Chota Imambara (Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak) is a huge monument lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, near Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, a magnificent gateway on the connecting road. It took a total of 54 years to complete. In 1838, the Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah of Awad built an Imambara (meeting place) for Shia Muslims, which was later used as a mausoleum for him and his mother, buried nearby. The importance of the Panjetan, the sacred five, is emphasized through the five main entrances.
This Imambara contains two halls and a Shehnasheen – the platform where the Zarih of Imam Hussein resides. Zarih is a graphic of the protective structure or grill protecting the tomb of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq. Azakhana’s grand hall features green and white borders, Belgian-made chandeliers and numerous crystal glass lampstands. On the outside, the calligraphy of the Qur’anic text is beautiful. The structure is also known as the “Palace of Light” because of its decoration and chandeliers. The Chota Imambara complex also houses the crown and official Tazias of Muhammad Ali Shah.
The building has many turrets and pinnacles and a gilded dome. You’ll find the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and other members of his family in Imambara. There are two replicas of the Taj Mahal in the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah’s daughter and husband. However, the replica of the Taj Mahal is scaled down. This auxiliary structure facing the tomb was built to maintain the architectural balance and symmetry of Imambara. Apart from the mausoleums of Princess Asiya Begum and Nawab Janab Asiya Begum Sahiba, the building is also used as a mausoleum. Two massive minarets stand on the edge of the high platform, and the mosque is graced by ornate patterns and Qur’anic calligraphy.
Outside Imambara, you’ll find the seven-story Satkhanda watchtower. Despite the name Satkhanda, it only has four floors, as its expansion work was suspended following the death of Ali Shah. Satkhanda was built between 1837 and 1842 during the reign of Muhammad Ali Shah and looks identical to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Quttu Tower in Delhi. Its main purpose is to observe the moon. During the renovation with new cement, the old stucco of the building was defaced. Arabic script on the wall is very decorative. The Gomti River is the only “water source” for the imambara fountains and other water components. When you are in Lucknow, be sure to visit Bara and Chota Imambara.
