Subheading:
Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar, Red Fort, Agra Fort, and Sun Temple, Konark emerge as the highest earning monuments via ticket sales, reveals Ministry of Culture.
The Ministry of Culture has revealed the top five revenue-generating monuments in India for the financial year 2023-24. In response to a question raised by Kerala MP Abdul Wahab in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry shared data highlighting earnings through ticket sales and footfall at protected sites managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Among these, the Taj Mahal stood out as the highest-grossing monument, collecting a staggering ₹98.5 crore from 67.8 lakh visitors. The data offers insight into the immense popularity and heritage value of India’s architectural marvels.
Here’s a detailed look at the top five:
1. Taj Mahal – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Revenue: ₹98.5 crore
- Footfall: 67,80,215
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal continues to mesmerize tourists. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this iconic monument remains India’s top tourist attraction.
2. Qutb Minar – Delhi
- Revenue: ₹23.8 crore
- Footfall: 33,43,660
Constructed in 1199 by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by his successors, Qutb Minar is a symbol of early Indo-Islamic architecture. It ranks second in revenue generation among ASI monuments.
3. Red Fort – Delhi
- Revenue: ₹18 crore
- Footfall: 28,78,260
Commissioned by Shah Jahan, Red Fort not only has architectural significance but also historic value as a symbol of India’s independence, with the Prime Minister delivering speeches here annually on August 15.
4. Agra Fort – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Revenue: ₹15 crore
- Footfall: 16,28,541
Constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565, the massive Agra Fort housed Mughal emperors until the capital shifted to Delhi. It reflects a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
5. Sun Temple – Konark, Odisha
- Revenue: ₹12.6 crore
- Footfall: 32,01,973
The Konark Sun Temple, dedicated to the Sun God Surya, is known for its chariot-shaped architecture and intricate carvings. It is a major pilgrimage site and draws tourists from across the globe.
Conclusion:
These monuments not only contribute significantly to India’s tourism economy but also preserve the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The data underscores the role of historical monuments in attracting global visitors and generating sustainable revenue for preservation efforts.
