The city of Lucknow, known for its rich history, grand monuments, and vibrant culture, is home to one of its most iconic landmarks—the Bara Imambara. Built during the 18th century, this architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the grandeur and generosity of the Nawabs of Awadh.
History of Bara Imambara
Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh, constructed the Bara Imambara, also known as the Asfi Imambara, in 1784. He built it as a famine relief project, providing employment to thousands during a devastating regional famine. The Nawab’s vision was to create a grand structure that would serve as a congregation hall for Shia Muslims to observe Muharram rituals. It was not just a religious endeavor, but an employment project for all his subjects.
The construction of the Imambara saw efforts from the social strata. Ordinary laborers built the structure during the day, while the night allowed people from noble family to work on it discreetly. The entire project took 14 years to complete and remains one of the largest unsupported structures in the world.
Architectural Brilliance of Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara stands as an example of Mughal and Awadhi architecture, blending elements of Persian and Indo-Islamic styles. The complex has various structures, each with it’s own architectural marvel.
The Central Hall
The central hall, measuring 50 meters in length and 15 meters in height, ranks among the world’s largest arched unsupported halls. This hall relays solely on an interlocking system of bricks and vaulted ceilings for support, without any supporting beams or pillars. They designed the hall as an assembly space for religious gatherings and special occasions. Due to it’s thick walls and ventilation system, the hall remains cool even during the scorching summers. The chhatris (small domes) on the ceiling enhance the acoustics, allowing sound to travel clearly across the vast space.
The central hall is kept simple and elegant, as it serves as a mourning hall for Muharram rituals. Visitors have to remove shoes before entering.
The final resting place of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the visionary behind Bara Imambara, is located in the central hall. Unlike traditional Islamic tombs, his grave is placed lower than ground level, symbolizing humility.
The Bhool Bhulaiya (Maze)
Bhool Bhulaiya or the Labyrinth is one of the most fascinating structures, attracting tourists from all over. This maze was built as a defensive mechanism to confuse intruders. Some passages lead to dead ends, while others take visitors to hidden exits. This three-dimensional maze consists of over 1,000 interconnected passageways, 489 identical doorways, and numerous staircases that can easily confuse visitors.
Many staircases and corridors lead nowhere or loop back to confuse anyone entering. People say there are around 1,024 possible routes, but only a few lead to the exit. The acoustically designed walls carry whispers from one corner to another, aiding ancient communication methods.
Initially, it was built to support the massive central hall without using beams. However, its maze-like pathways made it an ideal place to hide. Local stories also goes that, nawab used to play hide and seek with his queens in it’s corridor. People say only the Nawab and his close minister knew the exact escape route, allowing the Nawab time to flee in case of an invasion.
Visitors have to remove shoes before entering the Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Take a guided tour through the maze, to enjoy a panoramic view of the Lucknow city from the terrace.
Best time to visit: Early morning (less crowd) or early evening (enjoy sunset).
The Shahi Baoli (Stepwell)
Baoli constructed to serve as a water reservoir, stands as an architectural marvel. The Shahi Baoli is a five-story structure, built with a combination of Mughal and Awadhi architectural styles. It was constructed over a natural water source, ensuring a constant supply of water throughout the year.
A grand arched gateway marks the entrance to the stepwell. Beautiful balconies and corridors surround it, overlooking the water. The baoli connects to the Gomti River, ensuring it never dries up. The water level rises and falls with the river, making it a self-sustaining reservoir. The lower levels remains invisible, submerged under water. It is believed that secret tunnel connected it to Gomti riverfront, offering a safe escape.
The water in the stepwell was used as a natural mirror by the guards stationed inside. Due to the strategic placement of windows and arches, any person approaching the Baoli’s entrance would have their reflection appear in the water before they could enter. Thus, it gave an early warning against intruders. The local guide still demonstrates this phenomenon to tourists, increasing their admiration.
