Visit of Archaeological Survey of India Team
A delegation from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited Maldives from August 14-20 on the invitation of Government of Maldives to conduct a detailed study for a project to undertake restoration of ancient mosques in Maldives. The 4-member team, led by Dr. BR Mani, Additional Director General, visited several mosques in various islands of Maldives and held meetings with the Maldivian delegations in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Department of Heritage led by H.E. Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Deputy Minister of Education and Director of Heritage Department Ms. Ms Yumna Maumoon. Both sides welcomed the proposal for a MoU between ASI and Department of Heritage for restoration, renovation and preservation of ancient cultural heritage in Maldives with the technical expertise of ASI and training of Maldivians in India in this critical area.
The ASI delegation visit is a follow-up of the visit of Minister of Islamic Affairs, H.E. Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed to India in April 2014, during which co-operation between India and Maldives in this area was discussed. India had previously assisted the Maldives in restoration of several ancient mosques including Hukuru Miskiy (1988), Eid Miskiy (2006), Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu Miskiy (2004) in Male and Fenfushi Hukuru Miskiy in South Ari atoll (2001).
