.jpg)
Constructed in the 18th century by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, the Bara Imambara is a religious Muslim monument situated in Lucknow. Also known as Asafi Imambara, this monument is a must visit when in Lucknow. Neither a mosque nor a mausoleum, this building has elements which are very intriguing. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims especially during Muharram. The monument is significant as it represents the replicas of the tombs dedicated to the Holy Prophet and his family members. The Imambara is a monument that is a great example of Nawabi architecture. It houses a mosque, ‘bawali’ (a step-well mostly used in summers), Taziya, Zari, 489 identical doorways, domed chamber, interconnected passages leading to a three-dimensional labyrinth, and the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula. The Bara Imambara is one the largest arched constructions with colossal halls and a ‘bhool bhulaiya’-maze of corridors where one can easily get lost. The ideal time to visit this beautiful monument is between October and March since the weather is pleasant. The monument is open to public from sunrise to sunset, and it is advised to visit it with a guide to get the complete feel of the history the monument has to narrate. The design of the Imambara was obtained through a competitive process. The winner was a Delhi architect Kifayatullah, who also lies buried in the main hall of the Imambara. It is another unique aspect of the building that the sponsor and the architect lie buried beside each other. The roof of Imambara is made up of rice husk, which makes this Imambara a unique building. The building also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and Baowli, a stepwell with running water. Two imposing gateways lead to the main hall. There are 1024 ways to reach the terrace but only two to come back first gate or the last gate. Construction of Bara Imambara started in 1780, a year of a devastating famine. One of Asaf-ud-Daula's objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was to employ people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted. People used to work in the day building up the tower, while noblemen and other elite worked at night to break down anything raised that day. It got completed in 1794. The estimated cost of building the Imambara ranges between half a million rupees to a million rupees. Even after completion, the Nawabspent between four and five hundred thousand rupees on its decoration annually.
