Bara Imambara
Location: The Bara Imambara is located in the heart of Lucknow city, Uttar
Pradesh
About the Imambara
The Bara Imambara is a large complex, which houses a mosque,
courtyards, gateways and a 'bawali' or step-well used as a summer
palace. The entrance hall of Imambara is quite huge, streching in an
area of 900 sq mt, and said to be largest hall in world without without
any external support of wood, iron, or stone beams. The great hall is
approached through two magnificent triple-arched gateways. The ceiling
of this columnless hall is more than 15-meter high. The hall is one of
the largest of its kind in the world . The roof has been put together
with interlocking bricks without using a beam or a girder. Hence, it is
viewed as a unique achievement of architecture. The building, which
consists of three huge halls, has an amazing maze of corridors hidden in
between its walls that are about 20 feet thick. A unique thing about the
building is that the main gate, also called as Rumi Darwaja, is visible
from all the windows and galleries of the main hall. This was done to
ensure a good protection against any enemy intrusion.
Bhul Bhulaiya
A major attraction, Bhul Bhulaiya, is also a part of this huge
structure. Bhul Bhulaiya is a labyrinth of hundreds of narrow stairway
passages, some of which have dead-ends, some end at precipitous drops
while others lead to entrance or exit points. One should always take a
Guide to explore Bhul Bhulaiya. The Bhul Bhulaiya was constructed to
confuse any enemy intruder. The narrow lanes of the labyrinth can make
anyone feel lost. The king and other few only knew the way out.
History of Imambara
The Imambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, as a relief
measure following a famine during last few years. According to legends,
the king ordered construction of a wall here, which was demolished every
evening. The construction continued for months, as a part of providing
employment to the famine struck citizens of his state. In return, the
labors recieved money and food for their family. Designer of this
compound was Kifayat-ullah, a relative of designer of Taj Mahal. The
structure has a clear impact of Mughal, Rajput style with some Gothic
influence. The Bara Imambara is an interesting building. It is neither a
mosque, nor a mausoleum, but a huge building having interesting elements
within it. The construction of the halls and the use of vaults show a
strong Islamic influence. The main entrance gate, Rumi Darwaja, a huge
60-feet-high door was also built by Asaf-ud-Daula. It is also called the
'Turkish Darwaza,' it is the entrance to the Bara Imambara.
Getting There
One can take Auto-Rickshaws, Taxis, Buses or Hand-Ricjshaws to move
from any part of Lucknow to Bara Imambara.
