6 Things to Know Before Visiting Bara Imambara at Lucknow

The most populated state of India, Uttar Pradesh, also tops the list of the Indian state with the most historical monuments. The state has a rich cultural heritage, and its capital is not behind. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, was ruled by Nawabs, who constructed several monuments in Lucknow that render the visitors in awe. One such monument is Bara Imambara at Lucknow, sponsored by Asaf-ud-Daulah. This architectural marvel was built to provide food to the people of Lucknow during the devastating famine of 1784. This building stands tall without any pillars, iron, or wooden work to support its structure and uses no European element in its construction.

In This Article

• History
• Architecture
• Tips
• Timings and Ticket
• How to Reach
• Nearby Attractions
• Frequently Asked Questions

1. History of Bara Imambara at Lucknow

Imambara is neither a mausoleum nor a mosque but the residence of the Imam. In this structure, the Muslims, mostly Shiites, gather together on the day of the Muharram. Bara Imambara or Asfi Imambara, named after its constructor Asaf-ud-Daulah and one of the most famous monuments of India, was started in 1784 and finished in 1791.

Such a prolonged period of construction was because of the famine of 1784. The famine had left everyone in a dire state. From workers to nobles, everyone needed food. Thus, the Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daulah, commanded the construction of Bara Imambara at Lucknow to provide food to everyone as payment for labor.

The laborers constructed the building from morning until sunset. Nobles did not join the construction work with the laborers as they believed mixing with them was against their prestige. But to earn food, the aristocrats partially destroyed whatever was constructed the entire day at night. This was to extend the construction period and provide the laborers and nobles with enough work and food that could last till the famine ended. Around 20,000 men were employed for the construction of the Imambara.

The cost of building the monument ranged from half a million to a million rupees. The annual maintenance cost of the structure, after its completion, amounted to four-five hundred thousand rupees annually.

2. Architecture

Though the idea for the building was conceived to provide relief measures for the hard-hit famine, the Nawab did not compromise on the construction of the beautiful Imambara. A competition was held to select the person with the best design. Kifayatullah, a renowned architect and relative of the head architect of the Taj Mahal, Ustad-Ahmad Lahori, won the competition.

The architecture of the Bara Imambara at Lucknow is an amalgamation of three architectural styles – Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic. The structure was inspired by the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore. But unlike other Mughal or Persian buildings, this structure does not contain any dome or tall minarets, just several archways, and windows.

Built in the late 18th century, this structure is among the last Indian buildings that does not use any European elements in construction. The building stands out from other monuments in India and the world because no wood, iron, or support wires have been used in its construction (except in the galleries).

When you visit the monument, you will not find any pillar supporting the entire complex. The weight of the structure is equally distributed among the arches. The bricks have been put together using the interlocking system.

The material used in the construction also distinguished the Bara Imambara at Lucknow from other monuments of the Mughal era. Lakhauri bricks and lime plaster were used in the construction of the monument. This unique material combination led to stucco ornamentation and plaster decoration, distinguishing it from other stone and marble buildings constructed during the Mughal era.

The floral motifs, false arches, and paintings on walls, ceilings, and columns are proof of the excellent architecture and artistry of the 18th century. The entry to the Imambara is through two large gateways. Upon entrance, Asfi Mosque is on the west side of the Imambara, and on the east is the Shahi Bouli. In the main central hall inside the Imamabra, on the left lies the famous Bhul Bhulaiya. Near the entire building complex, Rumi Darwaza and Naubat Khana are also constructed.

(i) Central Hall

You may read several articles that describe the architectural excellence of the Bara Imambara at Lucknow, but nothing will prepare you for the unbelievable view of the central hall when you stand under its roof. In total, there are 9 halls. The main hall is the largest of all halls, while the eight other small halls surround the central one. It divides into three sections – the Persian Hall (Central Hall), the Chinese Hall (because of the porcelain used in the hall), and the Watermelon or Kharbuja Hall (the ceiling is in the shape of a watermelon).

