Monday, March 6 2006 12:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ahmedabad: As the victims of the Gujarat riots try to get over horrifying memories of the communal frenzy which left indelible marks on their psyche, the Archaeological Survey of India is erasing the tell-tale marks of damage inflicted by the mobs on the ancient monuments especially those belonging to the Mughal era.

Experts have been working non-stop to restore the archaeological monuments that bore the brunt of frenzied mobs.

According to statistics available, over 250 places of worship of Muslim community across the state were damaged during the riots, including the famous Noorani Masjid in Naroda-Patiya area of Ahmedabad.

The Gujarat chapter of the ASI has been working since 2002 for restoring the three important monuments which were damaged during the riots that broke out on February 28, 2002 after 59 karsevaks onboard the Sabarmati Express train were killed near Godhra railway station in Panchmahals district.

While the ASI has been handling only three major monuments that fall under their list of protected structures, NGOs and wealthy individuals of the minority commuity have also tried to chip in with funds for restoring important mosques and tombs scarred by the communal riots.

The monumets taken up by the ASI includes one dating back to the early 15th century the unique 'small stone mosque' at Ishanpur area in Ahmedabad city.

"The rioters had completely damaged Ishanpur mosque. Miscreants also used a bulldozer to damage the structure. It has been quite a task to rebuild the mosque and restore its old glory," state ASI Director Dr Shivanad V Rao told sources.

The ASI has had an uphill task while trying to renovate the Ishanpur mosque and had to start right from the foundation of the ancient structure.

Several historical books were referred to, old photographs of the structures carefully studied before archaeological experts entrusted local masons and craftsmen to work to bring back the glory of the structure as close to its original beauty and grandeur.

"The ASI has so far spent over eight lakh rupees in rebuilding the Ishanpur mosque and the budget for this structure alone is Rs 18 lakhs. This project will be over only by 2007," the ASI Director said.

ASI field officials said renovation work on other two important structures Muhafiz Khan's mosque (Ahmedabad city) and Tomb of Mubarak Sayyid (Kheda) damaged by rioters --had been completed and were open for the public.

Muhafiz Khan's mosque, built in 1485 AD during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Shah I (1458-1511), is a fine piece of Mughal architecture which was partially destroyed in communal frenzy.

The Tomb in Kheda also belongs to the same period when this palatial structure was built in 1484 AD in memory of Mubarak Sayyid who was a minister during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada (1458-1511).

"Some generous people of the Muslim community have come forward with funds for restoraton of these tombs and mosques. However, these people wish to remain anonymous as they do not want publicity for their contribution to the community," a minority community NGO member connected with community helping said.