LAHORE, Jan 23: Sixteen monuments in Punjab are being restored for the first time since their construction at a cost of Rs15 million.

Three each are in Lahore and Uch Sharif — tombs of Imam Gammu, Mullah Badakhshi and Shah Ismail Gilani, and shrines of Hazrat Jamal Khundan Darwaish, Hazrat Raziuddin Gunj-i-Alam and Hazrat Safiuddin Haqani, respectively — two each in Jhelum and Wazirabad — tomb of Khairun Nisa and Enclosure Tomb, and Sher Shah Baoli and Sher Shah mosque, respectively.

Besides, there is tomb of Hazrat Yahya Nawab in Multan, tomb of Gulab Bibi in Bahawalpur, Sultenate period tomb in Thatta Gurmani, Kot Addu, shrine of Syed Qamber in Arifwala, ancient mosque in Chanji, Rahim Yar Khan and Jamia Masjid in Chakwal.

The Punjab archaeology department officials told Dawn on Monday that the restoration of the monuments in Lahore, Jhelum and Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and one (Hazrat Jamal Khundan Darwaish) in Uch Sharif had been started and would be completed this year while the remaining in next year.

The monuments have been in a state of disrepair for several years with some of them encroached upon.

Tomb of Imam Gammu: It is located at the south of the Wazir Khan mosque in Lahore. A noted learner, Gammu had composed a poem, Ganj-i-Mukhfi (hidden treasure) in Persian. He died in 1828 AD.

The interior of the tomb is embellished with glazed lime plaster with fresco lining. Its minarets and floor have completely been damaged.

Mullah Shah Badakhshi: His tomb is in Mian Mir Colony in Lahore, near the tomb of Kh Bihari. He was a disciple of saint Hazrat Mian Mir and prince Dara Shiekho. A native Afghan, Shah was a highly learned man and a poet as well. He died in

1661 AD.

The interior and exterior of the tomb which was originally kankar lime was restored with cement plaster. The archaeology department will now restore it to original form.

Hazrat Shah Ismail Gilani: He was a saint and his mausoleum was built opposite Jane Mandar in Lahore in 1683. It’s interior is decorated with fresco paintings and the exterior with glazed tiles.

UCH SHARIF: Hazrat Raziuddin Ganj-i-Alam Darya, Hazrat Jamal Khundan Darwaish and Hazrat Safiuddin Haqani saints and their tombs are located near Uch Mughlan. The buildings are nearing collapse as no repair has ever been carried since their construction in 770 AH and 13th century and 421 AH, respectively.

Hazrat Syed Yahya Nawab: The monument of the saint is located near Hazrat Musa Pak Shaheedi, inside Pak Gate, Multan. Built in 1618, the tomb’s minarets have fallen due to negligence of the authorities concerned.

Ghulab Bibi: She was the maid of Bahawal Khan Salis bil Khair, the ruler of Bahawalpur State. He built the tomb in Bahawalpur in her memory.

It is located in Malook Shah graveyard near Nur Mahal. The brick masonry of the mausoleum is badly affected by dampness. Cracks have developed in the structure and lime plaster of the dome is fast decaying.

Ancient mosque: This mosque at Mauza Chanji is considered unique in Rahim Yar Khan. It was built by Iftikhar Khan, an official of Bahawal Khan.

It has three domes with an octagonal drum. The southern and northern side domes collapsed during the last rainy season. The remaining structure is also in a shambles.

Khairun Nisa: It is located near Rohtas Fort in Jhelum. She was the daughter of Qadir Bakhsh who was food minister during the reign of Shah Suri. Cracks appeared in the structure and the surface turned black due to algae. The floor has also been badly damaged.

Enclosure tomb: It is located near the Khairun Nisa tomb in Jhelum. No epigraphic and historic record is available about its construction and the person buried there. However, it was built during the Suri period.

It has been badly affected by the rain and no conservation has been carried out since long.

Sher Shah Suri Baoli: It is one of baolis constructed by Sher Shah Suri on the G T Road. It is situated at a distance of 2km from Wazirabad. Brick masonry of the entrance chamber has been damaged by dampness and the well is full of debris.

Sher Shah Suri mosque: It was built in 1540-45 AD near the Baoli. The plaster of the dome has decayed and its exterior is covered with algae. Cracks have also appeared in the entire structure.

Sultanate period tomb: Located at Thatta, Muzaffargarh, the monument is locally called Hadhira or Andhira means graveyard.

No epigraphic and historic record is available about the construction of the tomb and occupant of the grave. It is also nearing collapse.

Qamber Shah: He was a saint of Akbar period. It is located in the western side of Chak 122 EB, commonly known as Maqbarawala, in Arifwala tehsil.

Jamia Masjid: It is located in village Kacti, Chakwal. It was constructed in AH 1141 on the orders of Ghazi Asad Khan, an official of Aurangzeb Alamgir. It is also badly affected by dampness and the entire structure is fast decaying.