Mahadeva is assumed to

be the same temple the underground story of which appears to be very old.

ORIGIN OF PUSHKAR

The origin ofPushkar is given in the Padma Puran of the Hindus which says that

Brahma the creator of the world was in search of a suitable place to perform yagna

according to the Vedas. As he reflected, the lotus fell from his hand and he resolved to

3 1

perform the sacrifice where it fell. The lotus rebounding struck the earth in three places;

water issued from all the three and Brahma descending called the name of place as

Pushkar, after the lotus. The three places are situated within a circ_uit of about 6 miles,

and are divided into Jyeshtha (elder) Pushka11, the Madhya (central) Pushkar and the

Kanistha Pushkar (younger Pushkar).

Jyeslttha Pushkar

The 'Jyeshtha' Pushkar is the place where Brahma prepared to perform his yajna

and is about '13 kms. from Ajmer.lt is called as the town of temples owing to the various

temples built here. Hindus come here to have a holy dip every day but especially in the

month of kartik. Not only Hindus but also the Muslims, and Jains come here and offer

Puja. The place has attracted the tourist from several countries ~lso. The sanctity of

Senior Pushkar is exceptionally great.

Middle Pushkar

~It is about 3 kms. from Senior Pushkar. People come here and have holy dip every

year but because of lack of proper approaching road to this place very few people visit

this place.

Junior Pushkar

It is near Middle Pushkar and is known as Budha Pushkar (Qld Pushkar) and the

name given to it has a mythical origin. When Aurangzeb being an orthodox emperor did

not recognise any other religion and decided to destroy the temples ofPushkar. When he

3 2

"'"' ~

VfU· SL>RA:l' f(OHP

To. PISAN&-... ti

i ... ~-·.

TO I<:WOitl VIQ.

Source: Pushkar Mela Sm<v:ika 2002 (Govt. lsthan)

visited the place he understood the celestial power ofPushkar as his hair turned grey and

he turned into an old man.

HISTORY OF PUSHKAR

During the period when Buddhism was rising as a protest against the tyranny of

'· caste system in Hinduism, Pushkar took up the cause of Reformation and soon became a

stronghold of Buddhism. But with its decline Pushkar also declined. After sometime a

Jain Raja Padam Sen founded a city called Padmavati Nagri, which according to tradition

contained a lakh of houses. It extended to where now stands the villages Surajkund,

Galti, Bansli and Kishanpura. The rivers Nanda, Parachi and Saraswati supplied water to

city and it was said that whenever a worthy but poor person came to settle in the city,

each family gave a rupee, and with the lakh of rupees, the new comer commenced business.

Jains also called it Kokan Tirth but even after prospering so much the river overtook it

and the cause was attributed a Yogi's wrath which came in the form of curse as a tornado

,, of wind and dust and descended on the city and in the process destroyed it. Furthur it was

restored in the 19th century A.D. by the famous Parihar king Narhar Rao ofMandor who

ruled over the whole oflndia from the Sindh to the confines of Bengal. It is said that one \

day while hunting he felt thirsty and so took some water in his hands from the pool. To his

astonishment he found that the white spots in his hands had disappeared and assuming

that the water had healing qualities began to investigate the history of the place. After

finding that it had been a sacred place once, he got the place cleared and lake restored, by

making an embankment, on the side of which the water flowed. (The Swaroop ghat

commemorates this event).

,,

3 3

STATUE OF BRAHMA Jl

The only statue of Lord Brahma and Goddess Gayatri in the world . The Brahma Temple is the focal point around which the

sacred complex of Pushkar has evolved.

Later the place came into possession of Gujars in 1157 A.D. However, a body of

sanyasis fell upon them on the night ofDewali and killing them all, restored the place to

Brahmins and left their own representatives in five of the principal temples. Their

descendants still preside in these temples which are as follows : Atmateshwar Mahadev

Temple, Varah Temple, Badrinathji Temple, Brahma Temple and Savitri Temple.

RIVERS

The Saraswati river which passes by the village ofHokra, dis{lppears in the sands,

but reappears in five channels further on in the form ofSuprabha which falls in Jyesththa

Pushkar, Sudha falls in Madhya Pushkar, Kanaka falls in Kanishtha Pushkar, Nanda passes

the Nand village and Prachi passes by Hokra.

RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE

It is the most sacred place of Hindus and is known as the 'King of sacred places'.

No pilgrimages to Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Jagannath: the four principal

Hindu places of pilgrimages is considered complete without a dip in the sacred waters of

Pushkar lake. The ashes of the dead a.re either entrusted to the sacr_ed waters of Ganges

or into this holy lake. Special sanctity is attached to a dip in waters of the lake during the

last five days of month ofKartik, which falls in October or November when people from

different places come in large numbers to Pushkar. A cattle fair is also held during this

. period which is one of principle cattle fairs of upper India.

