Bara imambara

4.4

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Also recognized as Asafi Imambara, Bara Imambara is an imambara complex in Lucknow, India. In the year 1784, Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh built it. The meaning of Bara is big. After the Nizamat Imambara, this imambara is the second largest. Also recognized as Asafi Imambara, Bara Imambara is an imambara complex in Lucknow, India Nawab of AwadhIn the year 1784, Asaf-ud-Daula built the complex. The meaning of Bara is big. After the Nizamat Imambara, this imambara is the second largest. The Bhool-bhulaiya (the labyrinth), the large Asfi mosque, and Bowl, a step well with running water are also included in the building.

Attraction

It is one of the last major projects not incorporating any European elements or the use of iron, the architecture of the complex reflects the maturation of ornamented Mughal design, namely the Badshahi Mosque. Containing the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula, the main imambara consists of a large vaulted central chamber. It has no beams supporting the ceiling and is one of the largest such arched constructions in the world, at 50 by 16 meters and over 15 meters tall. To different roof heights, there are eight surrounding chambers built permitting the space above these, with passages interconnecting with each other through 489 identical doorways, to be reconstructed as a three-dimensional labyrinth.

History

Intorior Historical view of Bara Imambara.

To the main hall, two imposing gateways lead. To reach the terrace but only two to come back, the first gate or the last gate, it is said that there are 1024 ways. To provide employment for people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted, the Construction of Bara Imambara was started in 1780, a year of a devastating famine, and one of Asaf-ud-Daula’s objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was built. While, to break down anything that was raised that day, noblemen and other elite worked at night, it is said that ordinary people used to work in the day building up the edifice. For employment generation, it was a project that preceded a Keynesian-like intervention. In the year 1794, the construction of the Imambara was completed. Between half a million rupees to a million rupees, the estimated cost of building the Imambara ranges. The Nawab used to spend between four and five hundred thousand rupees even after the completion, of its decoration annually.

Inside/Outside Views

This pic shows Bara Imambara monument in Lucknow , India. The pic is taken in day time showing the monument with blue sky in background.

This part of the building may be referred to as the Bhulbhulaiya, and often the whole complex. It is possibly the only existing building made in India, known as a popular attraction, and came about unintentionally to support the weight of the building which is constructed on marshy land. Just outside, the 18-meter (59-foot) high Roomi Darwaza is also erected by Asad-ud-Daula. This portal was the Imambara’s west-facing entrance, embellished with lavish decorations. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Lucknow, in 1784, Bara Imambara is an Imambara complex in Lucknow, India. Among the grandest buildings of Lucknow, the Bara Imambara has its place. Through a competitive process, the design of the Imambara was obtained. A Delhi architect Kifayatullah was the winner who also lies buried in the main hall of the Imambara. The sponsor and the architect lie buried beside each other which is another unique aspect of the building. From the rice husk ash, the roof of the Imambara is made up which makes this Imambara a unique building.

Opening Hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
Thursday is Open 24 hours
Friday is Open 24 hours
Saturday is Open 24 hours
SundayClosed

Entry & Others Fees

For Indian adult citizens-50Rs per head
For children-25RS per head
For foreigners -500RS per head

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

HOTEL INDIA AWADH
JC Guest House
HOTEL NATRAJ
Central Hotel And Banquet Hall – Best Banquet Hall | Budget Hotel | Party Hall in Lucknow
Raghubar Kripa

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Lucknow Airport, which is located around 14 km away from the city center. Lucknow can be easily reached by air from anywhere in India. Outside the airport, local taxis are available and anyone can avail of taxis to travel anywhere in the city.

By Road: Lucknow is connected to major cities of India with a wide road network. The main highways that pass through Lucknow are NH28, NH25, and NH56. Buses for Lucknow are easily available from other nearby cities. One can also hire cabs to reach anywhere in Lucknow from nearby places.

By Train: The major railway station in Lucknow is the Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh. It connects Lucknow with many other cities of India via a good number of mail and superfast trains. Passenger trains from nearby cities also ply to and from Lucknow. Several other railway stations like Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar, Aishbagh junction, etc. also serve the city. One can take a taxi to reach anywhere in the city from the station.