Pragya Shikhar

Pragya Shikhar, also called Mahashila Abhilekh, is a memorial pillar at the hill village of Todgarh, a few hours' drive from Ajmer. Jain followers raised it in honour of Acharya Tulsi, the ninth head of the Shwetambar Terapanth sect, a poet and author of over 100 books who initiated more than 776 monks and nuns. The NGO Sahitya Sansthan built it, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam inaugurated it.

A carved white arched gate leads to gardens, a cactus collection and an old bungalow guarded by stone lions and a Ganesha figure. Its side corridors now form a small museum of everyday objects from about a century ago: grinding stones and kitchenware, a lantern, ledgers, an inkpot, and a soldier's water bottle and medals from the First World War. The village takes its name from Colonel Tod, and one room shows his work diaries and photographs. The inscribed black granite pillar stands at the top, with wide views over the forested Aravallis.