Pushkar is known as the dwelling place of all the Gods. The man who baths in the

Sukla Paksha of Kartik month and has the Darshan of V araha will not take rebirth and

34

enjoy the bliss of heaven. It is said that the people who have a holy dip at the lake on

Kartika Pumima, gain the fruit equal to Jap and Tap for one hundred years. It is also said

that the sins of only those people will be relieved who will take a holy dip at Pushkar in

the last five days, in the Shukla Paksha ofKartik month.

RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE OF PARIKRAMA

The persons and pilgrims who do the Parikrama of the three Pushkars on Pumima

ofKartika get liberation and the sinners become free from all sins.

TEMPLES AND GHATS

TEMPLES

Pushkar is the land of temples, great and small.It is primarily famous for its temple

ofBrahmaj i, which is the only important temple in India dedicated to Brahma, the creator

of the world and because of this, it is sometimes known as Brahma Pushkar. Besides the

temple ofBrahmaji, the other old temples are those of the Savitri mata, Badrinath, Varahj i

and Atmateshwara Mahadeva.

1. VARAHJI TEMPLE: The temple ofVarahji was built by King Arnorja (1123-50

A.D.), who built the Ana Sagar lake at Ajmer, and executed repairs to the Pushkar

lake. The temple was repaired at the time of Akbar by Sagat, a brother of the celebrated

Rana Pratap of Chittor. The temple was pulled down by Aurangzeb, and appears to ha\ ·e

been rebuilt by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. The inscription on the pedestal of the

image shows that the present image was installed in 1727 AD. Aurangzeb also broke an

old temple ofKesho Rai near the Gau (Cow) Ghat and built a mosque in its place.

3 5

2. TEMPLE OF BRAHMAJI: This temple was rebuilt in samvat. 1866 (1809 A.D.)

by Gokal Chand Parekh, a minister of the Scindia, at a cost of Rs. 1,30,000. A

stone inscription (in Hindi) in the possession ofthe Mahant of the temple, says that

during the time of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (1699-1743 1\_:D.) a Brahmin lady

named Bai Phundi, daughter of Purohit Girdhardas, and mother of Shambhu Ram

of Jaipur, repaired the temple ofBrahmaji in Pushkar on Maha Sudi 5th, samvat.

1776 (1719 A.D.)

3. TEMPLE OF BADRI NATHJI: It was repaired by the Thakur ofKharwa (Ajmer)

about -1800 A.D. The present TEMPLE OF A TMATESHW ARA MAHADEV A

was built by Goomanji, Rao, the Maharatta subedar of Ajmer (1809-1816 A.D.)

The present TEMPLE OF SA VITRI was built by the purohit of Maharaja Ajit

Singh of Marwar (1687-1724 A.D.) Of the modem temples,the largest are : (1)

Behariji Temple (2) The Sriram Vaikuntha Temple (3) The Rangji Temple.

4. BEJ-IARIJI KA TEMPLE: It is popularly known as Baiji ka Mandir and was built

inS. 1892 (A.D. 1835) at a cost of five lakhs rupees by Sirahkanwar Bai, daughter

ofH.H. Maharaja Man Singh of Jodhpur and married to Maharaja Jagat Singh of

Jaipur. It is called Baiji ka Mandir by the Badi Basti Brahmins, who are purohits of

the Jodhpur Durbar, but Raniji ka Mandir, by the Chhoti Basti people who are

purohits of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

5. SRI RAMA -VAIKUNTHA TEMPLE: This is the largest and the most imposing

3 6

of the modem temple, and is situated at the entrance of the town of Pushkar. It

belongs to the Srivaishnava sect of the Hindus, which was founded by Sri

Ramanujacharya, who flourished in the eleventh century of the Christian era. The

V aishnava and the Saivas- the worshippers ofVishnu and Siva- are the two principal

sects to which most of the Hindus belong. Vaishnava is divided into four sub-sects

or Sampradayas - the Sri V aishnava, the V allabh, the Madhava and the Nimbark. In

Pushkar, the two temples of the Ramanuja or Sri Vaishnava creed are the temple of

Sri Rama Vaikuntha and Rangji -ka- Mandir. The Sri VaishnaYa Sampradaya is

divided into three principal branches, as they follow the Jayakhyam, the Satavata

and the Paushkara Samhitas of the Panchratra sacred literature of the Vaishnavas.

The Sri Ram V aikuntha temple belongs to the J ayakhyam and the Rangj i Ka Mandir

to the Pushkar sect. There are slight differences of ritual between the three branches

of Ramanuja Vaishnavism, as well as in the outward marks on the foreheads of

their followers, which distinguish them. But the real difference is that the Jayakhyam

is the original and orthodox creed, and its ritual is completely in Sanskrit, while the

ritual of the others is both in Sanskrit and Tamil, as they attempt to reach the

masses, who are all Tamil speaking people , while Sankrit in the language of the

Pandits of Northern India. The Viman or Gopuram over the inner temple of Sri

Rama Vaikuntha was built in accordance with the rules of architecture given in the

Jayakhyam Sarnhita and also the size and the shape of idols. The idol in this temple

is Paramurti, and Vibhava in the Rangji temple. The Viman is built of stone and

contains sign of 361 Gods or Devtas. In front of the inner temple or Nijmandir,

stands the golden Garud Dhwaja Khambha, representing the Garuda, the V ahan of

3 7

Vishnu. In the yearly Mahotsava, this Dhwajakhambha is worshipped for ten days.