The central hall measures 50 m in length, 16 m in width, and 15 m in height. It stands tall without any support from a column, pillar, iron rods, girders, or beam. The use of this hall for prayers led to such architecture and became the world’s largest arched hall.

Such a building that made world records in many cases rendered the top architects of its time speechless. During the construction of the hall, a French architect, Major General Martin, on seeing the building plan claimed that the roof of the central hall would collapse once the entire supporting framework was removed. Taking the comment personally, Kifayatullah ordered the removal of the support from the structure while he slept on his cot underneath the roof. The roof did not fall over, and Kifayatullah emerged as the winner with the world’s largest unsupported structure. The experts believe that the weight of the Imambara is equally distributed across several arches.

The central hall also houses the largest vaulted central chamber in the world, where the Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, his wife Shamsunnisa Begum, and the architect Kifayatullah, remain buried. When the Nawab asked Kifayatullah to state his price for constructing the magnificent building, the architect asked to be buried in the monument. His wish was granted and his body was laid to peace next to the tombs of the Nawab and his wife.

For decoration, chandeliers, alam, and tazia are used. A tazia represents the tombs of Hassan and Hussain, who died in the Karbala battle. On Muharram, Shia Muslims carry tazias in the procession. The tazia at the Bara Imambara in Lucknow belongs to an old lady named Lado Saquum. Lado Saquum lived on the land where the Imambara stands today. Her house needed to be brought down to construct the Imambara. When the Nawab asked the lady to state the monetary compensation for the house, she requested the Nawab to take the responsibility for her tazia and install it in the Imambara after its construction. Her wish was granted, and the tazia is present in the Imambara even today and is taken out on the day of the Muharram procession in Lucknow.

In the Chinese and Watermelon Hall, women of the Nawabs and the elite of his court used to sit. The halls were designed in such a way that no matter how warm and hot the weather was outside, the hall always remained cool. Not even scientists have been able to find out how this worked with just small windows in ceilings.

(ii) Bhul Bhulaiya

The eight surrounding chambers of the Imambara have different roof heights. The height difference has allowed the construction of the space above as a three-dimensional labyrinth with interconnected passages. This renowned maze has made the Imambara famous. Popularly called the Bhul Bhulaiya, the maze is found above the main Imambara hall, on the upper floor of the monument. The maze has 1024 ways to go inside but only two ways to come out, the entry and the exit archway.

The Bhul Bhulaiya with its winding stairs, interconnecting doorways, and long corridors that lead to rooftop balconies, acts as the support system of the entire Imambara complex constructed on marshy land. The structure came about unintentionally because of the construction of other levels. Some believe the maze was constructed for air circulation. The passages lead you to the top of the Imambara, the terrace. The view from the terrace, where you can witness the busy and beautiful Lucknow city and the entire Bara Imambara complex, will blow your mind.

Be careful to not venture too deep into the maze. Lores of people going too deep into the maze never to be found again are quite popular. After some reports of missing cases, several passages were shut down for the public. Though many of the passages are closed, it is advisable to enter the maze only with an authorized guide. The guide explains the history of the building, its secrets, and many interesting details associated with its construction of the building.

The guides often take you inside the Bhul Bhulaiya and ask you to come out of the maze on your own within a certain time. If you are unable to find the entrance within time, the guides come to your rescue. Many take up the challenge and have succeeded, while others have needed to call guides to the rescue. Claustrophobic people should stay out of the maze.

At the Bhul Bhulaiya, you see the Hindi saying ‘Deewaro ke bhi kaan hote hai (Walls have ears too)’ come alive. To witness this, ask your guide to strike a match at one end while you stand at the other corner. You will be able to hear the match being struck through the porous and thin walls of the maze. Ask your guide or try it yourself – murmur the name of your partner from one end, while your partner stands at the other end, or vice versa. They will be able to hear the murmur vividly. Through such walls, the soldiers were able to spy or communicate information and updates from one part of the Imambara to another without having to leave their place or post. Magical isn’t it?!

