In the last leg of our Nainital Trip we had a one-day visit to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Apart from the grand architectural edifices bearing the elegance of Mughal architecture what attracted me most is the gorgeous interior of Chota Imambara in the City of Nawabs.
There was a burst of color and opulence as we entered the main hall.
The Chota Imambara, also known as Hussainabad Imambara is a congregation hall for Shia Muslims located near the Bara Imambara in the heart of Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). This beautiful monument was built by the third Nawab of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah, in 1838.
I was wonderstruck by the intricate calligraphic decorations on the exterior walls and a range of gorgeous Belgium-made chandeliers inside.
The hall is popularly called as the Palace of Lights because of these chandeliers which are lit during festivals.
The Imambara also houses the tombs of the Nawab and the royal family members. There are two beautiful replicas of Taj Mahal which are the mausoleums of his daughter and son-in-law.
The fountains and the reflections of pristine white tombs in the water and the beautiful surroundings – all gave a message of peace.
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