Gulab Bari, literally translated as the "Garden of Roses," stands as a poignant architectural masterpiece in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. It serves as the final resting place of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Oudh, and represents a golden era when Faizabad flourished as the capital of Awadh. Declared a monument of National Importance, this site is not merely a tomb but a sprawling complex that reflects the cultural and aesthetic height of the Nawabi period.
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| Gulab Bari, Faizabad, UP.trawell.in |
Above image:Gulab Bari is the maqbara (Mausoleum) of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Oudh (now Awadh) in the campus. The tomb proper stands in the centre of a Charbagh Garden accompanied by fountains and shallow water channels..........
Historical Context and Shuja-ud-Daula
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| Gulab Bari, Faizabad, UP upload.wikimedia.org image:Mukulfaiz |
Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula (1753–1775) was a pivotal figure in Indian history, known for his role in the Battle of Buxar. During his reign, Faizabad attained a level of prosperity and architectural grandeur it would never see again. Shuja-ud-Daula was deeply involved in the planning of his own mausoleum, constructing it during his lifetime. The Nawab found solace in the fragrance of roses, which led to the creation of the extensive gardens surrounding the tomb. It is said the scent helped clear his mind for state decisions. The site remained the heart of Awadh’s glory until his successor, Asaf-ud-Daula, shifted the capital to Lucknow, leading to the gradual decay of Fakirabad's prominence.
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| Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula , Awadh Alamy.com |
Architectural Splendor
The architecture of Gulab Bari is a sophisticated blend of Islamic design and local Awadhi influences. The mausoleum is set within a traditional Charbagh garden, a four-quadrant layout divided by shallow water channels and fountains. Constructed primarily of Lakhauri bricks and lime plaster, the square, double-story structure is characterized by its symmetry. The ground floor features arched verandahs on all sides, while the upper story presents a three-arched façade flanked by elegant minarets.Square in plan The Gulab Bari is a two-storey structure with arched verandahs. an inverted lotus and metal tip top the dome over the central room
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| Gulab Bari, Faizabad, UP airial.travel |
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| Gulab Bari, Faizabad, UP thrillingtravel.in |
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| Gulab Bari, Faizabad, UP thrillingtravel.in |
The central chamber houses the cenotaphs of Shuja-ud-Daula and his mother, topped by a grand dome crowned with an inverted lotus and a metal finial. The complex is accessed through imposing triple-arched gateways and includes an Imambara, Shahi Hammam, and a mosque, all enclosed by high, decorated walls.
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| Gulab Bari, Faizabad, ayodhyatourism.co.in |
Cultural Significance
Today, Gulab Bari remains a site of immense spiritual value, particularly for the local Muslim community. Despite its weathered condition, it continues to host cultural events and serves as a place of worship. It stands as a silent witness to a time when Faizabad was a center of power, art, and refined taste.
Status on current restoration
Current restoration efforts at Gulab Bari are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), focusing on structural stabilization and the preservation of its delicate Awadhi-style features. As of early 2026, work includes repairing the Lakhauri brick masonry and restoring the lime-plastered relief work on the mausoleum's three-arched façade.
A significant challenge recently emerged regarding a ₹1.04 crore tourism development project; while funds were allocated for beautification, the ASI initially withheld permission to ensure modern upgrades did not compromise the monument's historical integrity. Conservationists are prioritizing the "Charbagh" water channels and the revival of the iconic rose species that give the site its name.
https://www.trawell.in/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya/gulab-bari
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulab_Bari
https://thrillingtravel.in/gulab-bari-faizabad.html
https://ayodhyatourism.co.in/gulab-bari-garden-of-roses-vaidehi-nagar-ayodhya
K.N. Jayaraman
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