One window in Bhul Bhulaiya is constructed in such a way that the person inside the building gets a clear view of the main gate of the Bara Imambara. They can see who is entering or leaving the complex, but cannot be seen from the entrance. To date, no building has such a unique feature built into its construction. A common rumor is that some of the passages of the Bhul Bhyulaiya have underground tunnels that connect the Bara Imambara at Lucknow to Delhi, Faizabad, and Kolkata, now closed for the safety of visitors. The rumor is a common tale with no strong evidence.

(iii) Asfi Mosque

Located to the west of the Bara Imambara at Lucknow, the Mosque has a grandiose aura around it. Two flights of steps lead to a raised stone platform on which the Mosque is built. The Mosque consists of two rows of parallel, interconnecting arched chambers, five on each side. From the outside, they resemble two rectangular halls with large arches. A large arched gateway, with 5 smaller ones on each side, dominates the entrance to the Mosque. The domes of the Mosque structure are unlike the other domes of the mosques of that age. In contrast to the outside walls, the inside of the Mosque uses floral and geometric designs in the stucco with the ceilings somewhat similar to the ceilings of the Bara Imambara. Non-Muslims are prohibited to enter the Mosque.

(iv) Shahi Bouli

Seven-storey step-well, Shahi Bouli or Shahi Hammam was connected directly to the Gomti River. Of the seven, three stories remained submerged, while four stayed above water. But today, five stories are above water and two remain submerged. Built around a well, the bouli initially aimed to store and provide water for the Imambara’s constructors. Since connected to Gomti, the water turned out to be perennial.

The oldest bouli of Lucknow, the Shahi Bouli occupies a significant status in the ancient monuments of Lucknow. Some say the construction of the bouli happened before the construction of Bara Imambara in Lucknow. And, after renovation, the bouli became a part of the Imambara complex. The unearthing of the ruins of an ancient building with architecture similar to that of bouli in the nearby area, present Hussainabad Inter College, renders the latter claim some weight.

The construction of the bouli is in a rectangular plan, with an octagonal block constructed around the well. The Nawab also ordered the bouli to be designed as a guest house – the Shahi Mehmaan Khaana. With many chambers and cells and passages at every level, this served as a summer resort to royal guests who visited Lucknow.

The water from the bouli was used for drinking and gardening. The bouli did not merely serve as a water source, but also as a CCTV surveillance system for the army of the Nawab. A person standing in the inner Eastern chamber of the bouli could see the reflection of anyone entering the step-well through their reflection in the water. Surprisingly, the person entering the bouli will not be able to see the reflection of the other person in the building. All they would see will be water. This setup served as a spying system for the army of the Nawab.

A popular story associated with the bouli hints at the treasure of the Nawab. During the 1857 Mutiny, the accountant of the Nawab, when chased by a British officer, jumped into the step-well with the key and map of Nawab’s treasure. Following the accountant, the British officer jumped into the well as well. Legends say neither the body of the accountant or officer nor Nawab’s treasure got located. Once, when digging in an area near the Imambara, a rumor spread that a digger found the treasure. He carried as much as he could in his hands and ran away, as the laborer’s headcount was one less than in the beginning. Thus, rumors circulate that Nawab’s treasure lies somewhere hidden in the complex of the Bara Imambara in Lucknow.

Read: Kumbhalgarh Fort – Second Longest Wall In The World

3. Tips

• Tourists need to take off their shoes and cover their heads with a cloth before entering the Imambara. If you do not have clothes in your possession, you can take them from the main gate.
• Carry a torch when visiting the Bhul Bhulaiya and the Shahi bouli.
• An epitome of grandeur and perfection, visit the monument at a time that suits you. During summers the temperatures can rise up to 45 degrees Celsius. If hot weather bothers you, it is advisable to visit the Bara Imambara in Lucknow in the winter.

4. Timings and Ticket

The Bara Imambara at Lucknow remains open to the public from 6’o clock in the morning to 5’o clock in the evening. Except for Monday, the monument stays open every day and on all public holidays.

