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Lucknow’s Iconic Bada Imambara Dome Collapses Due To Heavy Rains; Restoration Underway

by Sushmita Mahanta
Lucknow’s Iconic Bada Imambara Dome Collapses Due To Heavy Rains; Restoration Underway

Heavy rains took a toll on one of the most iconic domes in India recently. Yes, you heard it right! The historic Bada Imambara dome in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, collapsed due to heavy rainfall in the city on Monday evening. However, the restoration process for the damage had already begun on Tuesday. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow, primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya, is one of the most famous monuments in the city. The dome that collapsed was located above the Bhool Bhulaiya gate. Read on to know more about the aftermath of the damage that took place in the Bada Imambara.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Team Had Already Started The Reconstruction Work

Habibul Hasan, who is the in-charge of Bada Imambara revealed that the dome had collapsed due to heavy rainfall around 6 pm on Monday evening. “No one was injured in the collapse of the small building. We have removed the garbage. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team has started the reconstruction work. A stone is broken and is being repaired,” he further explained. Talking about the tourist visits, Hasan said that on the day of the collapse, the tourist entries to the ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’ had been stopped. “Entry to the Bada Imambara is being allowed as usual. We hope that the entry to ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’ will be resumed soon,” added Hasan. Meanwhile, the restoration process for the damage was already underway, and speaking on the same an ASI officer said that they had assessed the damage and their teams were working to restore the damaged parts. “I think the work will be completed in a day or two and tourists will be allowed to enter from the next day,” said the official.

More About The Historic Landmark Bada Imambara

Bara Imambara, built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, is an imambara complex in Lucknow, India. As its name, Bara (which means big) suggests, this imambara is the second largest after the Nizamat Imambara. The architecture of the Bada Imambara complex reflects ornamented Mughal design. The main imambara consists of a large vaulted central chamber that contains the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula. At 50 by 16 meters and over 15 meters tall, this tomb has no beams supporting the ceiling and is considered one of the largest arched constructions in the world.

Also read: This City Of Bengal Nawabs, Murshidabad Has Stunning Palaces, Tombs And The World’s Largest Imambara