Bara Imambara , Lucknow
(Bhool Bhulaiya)
Lucknow, the city of Nawabs and Kebabs is home to many prolific historical heritage sites. Located at the heart of the old city, Bada Imambara is one of the most touristic attractions in Lucknow. A must-visit if you are a history buff or a photographer. As the name suggests, “Bara” means big and its named due to its large and sprawling structure. Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, in 1784 built this shrine. The monument was constructed to tackle the onset of famine, for the purpose to provide employment. Here, Muslims perform their sacred rituals during the Muharram festival.
Walking Through History
As you enter, you will be mesmerised by its splendid architecture, culture and history. Once you start exploring the heritage site, you will find many hidden rooms and windows.
As a visitor, you will find many things to admire in the Imambara. However, one particular part of it will catch your fancy is the Bhool Bhulaiya. The name does justice to the place. No matter which way you turn, right or left — it will lead you to a different direction to confuse you. The labyrinth of corridors is an important feature of the monument as it strengthens the structure. Other than the Bhool Bhulaiya, there is the stepwell (baoli) and the Asfi mosque that attracts visitors. It houses the graves of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula and his wife Shamsunnisa Begum.
Architecture
- The Bara Imambara is built in a 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 a sheer engineering marvel and has no parallel.
- Traditional lime mortar, a mixture of unique masala comprising choona, surkhi, urad dal, sheera (molasses) or jiggery or honey. Farez (tree gum), was used to fix the Lakhori bricks together. The roof of Imambara is made up from the rice husk which makes this Imambara a unique building.
- 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.
Inside the monument, there are 9 halls in all, out of which, the central hall is the largest. It is the ceiling that 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.
Interesting Facts
- The main hall, or the Central Hall of the Bara Imambara, is the largest unarched hall in the world.
- Many interconnected passages of the Bhool Bhulaiya were closed to the general public after some people were reported missing.
- It is believed that there are secret tunnels in the Bara Imambara that lead directly to the Gomti River, Delhi, Faizabad, and Allahabad.