Ajmer Sharif Dargah: History and Legal Controversy

1. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a famous shrine dedicated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a well-known Sufi saint.
2. It is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and is an important place of worship for both Hindus and Muslims.
3. The shrine is known for its mixed religious influences, combining both Islamic and local traditions.
4. In November 2024, a petition was filed in an Ajmer court, claiming that the Dargah was built on the site of demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
5. This petition has brought back discussions about the history of the shrine and its syncretic (mixed) nature, which brings together both Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Legal Petition and Controversy: A petition filed in November 2024 claims that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built over the remains of Hindu and Jain temples. The petition points to architectural features like the Buland Darwaza and three-story chatrees (carved stone structures) as evidence of this. The petition also refers to the writings of Har Bilas Sarda from 1911, who claimed that many temples were destroyed during the invasion by Muhammad of Ghor. This petition has brought new debates about the historical significance of the Dargah. Some argue that the Dargah’s legacy as a place of unity between Hindus and Muslims should be preserved, while others focus on the claim that it was built over old temples.

Historical Background of Ajmer:

1. Ajmer, once called Ajaymeru, was the capital of the Chauhan Rajput dynasty, which ruled parts of northern India from the 7th to the 12th centuries.
2. The city was founded by Ajaydeva in the mid-12th century as the capital of the Chauhan rulers.
3. In 1192, Muhammad of Ghor, an Afghan invader, defeated the Chauhan king Prithviraj III in the Second Battle of Tarain, leading to the capture and destruction of Ajmer.
4. Historical records, like the one by Har Bilas Sarda in 1911, claim that during this invasion, the invaders destroyed many temples in Ajmer.
5. After this invasion, the city of Ajmer remained in decline for nearly 400 years.
6. It wasn’t until the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century that Ajmer began to develop again.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and the Dargah

1. Life of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti: Born in 1141 in Sistan (now part of Iran), Khwaja Moinuddin started his spiritual journey at a young age.
2. He became a disciple of Khwaja Usman Harooni and joined the Chishti Order of Sufism.
3. His teachings were about love, kindness, and unity, which attracted both Hindus and Muslims.
4. He came to Ajmer in 1191 and lived there until his death in 1236. His tomb became an important place of worship.
5. The Early Construction of the Dargah: After Moinuddin's death, a simple tomb was built over his burial place.
6. However, larger construction started in the 1460s under the Khalji rulers of Malwa.
7. The Buland Darwaza, a grand northern entrance, was built during this time.
8. Some people believe that the design of this gateway might be influenced by the structures of old Hindu temples.
9. Syncretic Nature: The Dargah has been a place where both Hindu and Muslim traditions come together.
10. There are stories suggesting that Khwaja Moinuddin respected Hindu beliefs, such as a legend that he meditated near a Shiva idol (lingam) hidden near his tomb.
11. This blending of Hindu and Islamic ideas shows how the shrine represents a mixture of both religions.

Development of the Dargah

1. Mughal Contributions: The Mughal emperors helped in expanding the Dargah.
2. Humayun built the white marble dome over the tomb in 1532, and Emperor Akbar visited the shrine 14 times and supported the construction of the Akbari Masjid (a mosque) nearby.
3. Under Jahangir and Shah Jahan, further additions were made to the shrine, including a golden railing around the tomb.
4. Architectural Features: The Dargah’s architecture shows influences from many cultures, including Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles.
5. The Buland Darwaza is particularly noted for its grand design, which some claim was inspired by the architecture of demolished Hindu temples.

What is Sufism?

Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that focuses on the inner search for God. Sufis believe in a simple life, with less focus on material things, and more focus on developing a close relationship with God. The core beliefs of Sufism include:

1. Self-discipline: Sufis believe in controlling one’s desires and focusing on inner spirituality.
2. Devotion to God: Sufism emphasizes loving and serving God above all.
3. Inner purity: Sufis focus on purifying the heart and soul rather than performing external rituals.
4. Service to humanity: Sufis believe that helping others is the same as helping God, which is why they emphasize charity and kindness.

Key Practices of Sufism

1. Dhikr (Remembrance of God): Sufis regularly repeat the names of God (Dhikr), either out loud or silently, as a way to feel closer to God.
2. Asceticism: Sufis live simple lives, avoiding excessive material possessions, and focusing on their spiritual journey.

The Chishti Order

The Chishti Order, founded by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is one of the most important Sufi groups in India. It focuses on:

1. Unity with God: The belief that God is in everything, and the ultimate goal is to become one with Him.
2. Pacifism: The Chishti Order rejects violence and encourages peaceful living.
3. Detachment from material things: Sufis in the Chishti Order believe that material wealth is a distraction from spiritual growth.

Some famous followers of the Chishti Order include Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Fareeduddin Ganj-e-Shakar, and Nizamuddin Auliya.

Other Important Sufi Orders

1. Suhrawardi Order: Founded by Sheikh Shahabuddin Suharwardi, this order was more connected with the state and rulers. They were less focused on pacifism compared to the Chishtis.
2. Naqshbandi Order: Founded by Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Naqshband, this order is known for its silent dhikr (remembrance of God) and its focus on strict Islamic law (Shariat).
3. Qadiriyya Order: Founded by Sheikh Abdul Qadir of Badaun, this order became very popular during the Mughal Empire, especially under Emperor Akbar, and focused on charity and spiritual guidance.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi

UPSC Prelims Result 2024 Out: Expected Cut Off & Other Details, UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer with Explanation, Daily Prelims Quiz, Daily Current Affairs, MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS TOTAL (CAT) MAGAZINE, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Karol Bagh, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Delhi, Daily Mains Question Answer Practice, ENSURE IAS UPSC Toppers, UPSC Toppers Marksheet, Previous Year Interview Questions, UPSC Syllabus