Historical landmark of Lucknow, Chota Imambara or the Husainabad Imambara, displays a curious mixture of Charbagh, Persian and Indo-Islamic structural designs. Built in the year 1837, the Imambara looks astonishingly awesome with its golden dome, gold-edged mirrors and silver throne.
This beautiful monument of the yesteryears holds an interesting story behind its glittering facades. While the great famine of the 19th century engulfed all the belongings of the lower strata in the society, the then Nawab of Oudh bespoke Chota Imambara under the Food for work program, which was a great respite to the poverty stricken people of that time.
This neatly designed monument where a placid stream runs through middle of the garden provides the miracles of artistic brilliance and structural grandeur. Interiors are ornamented with Arabic calligraphy and intricate glass works. Often called as the palace of lights, this Imambara shines its best during the eve of Muharam when the entire edifice would be lit with ornamental lamps and Belgium chandeliers. It is to be noted that non-muslims are not permitted to enter into Chota Imambara.
A small bazaar, known as the Gelo Khana or "Decorated Place", lies inside the imposing entrance of the Imambara and is the home of chikan and bidri workers and of those who make the small clay figures typical to Lucknow. Opposite the entrance is a similar structure, the Naubat Khana, where seven musicians play three times a day in honour of the dead.