The outer Gopuram, built over the principle entrance of the temple is of brick and

mortar, which admits of elaborate carving. This was also built and decorated by

South Indian masons imported for the purpose. At the four comers of the temple

on the walls are placed four. images of Garuda, to show that it is a Vaishnava

temple. The Srirama Vaikuntha temple contains one principal temple called the

V aikuntha Venkatesh, and eight other temples, ( 1) The Lakshmiji temple dedicated

to the first wife ofBhagwan (2) the Godambaji, the second wife ofBhagwan, (3)

Raghtinathji (4) Srirangnath Bhagwan (5) Sudarshan Bhagwan, illustrating the

Sudarshan Chakra of Sri Krishna (6) Vishvatsen, the Commander-in-Chief of

Bhagwan's forces (7) Ramanuja Mandir (8) Vedantdeshik, dedicated to the man

who resuscitated and strengthened the Ramanuja cult four hundred years after it

was founded. There is a temple of Lakshminaryan, situated outside the temple

proper, but inside the compound of the Sriram Vaikuntha Temple. The compound

contains several residential quarters and a garden, and occupies area of about twenty

bighas. The temple \Vas built by Seth Magniram Bangar of the Maheshwari caste

ofDeedwana, Marwar at a cost of eight lakh Rupees. The foundation of the temple

was laid inS. 1976 (A.D. 1920), and~t was finished inS. 1981 (A.D. 1925)

6. SRI RANGJI TEMPLE: It is the third important modem temple~ It is also dedicated

to Ramanuja Vaishnava worship. The priest of this temple are also Dravid (Madrasi)

Brahmins. The followers of this sect, no matter to what caste they may belong sit

together and take their food in the temple without observing any Chauka system.

3 8

SHRIRANGJITEMPLE

This is the major temple built in Dravidian style of temple architecture. The deity is worshipped by South Indian priest. The Puja Archana too is performed in a "Dakshin" tradition. This is the only temple where foreigners are not allowed.

The Rangji temple was built in 1844 A.D. (S. 1901) by Seth Puran Mal. His Highness

the Nizam donated a Jagir of two villages with an income of about Rs. 50,000 a

year for manitenance of the temple. Out ofthis jagir, Rs. 8,000 a year were allotted

for the maintenance of the Pushkar Rangji temple. Later, the widow of the Nawab

ofElichpur, came to Pushkar and gave two villages, Akoli and Bordi in the Akola

district for the temple. One of the finest of the modem temples is THE MAHADEV A

TEMPLE, raised over the remains of the Mahratta General Jai Appa, who was

assassinated near Nagor in 1756 A.D.

Other well known temples are (a) BHURlYA NARSINGHn temple, built by the

Seth of Kuchaman to the north of Sri Rangj i Temple. (b) NARSIN Gll temple built over the

Narsingh Ghat, by the Mahajans of Ajmer and Pushkar. (c) TONK KA MANDIR built by

aMahajan ofTonk. (d) NANAn KAMANDIR, (e) RAl BAHADURHARKISHANDAS

BHA TAD'S TEMPLE. The temple by the Thakurs ofRas, Nimji, Raipur, Riyan, Balunda,

Babra; in Marwar and Pisangan, Masuda and Tantoti in Ajmer, have large residential quarters

attached to the temple and are all situated in the sandy plain near Brahmaji Temple.

GHATS:

Of the numerous ghats surrounding the lake, the best known are the Gau Ghat, the V arah

Ghat and the Brahma Ghat. The Gwalior Ghat, the Chandra, the IndraGhats, the Jodhpur

and the Kota Ghats are of modem date and are amongst the finest on the lake.

1. THE SARSWATI GHAT: is the first ghat, beginning from the north-east. The

ghat is devoid of steps and masonry work.

3 9

2. RAJGHAT: It belongs to the Jaipur State and upto 1870 A.D. the Pushkar purohits

of the State were in-charge of it and a grant of four villages, Tangwada, Banowda,

Dholka and Mahajanpura were attached to it. Now, a stat~ servant looks after the

Ghat. Attached to it is the Maan Mandir, a square cloistered building of brick and

mortar built by Maharaja Mansingh of Jaipur.

3. KISHANGARH GHAT: (known as Panch Vir Ghat -Five Heroes Ghat) This ghat

was originally built by the Jaisalmer State and was known as Jaisalmer ghat when

built. It is said that the Jaisalmer State being far av;ay could not look after it, and so

have placed it under the supervision of the Kishangarh State, which is near Ajmer.

