Conquest of Ajmer

The Conquest of Ajmer was a military expedition launched by the Sultan Mahmud Khalji of Malwa aimed to conquer and subdue the region of Mewar, which was under the control of the Mewar kingdom.This military expedition was undertaken against Mewar with the intention of seeking revenge from Rana Kumbha of Mewar. It was a major military conquest carried out during the reign of Mahmud Khalji with the goal of expanding territorial control. Although Mahmud was victories in this campaign, he was not able to hold Ajmer for a longer period of time. As it was later reconquered by Rana Kumbha.

Background
Mahmud Khalji, a prominent ruler of the Malwa Sultanate, undertook several invasions of the Kingdom of Mewar, including the Battle of Mandalgarh and Banas, as well as the Capture of Gagron (1444). While some of these military campaigns proved inconclusive, others resulted in victories for him, though he also faced reverses in certain engagements. In the year 1444, Mahmud Khalji successfully captured the fort of Gagron from Mewar, which was under the control of Palhan Singh. This conquest marked a significant achievement for Mahmud Khalji. Mahmud Khalji initiated a military campaign against Mewar, during which he carried out an invasion of Ajmer. Ajmer was under the control of Mewar, commanded by Gajadhar Singh.

The Battle
The fort of Ajmer, which was under the command of Gajadhar Singh and in the sway of Kumbha, was attacked by Mahmud Khalji. Despite a fierce battle that lasted four days, Mahmud Khalji was able to reduce the fort and capture it. Many soldiers from Mahmud's army and numerous Rajputs were killed in the battle. Gajadhar Singh and his entire army were also slain during the conflict.

Aftermath
After the successful capture of the fort of Ajmer, Mahmud Khalji oversaw the construction of a mosque within its premises. He appointed his governor, Khwaja Niamatullah, who was given the title of Saif Khan, to manage the Ajmer. Makhdum Husain, one of the most celebrated Sufi Shaikhs of Nagaur, was a relative and follower of Shaikh Kabir and was first with his spiritual guide in Gujarat. After Rana Kumbha's defeat at Ajmer in 859/ 1456-7 Makhdum Husain went there to the devastated site of the shrine of Khwaja Muin al-din. He later constructed the shrine over Mu'in al-din's tomb. Ajmer was still under the control of the Malwa Sultan Mahmud Khalji, and he, or his successor, Sultan Ghiyath al-din (873/1468-9 to 905/1499-1500) ordered the construction of a gate to the shrine of the Khwaja. Later Ajmer was retaken by Kumbha.