The Bara Imambara (), also known as the Asafi Imambara, is a significant imambara and mosque complex located in Lucknow, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, in 1784, it is the world's second largest imambara, after the Nizamat Imambara.
It is a Monument of National Importance, administered by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History
The construction of Bara Imambara started in year 1780, a year of devastating famine. One of Asaf-ud-Daula's objectives in embarking on the grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted. It is said that ordinary people used to work during the day building up the edifice, while noblemen and other elite worked at night to break down anything that was raised that day. It was a project that preceded a Keynesian-like intervention for employment generation. Construction of the imambara was completed in 1784. The estimated cost of building the imambara ranged between half a million rupees to a million rupees. Even after completion, the Nawab used to spend between four and five hundred thousand rupees on its decoration annually.
Architecture
thumb|View from the roof of the labyrinth of Bara Imambara
The building complex also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and Bowli, a steep well with running water. Two gateways lead to the main hall.
The design of the imambara was acquired through a competitive process. The winner was a Delhi architect Kifayatullah,