4. BUNGALOW GHAT: It is said to have been built by the Mahrattas in 1812 A.D.

It is so called as a bungalow built by a gosayin stands on it. Gokalpuri, Jagirdar of

Chavandia is in possession of the ghat, and his servant, looks after it.

5. KOT TIRTH GHAT: also called "Chhatree Ghat." as Chhatree on the remains of

Jai Appa Scindia stands on it. An idol ofKoteshwar Mahadeva stands on the ghat.

Daulat Rao Scindia repaired the ghat at an expense of one lakh rupees in samvat.

1872 ( 1815 A.D.) The myth behind it's origin is that when Brahma performed the

yajna to inaugurate Pushkar, he brought water of numerous Tiraths (places of

pilgrimage) and poured it here. A grant of four villages Chavandia, Rampura, Nand

and Harmara was made to maintain it. By an agreement dated 12th December

1860, three of the villages became British Khalsa and Chavandia remained with the

40

ancestors of Gokalpuri Gosain as a grant for the maintenance of the ghat. The

Gwalior Darbar gives Rs. 400 a year for the upkeep of chhatree now.

6. SHIV GHAT: It is called after Shivji (Mahadeva), who had been appointed by

Brahma to maintain the peace at the time of the yajna. The Maharatta subedar of

Ajmer, Govind Rao, repaired it and at an expense of twenty-five thousand rupees,

built a temple ofGovindji and a house on it Govind Rao's purohits are in-charge of

it now. mafi land, twenty five bighas in Bandi, 150 bighas in Marwar (Kishangarh

State),'25 bighas in Rampura (Srinagar circle), and 25 bighas in ladpura (Marwar

State) is attached to the temple and the ghat.

7. INDRA GHAT: It is called after the God Indra, whose temple stands on it. It was

built by Bakshi Sunder Lal, Kayasth of Jaipur at an expense of fourteen thousand

rupees about S. 1908 (A.D. 1850).

8. CHANDRA GHAT: It was built by Sham lal Kayasth Naib Bakshi of Jaipur inS.

1908 (1850 A.D.) He installed an idol of Chandrama (Moon) on it.

9. EKSO-ATH (108) MAHADEVA GHAT: This ghat is possessed by Kunj Behari

and Rasik Behari Brahmins. A temple of 1 08 Siva stands on the ghat.

10. BANSILAL GHAT: An old ghat was renovated inS. 1920 (A.D. 1869) by L.

Bansi lal, E.A.C. Ajmer, so it is called after him.

4 1

11. VARAH GHAT: This ghat is evidently called after the famous Varahji temple in ,,

Chhoti Basti. A temple ofRameshwara, built by Brahmin Dataram about 200 years

ago, stands on it. This ghat was built by Raja Narhar Rao Parihar. He also built

twelve Dharmashalas and twelve temples in Pushkar. Five of these dharamshalas

still exist on the Varah Ghat. A Dharmshala built and endowed by the famous

Queen Ahalyabai of Indore, called Annakeshetra, stands on it. One hundred and

eight Brahmins were fed every day at the place when it was started. A temple called

Panchdevri consisting of five small temples built by four peasants whose names

are not remembered stands on it. There is a Ganesh temple on the Ghat, and few

men of the Maheshwari caste have built a Raghunathji te~ple on it, about 145

years ago.

12. MODI GHAT: This ghat was built by Modi Mahram ofKishangarh inS. 1820

(A.D. 1763). A temple of Murli Manohar was built along with the ghat. Modi

Maharam gave the temple to his purohits, to whom the land of the ghat belonged,

and who are now the priests of the temple.

13. NARSINGH GHAT: It is called after the Narsinghji temple built on it, by the

Maheshwari and Agrawal Mahajans of Ajmer at a cost ofRs. 12,000, about 270

years ago and given to the Mahant of the Narsingh temple at present.

14. VISHRAM GHAT: With a temple of Siva on it, built by Hindu Rao Mahratta,

about 120 years ago, a chhatree of Sarji Rao Mahratta stands on the ghat. It was

42

given away to Parmanad Dudhadhari, Jagirdar ofLilasevri. Jagir in the villages of

Bhagwanpura, Lalikhera and Sawaipura is attached to the temple.

15. BHADAWAR RAJA'S GHAT: With a temple oflndreshwar Mahadeva built by

Raja Gopal Singh ofBhadawar was built in samvat. 1766 (A.D 1709) at a cost of

Rs. 50,000, it is now used as a Dak Bungalow and is in the possession of the

District Board of Ajmer where a new police station has been built.

16. BAD IV GHAT : It was originally attached to or named after the temple of Badri

Narayanji, which is situated at a little distance, to the north, from the ghat. It was

built about 270 years ago at a cost of Rs. 20,000.

17. RAGHUNATH GHAT: On it, stands the Raghunathji temple also called the ':

Asthal. It is said to have been built inS. 1608 (A.D. 1551) by a Deccan Brahman

at a cost of Rs. 50,000.