Asfi Mosque
The Asfi Mosque was commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. Built entirely in Mughal and Persian architectural styles, the mosque stands on an elevated platform. It is constructed with lakhauri bricks (small burnt clay bricks) and lime plaster, the hallmark of Nawabi architecture. The mosque features three grand domes, each adorned with white plaster, creating a striking contrast with the dark stone of the structure. The two towering minarets on either side add balance and symmetry to the mosque’s façade.
Inside, the large prayer hall features intricate Islamic calligraphy and mihrabs (prayer niches), which indicate the direction of Mecca. The central arch is the largest and most prominent, framing the view towards the Bara Imambara. There is a wudu (ablution) tank for devotees to perform ritual purification before prayers.
As Asfi Mosque is an active mosque, only Muslims are allowed to enter for prayers. Tourists can admire the mosque from the outside. Visitors have to remove shoes.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. On Friday, large number of devotees gather for Friday prayers and the complex remains closed for visit.
Rumi Darwaza
Though not direct connected, Rumi Darwaza stands as a gateway to Bara Imambara. The structure stands 60 feet tall, making it an imposing entrance to the old city. The Rumi Darwaza is believed to be inspired by the grand gates of Istanbul, Turkey, particularly the Bab-i-Hümayun (Imperial Gate) and Sublime Porte at Topkapi Palace. The name “Rumi” refers to Rome (Byzantine Empire).
Architects designed it in the Awadhi architectural style, blending Mughal and Persian influences. They adorned the gateway with intricate floral and geometric motifs, creating an Indianized version of Turkish designs. The top of the arch has a flower bud-shaped structure, which once housed an oil lamp that illuminated the gate at night.
The entire structure is made of lakhauri bricks and lime plaster, without the use of iron or wood. Historical accounts suggest that there was a running water fountain at the top of the gateway, which added to its grandeur. The fountain was designed in a way that the water flowed down like a curtain over the gateway.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Best Time for Photography: Early morning or late evening for a golden glow on the structure.
Tickets and charges for Bara Imambara:
Entry Ticket of Bara Imambara
Visitors can book tickets for Bara Imambara offline. You can find the ticket counter at the monument’s entrance, with separate queue for male and female. You can pay in cash or via digital payment (UPI, card, or mobile wallets in some cases).
Indian Tourists: ₹50 per person
Foreign Tourists: ₹500 per person
Children (below 5 years): Free entry
Combo Ticket for Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara & Picture Gallery: ₹80 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
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Guide charges:
Since the Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth) is extremely complex, tourists should hire a guide. Guides wait at the entrance, and the government have set their charges. However, as there is no regulations, guide tries to charge as they please. You can refer to the following guide rates (which is as per the government charge).
1-2 people – Rs.100/-
3-5 people – Rs.125/-
6-10 people – Rs.150/-
11-15 people – Rs.180/-
16-20 people – Rs.250/-
Do remember to negotiate the guide charges. Couples have to take guide for entering the Labyrinth, where if one is visiting with family or group, it is optional.
Shoe charges:
As the Imambara is a religious site, visitors have to remove shoes before entering any building.
There is a section for keeping shoes, maintained by locals. Since the government does not regulate it, locals charge tourists as they please. On depositing the shoe, they give a receipt of Rs.2/- (the actual charge). So, remember to bargain before handing over your belongings.
Best Time to Visit & Timings
October to March (Winter & Early Spring) – Ideal time to explore as weather is pleasant
April to June (Summer) – Not Recommended as temperature remains between 35-45°C
July to September (Monsoon) – Rain brings some relief, however humidity remains high, making it uncomfortable.
Timings:
Monday closed
Tuesday – Thursday & Saturnday : 9:00AM – 6:00PMFriday: 3:00PM – 6:00PM.
The complex remains closed for half-day for Jumaah or Friday prayers.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes since you must take them off before entering any building.
Hire a guide for a better experience, especially for navigating the maze.
Dress modestly, as it is a religious site.
Carry water bottles but avoid plastic waste inside the complex.
Most areas allow photography, but authorities restrict it inside the mosque and central hall.Respect the local customs and sentiments.
Read More: Lucknow: Dive into Nawabi Grandeur, Heritage, and Hidden Stories
