On both sides of the banks of river Gomti lies the city of Nawabs, one of the finest cities of India and capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
This is bada Imambara. It was built by Nawab Asaf Ud Daula to generate employment during the famine of 1784 and is one of the architectural wonders of that era
At the entrance of the Bara Imambara, stands a huge monument called Naubat khana
The musicians sitting with the instruments in Naubat Khana or Drum House used to inform about the movement of the royal family by playing tunes.
This building situated on the right side in the Imambara compound is the Asafi Mosque, whose design and workmanship is commendable and is still used for worship.
This building situated in the left of the Imambara compound is the Shahi Baoli, the stairs going down lead to the perennial water from where the image of anyone entering from the entrance is visible.
Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built a guest house to accommodate his royal distinguished guests and named it "Mehman Khana".
The first guest to stay there was Warren Hastings, The first Governer General of India
The Central hall of the Asafi Imambara is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world and is place of worship
A staircase situated outside of the central hall leads to series of labyrinths which visters are advised to visit only with authorised guides.
So this was the Bada Imambara complex, standing at the first place in the list of architecture of the Nawabi era.
Stay with India Tourister and know closely about Lucknow: The city of Nawabs.