18. GANGA UR GHAT: It is an old ghat with a Dharmshala on it. It is in possession of

family ofKayastha Lalji Malji of Ajmer. All the jels ofPushkar during the jel fair

gather here.

19. RAM GHAT: It was built by Ram Saran, a Deccan Brahman, about 225 years ag.

The ghat was presented to his purohits by the builder. A monthly allowance ofRs.

4 for Bhog (food offering) is still paid to the priest. Saligram Nazir of Jodhpur built \.

a temple, called Nazirji-Ka-temple at a cost ofRs. 10,000 about 160 years ago. A

mafi village Tajuwas is attached to it.

43

20. RAJ MUKUND GHAT: Built by Rai Mukun~ kayasth ofNamaul, about 460

years ago, it projects between the two Ramghats.

21. RAM GHAT: It was built by Madho Rao Jyotishi of Deccan with a temple of

Rameshwara Mahadeva, in S. 1893 (A.D. 1836)

22. SHEKHAWATJI KA GHAT: This was built by Rani Lakhmavat of the Raja of

Kheri about 270 years ago.

23. HATH/ SINGHJI-KA-GHAT: This was built by Hathi Singh, a mahajan of

Kishangarh about 170 years ago. The ghat and the residential quarters are in the

possession ofHathi Singh's purohits.

24. BALA RAO-KA-GHAT: Built by Bala Rao, Musammat Rodi of Alwar built a

temple on it, known as Rodiji ka temple, dedicated to God Shiva. Two wells with

some land in .the village Rajpura, Alwar State, are attached to the temple for its

maintenance. Adjacent to the above ghat, is the temple ofGopalji, built about 140

years ago by Thakur ofMeora, Kishangarh State.

25. CHEER GHAT: With a Seetla Mata temple, built about 280 years ago. It consist

of a temple ofMahadevji built by Gangadhar ofNagor, and a temple ofGaneshji

stands on the ghat.

44

26. GAU GHAT: This is the largest ghat in Pushk:ar, about 260 years ago. Kalu Ram

Kayasth of Jodhpur built a Zenana Ghat on it. This Zenana Ghat was demolished,

and a new Zenana Ghat for women called Queen Mary's Zenana Ghat, to

commemorate the visit of Queen presented Rs. 1 ,500 to Pushk:ar, of which Rs. five

hundred were given to Chhoti Basti. With the remaining Rs. one thousand, and

twentyfive thousand rupees out of one lakh rupees presented by the Maharana of

Udaipur to the Prince of Wales during his visit to that State, as also Rs. 7,000 given

by the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Rs. 1000 by the Maharaja ofKarauli, this Zenana

ghat was built in 1913 A.D. Bharatpur-ki-kunj, and a temple ofRadhaMadhoji and

Anna Poorna, built by the Raja of Bharatpur State about 270 years ago, stand on

the southern end of this ghat.

2 7. YA GYA GHAT: A temple ofShivji was built by Jagooji, (Purohit, of Jodhpur Darbar)

on it. It is believed that Brahmaji performed his yajnahere at the inauguration ofPushkar.

28. CHHEENK GHAT: It is so called because a Chheenk Mata's temple built about

570 years ago, stands on it.

29. There is a ghat nextto it, but no one is in possession of it. A Gauji-ki-haveli, said to

have been built by a Gaurji Brahman, about 600 years ago stands here.

30. GALIKA GHAT: Public womeri generally bathe here.

31. HADON-KA-GHAT: With a temple of Anna Poorna on it was built by H.H. the

Maharao ofBundi about 200 years ago. Worship is conducted in the temple by the

priest ofBrahmaji's temple. A temple ofRaghunathji built by the Maharao ofBundi

about the same time as the ghat, also stands on the ghat. During the outbreak of

plague, the idol was removed and till date has not been replaced. Now, a grant of

Rs. 200 a years is made by the State for its maintenance.

4 5

32. BRAHMA GHAT: This is a very old ghat. It is said that the Thakur ofKaka, Jodhpur

State, more than a thousand years ago, repaired it . A temple of Murli Manoharji

built by Gordhan Khichi ofSoliyana near Nagor, stands on it. The State gives Rs.

100 a year. A well in the village Nanya near Parbatsar (Marwar) is attached to it. A

Gujarati Dharmshala was recently built on it. A temple called the Pisangan temple

without an idol in it stands here. There is a Zenana Ghat, and a Tibara (room) on it

was built by P .Brahmanand, the then Revenue Officer of Jodhpur.

33. SAVITRI GHAT: This was also built by the Thakur ofKaka at the same time as

the Brahma Ghat.

34. PARAS RAM GHAT: A Dwara (monastry) was built by Acharya Parasramdeva

ofthe Nimbark sect with a temple ofRadha Madhoji. The Mahant ofSalemabad

once repaired the ghat and the buildings. The ghat is a very old one and the Mahant

paid Rs. 100 a year for its maintenance.

