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| Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow, UP. |
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| The Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow, UP. thecentrum.in |
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| Gateway Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow, |
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interior Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow,
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The Chhota Imambara, also called Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, is one of Lucknow’s most inspiring monuments, built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. Built a Shia congregation hall (imambara) and a mausoleum for the Nawab and his mother, it is fine example mof Indo-Islamic architecture, carefully blending Mughal and Persian styles.
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| Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow, navranindia.blogspot |
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| Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow, thewanderer.com |
The structure highlights the sanctity of the Panjetan—the holy five—with five main doorways. The central hall, known as the Azakhana, features a rich display of chandeliers, Belgian glass lamp-stands, and decorative Quranic calligraphy, earning it the nickname Palace of Lights among 19th-century European visitors. The Shehnasheen platform houses a replica (Zarih) of the protective grill on Imam Husain’s tomb in Karbala.
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| Navabi palace, Chhota Imambara ,Lucknow sid-thewanderer.co |
Notable elements within the complex include:
The gilded dome, flanked by turrets and minarets; Tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and his family, including two miniature Taj Mahal replicas for his daughter Asiya Begum and her husband; The Husainabad Mosque, adorned with floral motifs and Arabic inscriptions; The Satkhanda, an incomplete four-storeyed watchtower, initially intended to have seven levels; And a symmetrical treasury building opposite the mausoleum, built purely for visual harmony. Water for the fountains and reflective pools was historically channeled from the Gomti River.
However, recent restoration efforts have drawn criticism. In particular, the 2016 report by The Economist condemned the use of modern cement during renovation, which damaged the original lime plasterwork and delicate detailing, especially on the Satkhanda. This use of non-traditional materials and methods undermines the historic integrity of the structure. Experts and heritage enthusiasts have urged authorities to adopt conservation-sensitive practices aligned with ASI or INTACH guidelines. Despite its splendor, the Chhota Imambara’s long-term preservation depends on responsible restoration that respects its architectural and historical authenticity.
https://www.navrangindia.blogspot/2018/06/awe-inspiring-chota-imambara-symbol-of.html
https://www.sid-thewanderer.com/2017/01/chota-imambara-lucknow.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chota_Imambara
https://www.tripoto.com/lucknow/places-to-visit/chota-imambara
https://thecentrum.in/chota-imambara-a-jewel-in-lucknows-spiritual-crown/
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