Bara Imambara In Utter Neglect

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Once regarded as one of the most splendid religious structure of Nawabi era, Bada Imambara of Jehanabad is now in a state of utter neglect. The mosque adjacent to Imambara is no longer in use while its outer wall has either collapsed or cracked at several places. The villagers use its courtyard for storing their crops freely and don’t appreciate the visit of Imambara by outsiders.

Built by Miyan Almas Ali Khan, one of the most remarkable courtiers of Nawab Asaf Ud Daula, by the end of 18^th century, Imambara is under the control of Shia Wakf and it has also appointed a caretaker. But he has done little to preserve and restore the lost glory of Imambara. People of Jehanabad told the blogger that he organizes only one Majlis on 12^th Muharram every year and remains silent thereafter. The caretaker however ensures white washing of the main structure before the arrival of Muharram but makes no effort to remove the grass that has covered the entire courtyard menacingly over the years.

The blogger even found the outer enclosure being used for storing the crates of cold drinks during his recent visit. Likewise, the place earmarked as Naubatkhana on both sides of the main entrance was full of wheat bags. A portion of the courtyard was full of scrap. A local journalist Mr.Gauhar Raza informed the blogger that Jehanabad Imambara used to hold Majalis for 12 days but after shifting of Imamis to Pakistan after partition the tradition broke. He showed me the wooden pulpit that was graced by the renowned marsiyakhwans and orators during Nawabi era. The pulpit too requires repairs. He also exhibited a wooden ‘Chowki’  that was used exclusively by Sozkhwans.

Mosque that is No Longer in Use

Architecturally, Jehanabad Imambara resembles with its counterparts in Lucknow. It has separate enclosures for display of relics(Alams,Patkas,Panjas and Zari) and hall for the orator and audience. It is a single story structure and also contains the grave of an official of Miyan Almas who had taken keen interest in the construction of Imambara. Jahanabad is in district Fatehpur and not far from Kunwarpur where a new Karbala has been developed. As Jehanabad Imambara ranks as one of the oldest and most sprawling Imami structure,it also deserves attention from all concerned or else it will reduce to rubble in days to come.