35. OPEN GHAT: Elephants and cows drink water here.

36. KARNI GHAT: The Kami Mata temple on it is said to have been built by the

Charans about 160 years ago. The Charans pay Rs. 100/- a year for the maintenance

of the temple. The Bikaner State built a small temple here ago.

37. This is a delapidated Ghat with open land behind it, on which stands-the Chhatree

on the remains ofMaharaja Abhai Singh, who died at Ajmer on Asad sudi 15th S.

1806 (A.D. 1749) and cremated at Pushkar. A temple ofKalayanji stood here. The ,,

idol has been removed to Gau Ghat.

38. CHAUDI PEDYA-KA-GHAT: Is in ruins with only some steps leading to the left,

and is so called because the steps are more than ordinarily wide. By it, stands Hingormal's

46

Mahal. Pillars and stones used in the place remain to mark its place. It is said to have

been built by a Bharmalot Thakur ofBadnagar who later migrated to Khandwa.

39. SWAROOP GHAT: With a temple ofMahadevji on it, built at a cost ofRs. 12,000.

It is a very old and was repaired by H. H. Maharao of Kotah the people bathe here

whenever the eighth day of Sudi Paksha is a Wednesday. ,,

40. KOTAH GHAT: Behind it is Maha Prabhuji-ki-Baithak built by Gulab Rai, Paswan

(Mistress) of the Maharaja of Jodhpur who also built Gulab Sagar at Jodhpur.

41. SWAROOP GHAT: Also called Ballabh Ghat, because Swami Ballabhcharya came

and read Bhagwat here. He is said to have read it in eighty-four places, one of

which is the Swaroop Ghat.

42. Next is a ruined ghat, where Bhopas (Pujaries ofBheroonji) take bath.

43. BUNDI GHAT: Built by widow ofK. Bheem Singh (Ram Singh's son and brother

ofMaharao Raghubir Singh).

44. JODHPUR GHAT: It is built by Maharaja Man Singh of Jodhpur. The gosayins,

who were gurus of the Maharaja, later established foot-prints ofNathji here. The

Jodhpur State gives Rs. 100 a year for its up-keep. There was an old ghat here,

which was demolished and a new one built by the State.

45. SAPTRISHI GHAT: It is named after the seven great Rishis oflndia. Only a few

steps leading to the water remain now of the old ghat.

46. TIJAMAJI KA GHAT AND TEMPLE : Pratap Kunwar Bai, daughter of the

Bhati Thakur of Jakhan who was the third queen ofMaharaj Man Singh of Jodhpur

and was called Tijamaji built it after the Jodhpur Ghat had been built.

47

ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF PUSHKAR

The Pushkar basin which lies approximately 10 Kms. north-west of Ajmer,

Rajasthan, is situated in one of the head water valleys of the Luni river. It is enclosed on

the north-west and south-east by ranges of bare rocky hills, which consists of quartzite

and biotite schist of the Delhi system. Budha Pushkar is one such lake and Pushkar Raj

another augmented by the construction of a dam. The Hokhora basin contains yet another

lake in favourable seasons and water is never far below the surface.pue to the relatively

humid climate prevailing today, and probably through the Holocena, the dunes_have become

fixed as fossil landforms, the most active dunes being several hundred kilometers to the

west. The presence of perennial or near perennial fresh water within the Indian Dry zone,

on the margins of the deserts is striking even today, and must have created an almost

uniquely favourable location for human activity along the Yalley as a whole and at Budha

Pushkar in particular. Since 1926 Budha Pushkar lake has supplied large quantities of

water to the Western Railway at Ajmer by means of a pumping station in addition to local

irrigation around its shares. In January 1973, in spite of two consecutive years of drought

it maintained a sufficient depth of water for large fish to thrive i~t it. It is perhaps not

suprising that Ajmer and Pushkar are of importance througout India as places of both

Hindu and Muslim pilgrimage .In the Budha Pushkar and Hokhora basin a continuous

sequence of cultural remains extending from the lower Palaeolithic forward to Chalco lithic

and modem times is found. These can be related to various bodies of sand deposited

during arid or interpluvial phases of the pleistocene, and to deeply weathered and degraded

surfaces which represent more humid or pluvial phases. This evidence from Pushkar is

_ confirmed elsewhere in the Indian dry zone. Prior to 1973, the earliest aeolian deposit

48

':

noted at Pushkar was a sand sheet widespread and apparently containing no cultural

material which becomes progressively more weathered towards the surface and is capped

by a well developed 'rotlehm-type' soil profile. This soil is interpreted on the basis of

chemical analysis as being the product of relatively high rainfall condition compared with

those of the present day, leading to complete decalcification, clay formation and iron

precipitation. It provides a compact and stable surface, offering resistance of erosion. In

recent years over grazing and human activity generally have caused local reactivation of

the overlying sand sheet which then blows off exposing the buried soil beneath on the

exposed surface and are hue found both Middle and upper Palaeolithic factory sites,

many with tools and waste materials in clusters which suggest that they have remained

untouched since the departure of their makers. The humid conditions which this soil

represent appear to have been highly favourable to early man, for here and elsewhere in

the dry zone. Middle Palaeolithic sites are widely distributed upon its surface. Upper

Palaeolithic sites are also upon it in some profusion around Pushkar, but are very much

rare in the dry zone generally.

