H E R I TAG E I M PAC T A S S E S S M E N T
BARA IMAMBARA, LUCKNOW (U.P.)
I NT ROD U C T ION
Location
• The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth
Nawab of Awadh known as Asafud- Daula.
Rumi Darwaza
• Designed by architect Kifayt Ullah.
• It is a four-storey building where every floor is very much
different from the each other.
Site Plan
• The complex also includes the large Asfi mosque, the
Bhulbhulayah (the labyrinth), and Bowli, a step well with
running water, Rumi Darwaza. Two imposing gateways lead to
the main hall.
Mosque
Bowli
Imambara
Circular Well
Source:- Alfieri, Bianca Maria. Islamic Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 279, 278. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2000.
Das, Neeta. The Architecture of Imambara, 13, 14, 16, 45, 65, 67, 69. Lucknow: Lucknow Mahotsav Patrika Samiti, 1991.
01
I MAMB AR A
•
•
•
•
•
Ground Floor consists of 3 halls
First floor is the famous Bhool-Bhulaiya or
the Labyrinth.
It have passages interconnecting with each
other through 489 identical doorways.
The first set of steps 45 that lead you to
the first level of the Bhul Bhulaiya.
The architectural design of this maze has
been implemented in such a way that it
makes room for good air ventilation and
penetration of sunlight.
China
Hall
Melon
Hall
Persian Hall
Plan
Persian Hall
China Hall
Melon Hall
Bhool Bhulaiya
Source:- Alfieri, Bianca Maria. Islamic Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 279, 278. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2000.
Das, Neeta. The Architecture of Imambara, 13, 14, 16, 45, 65, 67, 69. Lucknow: Lucknow Mahotsav Patrika Samiti, 1991.
04
H I STOR I C VAL UE
•
The great imambara is classifies as
Nawabi architecture- the last phase of
Mughal architecture- indicating the
demise of an empire and its cultural
product.
•
It is a part of the Asaf al-Daula Imambara
complex used as a summer palace.
•
Built as a relief project to provide work
to the people of Awadh during a famine.
•
Whole complex is magnificent, makes
Lucknow the “City of Domes &
Minarets”.
•
Architecture, structure and decoration
makes it a Monumental Structure in the
genre of Awadh School of Architecture.
• Scholars saw it as:
1.
“Architectural glory of Awadh”.
2.
Last example of Stagnant Mughal
Architecture, notice for its scale.
3.
Important factor for evolution of
Awadh style
4.
Unique
achievement.
5.
Vision of palace, minars and
dome.
technological
Source:- Alfieri, Bianca Maria. Islamic Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 279, 278. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2000.
Das, Neeta. The Architecture of Imambara, 13, 14, 16, 45, 65, 67, 69. Lucknow: Lucknow Mahotsav Patrika Samiti, 1991.
05
AE ST H E T IC VAL UE
•
Its architecture, with delicate Arches and Jharokhas (windows), boasts Rajput,
Mughal and Gothic influences.
•
The exterior façade is problematic due to its monumental scale.
•
Central bay and two flanking bays rise above the surrounding bays resulting in
a stepped façade.
•
First level has arched openings and blind niches with octagonal towers
marking internal division of bays on exterior façade.
•
Second level break scale of façade, having a series of undersized arched
openings, arches with latticework at the parapet, guldastas and chattris.
Source:- Alfieri, Bianca Maria. Islamic Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 279, 278. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2000.
Das, Neeta. The Architecture of Imambara, 13, 14, 16, 45, 65, 67, 69. Lucknow: Lucknow Mahotsav Patrika Samiti, 1991.
06
S C I E N T I F I C VA L U E
• One of the most amazing thing about the architecture is that the whole support for the building is
hollow.
• The roof of Imam Bara is made up from the rice husk which make this Imambargah a unique building.
• The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world.
Lakhauri Bricks
• Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure.
• There is also a blocked (tunnel) passageway which, according to legends, is a secret underground
passageway to the other cities.
• The whole building is made of Lakhauri bricks (small size bricks) and lime plaster. No wood or metal has
been used in the construction .
• Imambara doesn’t have and beam for support of roof only simple form of vaults were created.
• Material used was rubble, mud and coarse concrete.
• Allow for a year or two to stand and dry.
Interior of Hall
Inverted Boat Shaped Ceiling
Melon Shaped Dome Interior
Source:- Alfieri, Bianca Maria. Islamic Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 279, 278. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2000.
Das, Neeta. The Architecture of Imambara, 13, 14, 16, 45, 65, 67, 69. Lucknow: Lucknow Mahotsav Patrika Samiti, 1991.
Arch Gate
Secret Tunnel
07
R E L I G I O U S & S O C I A L VA L U E
TO U R I S T VA L U E
• With its fantastic architecture and
mysterious artwork, this building attracts
Indians and foreign tourists in huge
numbers.
• Asifi Mosque has received the title of the fifth largest mosque in the world.
• Important place for Muslim community.
• People offer Namaz every Friday.
• Tourist Footfall 2019:-
• During Moharram, it is used to put Tazia.
❖ Domestic- 7,91,809
• It comes under community tourist circuit which includes, Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara and
Shahnajaf Imambara
High
High
Medium
Historic Value
Aesthetic value
Scientific Value
❖ Foreign- 4,712
High
Religious & Social Value
Source:- Alfieri, Bianca Maria. Islamic Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 279, 278. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2000.
Das, Neeta. The Architecture of Imambara, 13, 14, 16, 45, 65, 67, 69. Lucknow: Lucknow Mahotsav Patrika Samiti, 1991.
High
Tourism value
07
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