India Through My Eyes

Bara Imambara  ( Urdu :  بڑا امامباڑا ‎,  Hindi :  बड़ा इमामबाड़ा ) is an  imambara  complex in  Lucknow, India , built by Asaf-ud-Daula ,  Nawab of Lucknow , in 1784. It is also called the Asafi Imambara. Bara  means  big , and an  imambara  is a shrine built by  Shia  Muslims for the purpose of  Azadari . The Bara Imambara is among the grandest buildings of Lucknow, The complex also includes the large  Asfi   mosque , the  bhulbhulayah  (the labyrinth), and  bowli , a step well with running water. Two imposing gateways lead to the main hall. Construction of Bara Imambara was started in 1785, a year of a devastating famine, and one of  Asaf-ud-Daula 's objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region. It is said that ordinary people used to work in the day building up the  edifice , while  noblemen  ...