SOCIAL Al\TJJ CULTURAL LIFE OF ANCIENT TOWN PUSHKAR

The town does not mean merely the massing of population and buildings, but it is a

socially integrated unit with a rich cultural heritage.

Dress and Ornaments : The dress and ornaments as shown on the figures of terracottas,

sculptures and coins found in ancient cities are mostly identical with what were used by

men in a particular period, because the images are mostly depicted in an anthromorphic

fashion. From the study of sculpture, it is known that men put on a short dhoti, jacket and

49

turban, while women wore girdle, skirt and sari like garment in Rajasthan. For covering

the upper parts of the body, they use the close fitting garment like brassiere and dupatta

and a head-dress of women is actually a peculiar thing in Rajasthan. From the

archaeological excavation it is known that women wore different kinds of ornaments,

such as bangles, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, ear-pendants, beads and girdles. Some

ornaments were also worn by men. Gold was rarely used and most of the ornaments were

made of clay, bronze, copper, iron, shell, glass lead, bone and different kinds of coloured

stones were utilised for preparing ornaments.

Food: The northern Rajasthan proves that this area was more fertile in the past then the

present. The people cultivated rice and wheat which were used for eating purpose. Wheat,

rice, pulses, barley, jawar, millet, oil, ghee, spices and meat were the main articles of

food. Betal chewing was common, whereas onions and garlic were avoided . Under the

growing infuence of Jainism and Vaisnavism after the eight century A.D. vegetarianism

became popular.

Sources of Entertainment: Dancing , music and dramatic performances were very popular

in this anceint town. The games played were mainly : hide and seek and mushtidyutan.

Wrestling and gambling with dice was also common. The inscriptions show that dramas

were performed on stage and dramatic shows were organised in Brahaminical and Jain

temples.

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Education : Pushkar became a great seat of learning and there were large numbers of

Brahmans who devoted themselves to the different branches of knowledge. Pushkar

became a literary centre because of the intensive literary activities.

ART ,,

The ancient cities and towns became the seats of art which in its different aspects

such as architecture, sculpture, terracottas and pottery develped highly. In very early

times only the art of pottery and terracottas developed but from the seventh century

onwards, a large number of temples and images were also built on account of the intensified

religious activiites and accumulation of wealth in cities. This building activity reached to

such an extent that some cities actually became city temples. The stone sculptures of the

BodhisattVa Maitreya figures from Noh and unified Shiva Linga, theY aksha from Aghapur

and the colosssal statue from Nand near Pushkar are some ofthe outstanding sculptures

of the pre-Gupta period. The foreigners also introduced new changes in the form of

worship to suit their own tastes. Syncretistic Icons were also introduced when the attempts

of reconciliation andreapproachement were made between the rival creeds. There were

also some sculptures which served the secular purpose.

FOLK MUSIC AND DANCE

Glwomar Dance : This is basically a community dance for women and performed on

auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, pirouette, this is a very simple

dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.

Gair G/zoomar: This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribals. Performed ':

5 1

GAIR

DANCE

DANCE

KACCHI GHODI

DANCE

These dances are organised by the Government of Rajasthan (especially for the foreigners)

during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both men and women dance

together.

Gair : Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia Gair in

Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.

Chari Dance : This is popular in the Kishangarh region and involves dancing with a

chari, or pot, on one's head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.

Kaclzlzi ghodi: This dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride

the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords,'·these dancers move

rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer narrates the exploits of the Bavaria

bandits of Shekhawati.

Fire Dance: The Jasnathis ofBikaner and Churn are renowed for their tantric powers

and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared with live wood

and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jumps on to the fire to the accompaniment

of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo and reaches a crescendo, the dancers

seem to be in a trance like state.

Drum Dance: This.is a professional dance-from Jalore, Five men with huge drums

round their necks, some with huge cymbals accompany a dance~· who holds a naked

sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three painted sticks.

Teeralz Taali: The Kamad community ofPokhran and Deedwana perform this dance in

honour of their deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where the men play a

four-stringed instrument called a chau-tata and the women sit with dozens of manjeeras,

or cymbals, tried on all over their bodies and strike ~hem with the ones they hold in their

hands. Sometimes, the women also hold a sword between their teeth or place pots with

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lighted lamps on their heads.

Kathputli: Puppet plays based on popular legends are performed by skilled puppeteers.

Displaying his skill in making the puppets act and dance, the puppeteer is accompanied

by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or drum and sings the ballad.

Pabuji Ki Pit ad: A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is reversed by the Bhopa community. The

phad or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the life and heroic deed ofPabuji. The

Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune.

