The Rajasthan government’s decision to rename Hotel Khadim, a prominent establishment of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) in Ajmer, as ‘Ajaymeru,’ has sparked a wave of discontent among the custodians of Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Muslim community. The move is being criticised as part of a larger trend to undermine the city’s Sufi heritage.
Hotel Khadim, situated opposite the district collectorate, derives its name from the term used for the revered caretakers of the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, one of the most prominent Sufi saints in India. The shrine attracts millions of devotees annually, symbolising harmony and inclusivity.
Gaddi Nashin Dargah Sharif, Ajmer Sarwar Chishty, condemned the renaming, calling it a “BJP pattern” of targeting Muslim symbols.
“This is a deliberate communal move to rewrite history and erase Ajmer’s identity, deeply rooted in the legacy of Khwaja Sahib. If these names are symbols of ‘slavery,’ why stop at superficial changes? Will they demolish monuments like the Taj Mahal or Red Fort next? This is nothing but a tactic for divisive politics,” he stated.
The decision, approved by RTDC Board of Directors, follows a directive by Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, MLA from Ajmer. Justifying the change, Devnani claimed it was a step to reclaim the city’s “ancient culture and identity,” citing historical references to Ajmer as ‘Ajaymeru’ during the reign of Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan. He also proposed renaming other iconic locations, such as the King Edward Memorial, after Hindu philosopher Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
For the Khadims and the Muslim community, this renaming represents a broader assault on the pluralistic ethos that defines Ajmer.
“The city’s soul is tied to Khwaja Sahib’s message of love and peace. Such attempts to alter its identity are not just political gimmicks but an affront to our collective heritage,” said a Khadim at the Dargah.
Critics warn that such steps risk deepening communal divides and undermining India’s inclusive spirit.