The entry tickets to the Bara Imambara at Lucknow costs INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children above the age of 15. Entry is free for children below the age of 15. For foreigners, the ticket to the monument costs INR 500. The ticket permits entrance to the Imambara, Shahi Bouli, the Chhota Imambara, and Picture Gallery. The digital camera and video camera cost INR 10 and 25 respectively.

5. How to Reach

Bara Imambara is located on the Hussainabad Trust Road, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow. The city of Lucknow is well-connected to other cities, states, and countries through rail, road, and air.

• Air

The nearest airport to the city and the monument is the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport located at a distance of 14 km in Amausi. Both international and national flights land and depart from the airport.

• Rail

Lucknow Junction in Charbagh is merely 7 km away from Bara Imamabara in Lucknow. Many trains depart from Lucknow for their journey, while many trains, like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Double Decker, and Gharib Rath, have Lucknow as one of their stops.

Bara Imambara in Lucknow has many metro stations in the vicinity. Some of them are – Durgapuri Metro Station, Charbagh Metro Station, Alambagh Metro Station, Mawaiya Metro Station, and Krishna Nagar Metro Station.

• Road

Opposite the Lucknow Junction, you will find the bus stop. You can use the bus to travel to Lucknow and other cities. Alambagh has a local bus stand for tourists to travel within the city. Hire private taxis to get a complete ride of the entire Lucknow. Other modes of transport – auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws – are also available for tourists.

6. Nearby Attractions

Naubat Khana

Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana was a drum house, where the drummers announced the arrival of the king and reputed guests, s and the hours of the day. Designed in Mughal architecture, the Naubat Khana stands on the opposite road of Bara Imambara at Lucknow, facing the main gate of Imambara. The word ‘Naubat’ or ‘Naqqar’ means ‘Shehnai’, and the word ‘Khana’ means ‘place related to’, thus, meaning a place where shehnai played.

Rumi Darwaza

Built of limestone, the Rumi Darwaza stands 60 ft tall between the Bara Imambara at Lucknow and Chota Imambara. A replica of Bab-i-Humayun, an ancient gateway in Istanbul, many call the Darwaza ‘Turkish Gate’ as well. Though inspired by Mughal architecture, the gateway has intricate carvings that deviate from typical Mughal architecture.

Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah constructed the gateway to provide food during the famine in the North. The monument served as an entrance to Old Lucknow City during its time but now stands like a guardian angel witnessing the rise and fall of the city. At a distance of 100 meters from the Bara Imambara, the structure looks like a semicircular carving in the wall of a mosque from one side, and from the other it looks like a gate with three passageways.

Through a flight of stairs, you will reach the top of the Rumi Darwaza, in the shape of an octagon that overlooks the busy roads of Lucknow. The top of the gateway helped to light a lantern at night and the flower buds carved on the arches released little jets of water.

Chhota Imambara

The Chhota Imambara lies to the west of the Bara Imambara and at a distance of fewer than 3 km. A magnificent amalgamation of Persian, Charbagh, and Indo-Islamic architecture, the Imambaraa serves as a mausoleum for its patron, Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, and his mother. The Europeans referred to the Imambara as the ‘Palace of Lights’. During special festivals and events, especially Muharram, the structure dresses in bright chandeliers and beautiful decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

(i) Bara Imambara is mostly famous for what?

The Bara Imambara is mostly famous for its maze, called Bhul Bhulaiya.

(ii) How to come out of the Bhul Bhulaiya if stuck?

If stuck inside the Bhul Bulaiya without a guide, take the stairs that lead upwards. The stairs that go upwards will lead you to the terrace of the Bara Imambara.

(iii) What does the Bara Imambara use in its construction?

Imambara uses a mixture of urad dal and limestone in its construction. The terrace of the structure uses rice husk. Instead of cement, tree gum, and jaggery keep the bricks together.

(iv) With whom does the current ownership of the Imambara lie?

The current generation of the Bara Imambara still possesses the real papers of the monument. A constant dispute between them and the government is ongoing regarding real ownership.