The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravanhattha and he is joined by his wife who

holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.

Maa11d : Rajasthan's most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way \.

from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers.

Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads ofMoomal-Mahendra, Dhola-

Maru and other legendary lovers and heroes.

TOWN PLANNING

Initially the population of the town was small but gradually it increased and

fortification and the surrounding wall became characteristics of the town. Imn and art

brick making became popular in the 6th or 5th century B.C. due to acculturation. During

the Kushan and Gupta period the streets and lanes were straight and buildings were

constructed in a systematic way. Most of the houses were multistoreyed and had stair

cases. The material used for the construction of houses was sun dried and burnt bricks

which was laid in mud mortar. Marandi clay was employed for raising wall and laying

floors of the houses. The foundation ofhouses was built of roughly cut blades ofjhajhra

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stone. As population increased in medieval period and separate parts came into existence

the town planning moved to ramparts and trenches for defences, streets, tanks, temples,

public buildings etc. The town is divided into two parts. The place where the temples of

Varahji and Sri Rangji are situated is called Choti Basti and the rest the Badi Basti. The

Choti Basti was originally called Varahpura after the famous Varahji ka temple. The

Brahmins of the two bastis have always been on unfriendly terms with each other as the

Brahmins of Choti Basti allege that the Brahmins ofBadi Basti are not true Brahmins, but

are Shakadwipi Brahmins who are Magii of Persia and that they later began to call

themselves Parasar Brahmins. The earliest mention of the disagreement between these

two bastis is found in Emperor Jahangir's Firman dated 2nd Khurdad H 1024 (A.D.

1615).

PUSHKARFAIR

The bustling fair full of life and zest, it is the largest cattle fair in the country held

every year in Pushkar on Kartik Poomima (full moon in Oct- Nov). On the brightest

fullmoon night of the year 'Jal Puja' worship of water takes place. In the memory of

deceased relatives hundreds of lamps are set a float after the evening prayers making the

lake shine like galaxy of stars. The 12 day affair is considered to be the most colourful

animal fair in the world. As the fair has a religious significance, the pilgrims an~ tradesmen

come in thousands from far and near. Hundreds of horses, camels, cows and bulls are

brought for sale.

The spectacular fair is irresistible, vendors display their tempting goods and the

villagers go on a shopping spree, the stalls selling snacks, sweetmeats, ice crushes, bangles,

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brasswares, camel saddles and halters etc. Colourfully surrounded by turbaned men and

odhni wearing women, the entire atmosphere is electric and the temple town comes to

life.

The camel-cart races, parades and other cultural events are organised which are

full of fun and gaiety. After the eventful day as the sun sets down, the entire atmosphere

reverberates with the ringing of bells and prayers in the temples. At night hundreds of ,,

small oil lamps are burnt and placed on the green leaves and floated in the lake after the

arti (prayers), this act of worship is called as 'deepdan', and the entire lake is illuminated.

The fair is a tourists delight, as they experience the rich display of typical Rajasthani

culture and heritage, which remains unchanged with the passing centuries, and takes

them back to or into the pages of history.

OTHER IMPORTANT TOURIST PLACES AND VARIOUS FAIRS

Pap Moclzini Temples

It is in the north of the town and is said that the person who visits and pays homage

here become free from the sin of killing evea a Brahmin. A fair is held here on 11 in

Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapad.

Augastya Muni Ashram

It is a cave on the Yajna hill and is about two kilometres from Senior Pushkar. Muni

Augastya did Tapasya there for a long time. There are two carved feet on stone which are

the symbol ofMuni Augastya. There are also Samadhis of some saints who did tap here.

55 ,,

The people who take bath here earn the fruit of Punya. Every year on 12 days in the

Shukla Paksha ofBhadrapad a fair is held many people come here and offer prayers.

PanchKund

These are five water kunds where people take holy bath and a temple of Siddha

Ganapati is built here. The names of these kunds are Nag Kund, Ganga Kund, Surya

Kund, Ganesh Kund and Bhrigu Kund.

NagKund·

Rishi Chyavana cursed Vatu, the grandson ofBrahma to become a snake. Brahma

blessed him to live near a natural Kund on Nag hill. Since then the kund is known as Nag

Kund. Vatu in the form of snake did Tap here for a long time. The place is known as Nag

Tirath and it is said that the people who do Puja here on the 5th day in Krishna Paksha of

Shravan month will get their desires fulfilled and the woman who \\ill do Puja here with

the fruit in their hands on Panchami will beget a son.

BajNath

It is the temple of Lord Shiva and is about 10 kilometers from Pushkar. It is near

the village of Kadel and a fair is held there every day.

MaanMandir

This temple was built by Raja Man Singh the army officer of Akbar. The V anaparva

remarks that even Gods and sages secured perfection at Pushkar and that whoever bathes

here and devoutly worships Gods and his pillars secures rewards ten times of what the

performance of Ashvamedha might give.

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