How to Apply for Filming and Photography Permissions at the historic Monuments of ASI with Ease
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Archaeological Survey of India launched a new website named SAHMAT (System for Approval at Historic Monuments of ASI with Transparency), which allows visitors to get permission for filming and photography at ASI-protected monuments. The platform has integrated the process of taking permissions into a secure digital workflow where tourists can apply for filming, photography projects, cultural events and visitor amenities. The website also provides contact information, guidelines, tutorials and frequently asked questions to guide applicants regarding the procedure.
How to Apply
Procedure:
Registration: Create an account on the portal to register.
User Register Application: Selection of the desired monument and upload documents (including synopsis, sequence breakdown, list of equipment, heritage protection undertaking and details of the crew).
Fee payment: Pay the applicable fees through the defined mode. Fees vary based on activity type and duration.
Application review: One can track the status of their application through the portal.
Grant of permission: One can check the approval on the website.
Note: For international members, one needs to seek prior permission from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Conditions:
Approval from the competent authority
Security deposit
Safety and Insurance
Compliance
Modifications
It is a breakthrough in the field, as ASI has jurisdiction of more than 3600 monuments and sites, including forts, temples, tombs, caves, palaces and mosques, along with 46 site museums and getting permissions for these sites has been a problem for many tourists and even agencies. Earlier, one needed to seek permission from various offices.
The SAHMAT portal has integrated with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation’s Film Felicitation office, making it easier for applicants to apply through a single window and avoiding the hustle by making the permission process more efficient and quicker.
Also, earlier visitors had to apply 3 months in advance for approval, but through this new portal, the time has been reduced to 15 days.
Benefits
Secure
Efficient
More Transparent
Less paperwork
User-friendly
However, this procedure made the application procedure easier; one should keep in mind that the strict rules and regulations related to protection remain the same, and no applicant can shoot/ film inside the monument. One should read the guidelines under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules of 1959 and guidelines on the ASI website before applying for the approval of the site, and should not violate any rules or harm the country's cultural heritage. All activities should be performed under the constant supervision of the on-ground ASI officer.
Photography Permission Guidelines
The permission so granted shall not include entrance fee as applicable. Entire team/ individual shall purchase the entry ticket.
General Photography - Free of Cost (for all visitors)
Photography without a tripod, monopod, or flash-light.
No flash photography
No selfie sticks
No large camera setups without prior approval
3.1: Photography (without tripod/ monopods/ flash-light) is open to public in all the museums free-of-cost. Selfie sticks are strictly not permitted in the museum premises. Prior permission for using camera free-of-charge (with multiple lenses, tripod/ monopods/ large photography bag) for academic purposes shall be granted by the concerned incharge of the Circle/ Mini Circle, etc. The requests shall be made through a form as annexed at Annexure - A.
Academic Photography - Prior Approval Required
Photography using a tripod, monopod, or multiple lenses for academic and research purposes.
Apply at least 15 days in advance to the Circle/Mini Circle in-charge
Use Annexure-A application form
Reserve collection requires separate permission
Opening showcases or moving antiquities is strictly not allowed
3.2: Request of photography free-of-charge (with tripod) shall be made by the applicant at least 15 days prior to the date of visit of the concerned person. 3.3: Opening of showcase or moving/ shifting of antiquities, etc. is not allowed. 3.4: Prior permission from the concerned Officer in-charge of the Circle/ Mini Circle, etc. shall be obtained for taking photographs of the antiquities kept in reserve collection.
Commercial Photography - ₹750 per photograph (Non-refundable)
Photographs intended for commercial use (must be formally requested via the Circle/Mini Circle in-charge).
Supplied in high-resolution 300 DPI via email
Payment via Demand Draft or e-payment
ASI must be acknowledged in the final publication
3.5: Fee amounting to 750/- per photograph shall be charged from the applicant who intends to use it for commercial purposes. Such photograph(s) in digital format (high resolution 300 dpi) shall be supplied via e-mail by the concerned in-charge of the Circle/ Mini Circle. The Archaeological Survey of India shall be acknowledged while using the photograph. The requests shall be made through a form as annexed at Annexure - B. 3.6: The request for photograph(s) used for commercial purposes shall be made directly to the concerned in-charge of the Circle/ Mini Circle. Payments shall be made using Demand Drafts or through e-payments.
Filming Permission: Guidelines for Video Shooting
Official Permission: Scope of Filming
Requirement: Filming for educational, documentary, and commercial purposes strictly requires prior approval.
Authority: Approvals are granted by the concerned Officer in-charge of the respective ASI Circle or Mini Circle.
Charges: Filming Fee
Per-Day Cost: ₹50,000/- per day for a single museum (this fee is non-refundable).
Security Deposit: An additional ₹10,000/- refundable security deposit is required.
Exemptions: Central or State government agencies using their own resources may be granted an exemption from these fees by the Director-General of the ASI.
Credit: ASI Acknowledgment
Production Rule: Due credit and formal acknowledgment must be given to the Archaeological Survey of India in all final video productions.
Timeline: Advance Request
Submission Deadline: Applications, alongside complete camera crew details, must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the proposed shooting date.
Documents: Required Documents
To apply, you must submit the Annexure-C application form accompanied by the following:
A detailed script or synopsis of the project.
Full crew details along with valid ID proofs.
A comprehensive equipment list.
A Demand Draft covering the necessary payments.
To Apply now visit sahmat.asi.gov.in
Check video tutorial to understand how to apply for the permission. Click here
To know more term and condition check: Photography/ Filming Policy for the Archaeological Site Museums of the Archaeological Survey of India
For more help and assistance you can contact us on whatsapp +91 8826672990 (Inarch Center)
The information came from the official post of ASI on X, also accompanied by the link to the website and a proclamation that the site is live now!
About the Author
Sakshi is a graduate in Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology from Banaras Hindu University currently preparing for her postgraduate studies. She is gaining professional experience as an intern with the Inarch Center, where she contributes as a content writer. Her expertise includes documentation, research writing, and practical training in various Brahmi scripts and the estampage technique. With field exposure to major sites like Rakhigarhi and Sarnath, she is dedicated to advancing her career in heritage management and cultural documentation.
Editor: Sachin Singh Jadoun (AS, PRI).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q- What is the purpose of the SAHMAT portal?
A- SAHMAT enables users to apply for permissions related to filming, photography, research and documentation, cultural events, videography, documentary shoots and drone-based operations.
Q- Who can apply for permissions?
A- Individuals, Production Houses, Agencies and Organizations are eligible to apply for permissions.
Q- What is the procedure to pay the fee?
A- The fee is to be paid via Demand Draft in favour of the designated authority, as specified on the portal.
Q- How can I track my application status?
A- Applicants can log in to the portal and track real-time status updates directly from their dashboard.
Q- What should I do if my application is rejected or requires clarification?
A- Applicants can review the remarks provided, make necessary updates, and resubmit the application. For further assistance, they may contact the support team.
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