Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to introduce ticketing at Mirza Najaf Khan’s Tomb and Agrasen Ki Baoli, two historical landmarks in Delhi.
“A proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Culture by the Director General (DG) of ASI, and we are awaiting a response,” said a senior official from the ASI Delhi Circle.
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Growing popularity of sites
The decision stems from the rising number of visitors to these sites. “Mirza Najaf Khan’s Tomb has become a popular site for tourists in Delhi, alongside renowned monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. We are now seeing about 250 visitors daily,” the official noted.
Agrasen Ki Baoli, too, has emerged as a significant attraction. “A large number of national and international visitors come here regularly. The site is also a favourite location for film shoots,” the official added.
Ticketing details
Indian visitors may be charged between Rs 20-30, while foreign visitors could pay Rs 200-300, though the exact rates are yet to be finalised. Officials believe that ticketing will help curb vandalism and deter anti-social activities, improving overall site maintenance.
“Currently, non-ticketed monuments are often in poor condition and lack proper maintenance,” the official stated.
Planned upgrades
Following approval, the ASI plans to upgrade facilities at both monuments. “We will introduce amenities such as washrooms, benches, lighting, signage, and other necessary facilities,” the official assured.
Delhi’s ticketed monuments
Out of 173 monuments in the Delhi Circle, only nine are currently ticketed, including the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar, Kotla Firoz Shah, Hauz Khas, and Khan-I-Khana.
Agrasen Ki Baoli, a historical stepwell measuring 60 metres in length and 15 metres in width, has long been a popular filming location. Iconic movies like PK, Sultan, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Mom, and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna were shot here. Believed to have been initially constructed by the Aggarwal community in honour of their ancestor Agrasen, the baoli was likely rebuilt during the Tughlaq or Lodi period in the 14th century. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
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Mirza Najaf Khan’s legacy
Mirza Najaf Khan’s Tomb, located near Safdarjung Airport and Safdarjung’s Tomb, is another historical gem. Though unfinished, the tomb is set in a modern landscaped garden. Mirza Najaf Khan Bahadur, an adventurer of Safavid descent, came to Delhi in 1740. As a courtier to Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, he rose to become the highest commander of the Mughal army. He played a significant role in the Battle of Buxar and served until his death in April 1782.
Precedent for ticketing
In 2019, the Hauz Khas monument was made ticketed due to its growing popularity, unlike other sites such as Adham Khan Tomb, Khirki Masjid, and Jamali Kamali, which were excluded. ASI officials hope the ticketing initiative will enhance preservation and improve the visitor experience for these historically significant sites.
By ensuring better facilities and maintenance, the ASI seeks to balance tourism with heritage conservation effectively.
