Lucknow's Bara Imambara: 18th-Century Marvel Built to Combat Famine

• Bara Imambara, an 18th-century monument in Lucknow, was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 during a famine to provide employment.
• It features the world's largest unsupported arched hall, over 50 meters long and 15 meters high, with 16-foot thick walls.
• The monument houses the famous Bhool Bhulaiya, a labyrinth with nearly 1,000 interconnected passages and 489 identical doorways.
• Approximately 20,000 laborers were employed for over 10 years to construct the complex, which also includes a mosque and the Rumi Darwaza.
• The Bara Imambara serves as a place of worship for Shia Muslims and is a major tourist attraction, open daily except Mondays.

Why It Matters: Bara Imambara is an architectural marvel built during a famine to provide jobs, showcasing ingenious design and historical significance.