Chhota Imambara, Islamic shrine in Lucknow, India.
Chhota Imambara is a 19th-century building with multiple halls decorated with mirrors, chandeliers, crystal glass lamps, and gilded domes. Arabic script covers the interior walls throughout the structure.
The third Nawab of Awadh built this structure in 1838 as both a prayer hall and his future tomb. The project reflected the ruler's power and religious devotion during that period.
The name refers to five sacred Islamic figures honored in the building's design and layout. Visitors notice this reverence throughout the decorative choices and how the spaces are organized.
The site has separate prayer areas for men and women, with certain religious sections off-limits to non-Muslim visitors. It is helpful to check access rules beforehand and wear appropriate clothing when visiting.
A complex beside the main building houses replicas of the Taj Mahal serving as tombs for the Nawab's daughter and her husband. An unfinished four-story watchtower remains a striking remnant from that era of construction.
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