Built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third King of Awadh, the Chota Imambara (Imambara Husainabad Mubarak) is a spectacle of Indo-Islamic and Persian architecture, famously christened the 'Palace of Lights' for its world-renowned collection of chandeliers.
The Crystal Treasures of Belgium & Bohemia
During festive commemorations of Muharram, the hall comes alive with hundreds of crystal chandeliers, ornate glass lanterns, and candelabra shipped across maritime routes from Belgium, Bohemia, and Venice. The central prayer hall also houses the golden dome, silver pulpit (mimbar), and the royal sarcophagus adorned with pure Awadhi silver repoussé work.
Calligraphy & Floral Glaze
Unlike the austere grandeur of Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara is decorated with intricate Quranic calligraphy rendered in Arabic script with black stone inlays against pristine white plaster, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a water canal reflecting its minarets.
Hussainabad Clock Tower & Picture Gallery Nearby
Directly opposite the complex stands India's tallest clock tower—the 67-meter Hussainabad Clock Tower, constructed in 1881 in Victorian Gothic style. Next to it, the Picture Gallery displays life-sized oil portraits of the Nawabs of Awadh, where the optic-illusion paintings appear to follow your eyes wherever you walk.
Visitor Tip:
The composite ASI ticket bought at Bara Imambara gives you free entry to Chota Imambara and Picture Gallery. Walk through the iconic Rumi Darwaza to reach here in just 8 minutes!
