Chhota Imambara Lucknow

Mar 22, 2023

With stunning white Mughal architecture adorned with a golden dome on the top and exquisite calligraphy on its exterior, Chhota Imambara is one of the top tourist attractions in Lucknow. Also known as Hussainabad Imambara, this marvelous structure is a congregation hall that was erected in the year 1838 for Shia Muslims by the Nawab of Awadh - Muhammad Ali Shah. Located in the west (some 2 km) of Asafi Imambara, this popular historical landmark in Lucknow also serves as the resting place of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother. The Imamabara boasts an exquisite construction that is beautifully adorned with several turrets, a gilded dome, and chandeliers. At present, Chhota Imambara is reckoned to be one of the must-visit places in Lucknow, mainly because of its grandeur and interesting historical significance. On special occasions and festivals, the building is festooned with beautiful decoration and is often touted as the Palace of Lights. Inside the Imamabar, there is located the crown of Muhammad Ali Shah.

History of Chhota Imambara

Lucknow, earlier known as Awadh, witnessed famine a few times in the early 19th century. Consequently, the agricultural economy broke down, and the laborers and farmers were all poverty-stricken. They were finding it increasingly difficult to make both ends meet, so finally, Muhammad Ali Shah, the then Nawab of Awadh, decided to sanction the building of the Chhota Imambara.
This decision was taken to offer the distressed some work so that they could manage to earn a decent living. The construction of the monument was finally completed in the year 1837.

Architecture of Chhota Imambara

Architecturally, the Chota Imambara is considered to be a more magnificent wonder than its bigger counterpart, the Bara Imambara. With its baroque carvings and exquisite calligraphy, the Chota Imambara surpasses every other heritage structure in Lucknow. The magnificent structure has been inspired by the design of the Charbagh pattern, with a single stream running through the center of the garden. It is an amalgamation of the elements of Persian and Indo-Islamic styles of architecture.
Interior
The interiors of this artistic monument are decorated with delicate Arabic glasswork and calligraphy. Ornately designed with a gilded golden dome, exquisite chandeliers specially brought from Belgium, colorful stuccos, and gilt-edged mirrors, this attraction is an architectural dream which has been breathed life into.
Panjetan - Five Doorways
The five doorways of the Chhota Imambara emphasize the significance of 'Panjetan' or the holy five. The Imambara comprises two halls and a Shehnasheen, which is a platform where the Zarih of Imam Husain is kept. The large green and white-bordered hall of Azakhana is richly decorated with chandeliers and a good number of crystal glass lampstands.
Mausoleums
The monument houses the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah as well as four graves; of the son, daughter, son in law, and the lady. This structure thus becomes a small-scale copy of the majestic Taj Mahal. The walls are adorned with Arabic calligraphy and never fail to please onlookers. The water bodies and fountains inside the Imambara get water supply from the River Gomti.
Husainabad Mosque
The Husainabad Mosque which can also be found inside the main monument is constructed on a raised platform with two grand minarets on the edge of the platform. The mosque is decorated beautifully and intricately with floral designs and Quranic Calligraphy.

The Satkhanda

The watchtower, which is also known as Satkhanda, or the tower of seven stories, is located just outside the Chota Imambara. Even though the structure is known as Satkhanda, it has only four storeys, since the construction of the building had to be abandoned when Ali Shah passed away. Satkhanda was built between 1837 and 1842, in the time of Muhammad Ali Shah, who wanted to make the structure similar to the Qutub Minar of Delhi.