Manifestation of Shi’a Culture’s Mourning Rituals in Architecture of Imambaras: Case Study of Bada Imambara and Chhota Imambara, Lucknow

Abstract

Religious architecture has a close relationship with the rituals and symbolic beliefs of the people. These rituals later transform into spaces which further define the spatial arrangements as per the requirements of the functions. The study aims to explore the religious architecture and evolution of the Shi’a mourning ritual performed in the Imambaras. Shi’as are the followers of the Imams and constitute a smaller sect of Islam that originated from Iran and migrated globally over the centuries. In India, they arrived as migrants who settled in the coastal regions of Gujarat and the Deccan. Prominent Shi’a dynasties emerged in India from 15th century, with the Adil Shahi Dynasty, and continued till the Nawabs of Awadh in the 18th century. The mourning rituals have immense significance among the Shi’as, particularly during Muharram, which is the first Islamic month and is dedicated to commemorating the martyrdom of Karbala. This important ritual, known as Azadari, requires a specific spatial arrangement for the proceedings to take place smoothly. A different typology of building, the Imambaras, are dedicated to this ritual. The objective is to establish a relationship between the two and understand how faith and practices are translated into religious architecture. Imambaras were built throughout the Shi’a powered provinces namely, Kashmir, Awadh and Hyderabad, but the focus of this research will be only limited to Awadh. Present day Lucknow was the capital city of Awadh/Oudh and flourished under the Nawabs, who were the patrons of art and architecture. Numerous buildings were erected by different Nawabs as a symbol of power. Several Imambaras and Karbalas (cemeteries or graveyards) were constructed throughout the city. Bada Imambara and Hussainabad Imambara are two renowned Imambaras that give identity to the city. They not only serve as religious buildings but also have social and cultural importance amongst the people of Lucknow. The study aims to demonstrate how religious practices can be translated into physical form by analyzing how elements are places and what are the spatial configurations used along with smaller details like the use of specific colours, materials or forms to adhere with the symbolic interpretation of the religion.