Parliament Question: Conservation of Chola temples

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 669 ANSWERED ON 05.02.2026 CONSERVATION OF CHOLA TEMPLES 669. SHRI S. KALYANASUNDARAM: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Ministry has reviewed the conservation and management status of Great Living Chola temples, including the Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site; (b) the details of funds sanctioned, released and utilised during the last three years for restoration, structural conservation, visitor facilities and digital documentation at these monuments; (c) whether UNESCO guidelines and expert agencies are being followed and involved in conservation planning and execution; and (d) the steps being taken to promote heritage-linked cultural programmes, local artisans and international visibility of Thanjavur’s Chola heritage while ensuring preservation of its authenticity? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) There are 03 Chola Temples under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Conservation and preservation of these temples is a continuous process and is taken up as per the requirement and availability of resources subject to the National Policy for Conservation, 2014. All these temples are in a good state of preservation. (b) The details of expenditure incurred in Chola Temples during the last three years for restoration, structural conservation including visitor facilities and digital documentation is enclosed as Annexure – I. (c) Yes sir, UNESCO guidelines and National Policy for Conservation, 2014 are followed and various expert agencies, whenever necessary, are involved in conservation planning and execution. (d) Ministry of Culture celebrated the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola-I and commemorated the 1000 years of his Maritime Expedition in South East Asia and the construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. The commemoration was observed during the period from 23rd to 27th July, 2025. Cultural performances were organized by South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), Thanjavur from 23rd to 27th July, 2025 which was extended for two more days, 28th and 29th July, 2025 and attracted a large number of audience and visitors to the temple. The head of 29 Adheenams attended the function. Devaram Thirumurai was rendered by 38 Othuvars from all across Tamil Nadu. It was followed by a musical presentation by maestro Shri Ilayiraaja. A variety of folk artists showcased their artistic brilliance. Troupes of the Othuvars sang Devaram Thirumurai, a vanishing tradition that sustains at select Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.Annexure – I STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 669 FOR 05.02.2026 The details of expenditure incurred in Great Living Chola Temples during the last three years for restoration, structural conservation, visitor facilities and digital documentation is given below. (Amount in Rupees) Year Expenditure incurred Expenditure incurred for Expenditure incurred for for Brihadeeswara Brihadeeswara temple, Airavateswarar temple, temple, Thanjavur Gangaikonda Cholapuram Darasuram 2022-23 36,79,106/- 10,80,484/- 50/- 2023-24 56,92,384/- 3,59,788/- Nil 2024-25 7,27,207/- 11,20,000/- 22,91,566/- *****