Imambara Built by Nawab Shuja- Ud- Daula

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Tomb of Shuja Ud Daula in Faizabad

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Nawab Shuja Ud Daula is best known for his pivotal role in two significant battles fought on Indian soil namely Third Battle of Panipat and Battle of Buxar. Historians have however not written much about his love for Ahle-Bait-E-Athar. People also don’t know much about the Imambara he built at Faizabad.       

Shuja Ud Daula was born on January 19, 1732 and breathed her last on January 26,1775.He served as Subedar of Awadh from October 5,1754 till his death. During his lifetime, he developed Faizabad as a flourishing city and also constructed his own mausoleum that is considered to be a masterpiece of architecture of later Mughal period. As stone was not available In Awadh, his tomb is made of ‘Lakhauri bricks’ and erected on a raised platform in Charbagh style.

While erecting his own tomb, Shuja Ud Daula did not forget to build an Imambara near his tomb. He also built a mosque inside the complex. Imambara is on the right hand corner of the tomb complex while the mosque is in the left. Both the structures are in good condition.

Nawab Shuja Ud Daula like a true Hussaini was a man of liberal views. He adopted policy of tolerance towards his subjects  and even granted land for construction of temples and Dharamshalas to Hindus and Jains. He promoted Faizabad as a great city  and encouraged poets and artists to settle down there. Faziabad lost its sheen however after his death.His son Asaf Ud Daula shifted capital to Lucknow and erected Bada Imambara.Since the days of Asaf Ud Daula, Lucknow has been a prominent center of Azadari.

One should however not ignore the role played by Shuja Ud Daula in promoting Azadari.He spent lavishly on Muharram ceremonies and used to observe Muharram rituals even on the battle field. (References available on reqest.Photo by Blogger himself)