Bara Imambara Lucknow

Mughal Emperors and their deputies, the Nawabs, had their own ways of solving problems. The Bara Imambara, for example, was constructed to tackle the onset of one such famine. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula between the years 1785 and 1791 AD, the main objective behind building it was to provide employment to the people. There are several interesting tales associated with this structure, which is undeniably one of the most beautiful heritage attractions in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. According to one of those, common people worked during the day to build up its base, while noblemen and other members of the elite class demolished anything which was built during the night! The purpose behind this was to extend the duration of the work as much as possible, or at least, as long as the famine lasted.

What we call Bara Imambara is a large mosque complex whose main portion is an enormous hall, apart from the Asfi mosque and Baoli. It houses the graves of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula and his wife Shamsunnisa Begum. Here, Muslims perform their sacred rituals during the Muharram festival, also known as Azadari in the local language. On this day, Muslims mourn the death of Husayn ibn Ali in the battle of Karbala.

As a visitor, you will find many things to admire in the Imambara. However, one particular part of it that will catch your fancy is the Bhool Bhulaiya. It is a labyrinth of interconnected passages and doors which seem to lead into a series of passages. Take care not to venture too deep inside the passageways, though. Stories of people wandering deep into the passageways, never to be found again, are quite common. Some of these passageways lead you into the ceiling from where you can enjoy the spectacular views on the outside. Although most of them have been closed, the safest way of exploring these passageways is through an authorised guide.

There are other attractions inside the mosque complex which promise to keep you engaged throughout the duration of your visit. Other than the Bhool Bhulaiya, there is the stepwell (baoli) and the Asfi mosque that attracts visitors. An interesting fact about the mosque is that it was built without the use of iron by taking the assistance of European experts who were specially called for the purpose.

Architecture

The Bara Imambara is built in the combination of Mughal, Rajput and Gothic architectural styles. Designed by Hafiz Kifayat Ullah, an extremely renowned architect of that time, it is an example of sheer engineering marvel and has no parallel.

Inside the monument, there are 9 halls in all, out of which, the central hall is the largest. It is the ceiling which deserves a special mention. Standing at a height of almost 15m, it is supported without any columns, iron rods, beams or girders. This was done because the central hall was to be used as a place for prayers. It is undoubtedly the largest unarched hall in the world.

The monument itself is built of Lakhauri bricks which are laid in lime mortar. It is adorned with stucco work along with chattris and parapets. The interior matches, perhaps even exceeds, the exterior, in terms of splendour. Chandeliers, alam, tazias have been used in its decoration. The absence of wood or metal is also very impressive. On all fronts, the Bara Imambara reflects perfection and grandeur in its architecture.