Firoz Rozindar

Vijayapura: After the completion of ongoing restoration works of ancient monument Anand Mahal - the district administration has planned to develop it as an 'Interpretation Centre'. 

The five-century-old monument Anand Mahal, which was built during the Ibrahim Adil Shahi-II regime of the Adil Shahi dynasty, is being restored at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crores. The state government has sanctioned grants to the State Archaeology Department, which are carrying out the restoration works of the monument.  

Earlier it was decided to develop as a museum but now the district administration has decided to convert it as an 'Interpretation Centre' to help the tourists. The Anand Mahal is located at the heart of the city, which is within walking distance from Central Bus-stand.

Mallikarjun Bhajantri, Assistant Director of the Department of Tourism said that "The complete restoration work is being looked after by the state archaeology department. The state government has already released Rs 1 crore for the works and remaining funds are likely to be released in coming days. A committee consisting local archaeology experts and officials of Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) has also been constituted to monitor the ongoing restoration works."

"Once it is developed it will be converted as 'Interpretation Centre' providing dedicated staff at the facility. This centre will guide the visitors about local tourism. With regard to the museum in the same monument the district administration will take a final call," added AD Mallikarjun. 

It may be noted that it is the only monument that is under the aegis of the state archaeology department. The state government has given a two-year deadline for the completion of restoration works of Anand Mahal. 

Suvarna K, Engineer of the state archaeology department, who is supervising the restoration works of Anand Mahal, pointed out, "The restoration works are being carried out without bringing damage to the original structure and its legacy. It is being fixed as per the traditional methods like lime plastering. However, dead and old structures inside the monument are being removed. The restoration work has been entrusted to the centre archaeology team that are experts in fixing the ancient monuments."

"We are on the verge of completing the first phase works. The second phase works will be started at the earliest and all the works will be completed in the next eight months. There is no dearth of funds and we are getting overwhelming support from the government," detailed engineer Suvarna.