Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort are among the top revenue-generating heritage sites; critics question BJP’s stance on Mughal history
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – While some pseudo-nationalists question the legacy of the Mughal rulers, the Indian government has earned more than ₹548 crore in the past five years from five famous Mughal-era monuments. These include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Rabia Durrani’s Tomb.
On 3 April, the Ministry of Culture shared this information in Parliament. The earnings came from ticket sales between 2019 and 2024. Despite regular criticism of Mughal rulers, their historic buildings remain major tourist attractions and bring a steady income.
The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, brought in ₹297.33 crore during this time. Around 2.2 crore people visited it. Another RTI filed by activist Aslam Qureshi said that from 2015 to September 2024, the government earned ₹535.62 crore from the monument in Agra alone.
Visitors pay ₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹1,100 for foreigners. Entering the main dome costs an extra ₹200. In 2023–24, the Taj brought in ₹98.5 crore, while the government spent only ₹23.52 crore on all monuments in Agra.
Qureshi questioned the government’s double standards. “They insult the Mughals, but continue to earn money from their monuments,” he said.
Other Mughal-era monuments also earn large amounts. Qutub Minar earned ₹63.74 crore in five years, with over 92 lakh visitors. In the past ten years, it brought in ₹178 crore.
The Red Fort, from where the prime minister addresses the nation on Independence Day, earned ₹54.32 crore in five years. Agra Fort brought in ₹64.84 crore and saw nearly 70 lakh visitors. Rabia Durrani’s Tomb in Aurangabad in Maharashtra earned ₹68.51 crore, with 42 lakh tourists. Rabia Durrani, also known as Dilras Banu Begum, was Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife. The tomb is also known as Bibi Ka Maqbara.
These monuments have also faced political controversy. Some BJP leaders claim they were built over Hindu temples. For example, BJP MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi once said the Taj Mahal should be demolished and replaced with a temple. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rejected such claims.
The government also earns from other Mughal sites in Delhi like Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Purana Qila, and Feroz Shah Kotla. Together, these brought in ₹42 crore between 2019 and 2024.
Although some leaders label the Mughals as “invaders,” their monuments continue to be a source of pride and profit. Historians and opposition parties say such statements are misleading and hurtful. They point out that the same government maintains and promotes these sites to attract tourists.
Even today, millions of people visit these historic places, proving their lasting value. Whether for history, architecture, or tourism, Mughal monuments remain an important part of India’s identity—and economy.
