Amazing facts about Bada Imambara

The main aim of constructing the Bada Imambara is to solve the issues of ongoing famine.

Mughal emperors and their associates, the Nawabs, always had creative ways to face problems
and solve them.

Between the years 1785 and 1791 AD, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula ordered the building of the Bada Imambara that solved unemployment problems in the kingdom.

Situated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, this construction is one of the most renowned and notable buildings.

Several stories and facts surround the construction of this building. 

The Imambara also has features that amaze the top-most engineers around the world.

One of the main questions that arise is how it was possible to build such hi-tech architecture without advanced tools and gadgets.

Therefore, you need to read this article to have the perfect knowledge about the facts of Bada Imambara that will surely perplex you. 

 
Impressive History of Bada Imambara  

Bada Imambara is one of the most fantastic heritage attractions that attract people from all around the world.

Older people say that the main motive of this significant construction is to employ in the famine period.

Therefore, the Nawab brought forward a unique measure.

The common people used to build the base in the morning, and only to extend the construction period, the elite class demolished it at night. 

The Nawab of Lucknow took care of all workmen and their families only by constructing the Imambara at that time.

This shows the affection of the Mughals and Nawabs and their unique way of solving the problems.

From the name, you already know that Bara Imambara means large mosque, as a considerable portion of the mosque had an enormous hall.

With this hall, the masque also had Baoli and Asfi mosque. 

The Nawab and his wife, Shamsunnisa Begum, are engraved here.

During the Muharram festival, Muslims gather to offer their prayer and perform holy rituals known as Azadari.

In Muharram, Muslims mourn the death of Husayn ibn Ali, who lost his life in the conquest of Karbala. 

People across the nation and globe visit Bada Imambara; an astonishing part is the bhool bhulaiya.  

You can understand that it is a labyrinth with several interconnected passages, which lead to different corridors each time.

Remember, do not venture into the bhool bhulaiya alone, as there are stories of people missing and could not be found ever again.

Hire an authorized guide to explore the passages, as some doors will lead you to the top part of the mosque from where you can enjoy the beauty of the outside.

Facts about Bhool Bhulaiya

The Bhool Bhulaiya is a labyrinth where you must not explore alone. There are nearly 1000 passages and 489 identical doors.

This structure is inside the Imambara, and therefore you can evaluate the massive size of the mosque.

If you visit Lucknow, you must visit to acknowledge the beauty and brain the Nawabs used to create this astonishing heritage. 

Due to the construction of this enormous mosque that includes bhool bhulaiya, it took a considerable amount of time.

During this period, the region was experiencing famine, and people were unemployed.

Only to provide relief to the kingdom, the Nawab ordered the construction of Bada Imambara. 

Asaf-ud-Daula was the Nawab of Awadh (now Lucknow) was an unambitious man who was always into drinking and fond of eccentric habits.

But mostly, the Nawab was known for his whole-heartedness and being a generous man.

When the order was commissioned for the mosque, it helped the poor feed their families and children.  

Experts and historians say that there were approximately 20000 people as labor.

It nearly took more than a decade to complete the entire construction.

A decade was enough for the people to thrive in the period of famine. Mainly the Shia Muslims worshipped in this Imambara and were also known as Asafi Imambara.

Walls have Ears

There are renowned proverbs that say, “Even the walls have ears”. If you visit Bada Imambara,
you will understand the truth of the proverb.

Historians and guides say that if you stand at the end of a hall and put your ears near to the walls, you can hear even the sound of a matchstick burning.

The creators of this fantastic heritage were geniuses and used science to make it
possible. 

There are several renowned heritages in India; one of them is Bada Imambara in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

If you visit the heritage, you will witness the flamboyant architecture of the Nawabs and the use of advanced technology even in that era.