Nizamat Imambara - Historical place in Murshidabad - Murshidabad, India

The Nizamat Imambara is a Shia Muslim congregation hall in Murshidabad, India. The present Nizamat Imambara was built in 1847 AD by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan. It was built after the old Imambara built by Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah was destroyed by the fires of 1842 and 1846. This Imambara is the largest one in India and Bengal. it is a mesmerizing architecture. It is open for public only during Muharram - so whoever planning to visit this imambara, opt for this time. Rest of the time, it remains close. It is open only on Thursdays from morning 6 am to sunset. We could not get a chance to enter there as we visited there on Saturday.

Situated north of the Hazarduari Palace, this imambara is one of the largest in the world. It stands as a classic example of the past grandeur of the Nawabs. During Muharram, numerous rituals take place here, and the imambara remains open to the public during that time of the year.

The Nizamat Imambara (Bengali: nijaamt imaambaadd'aa; also known as Nizamat Kila) is a Shia Muslim congregation hall (imambara) in Murshidabad, India. It was built in 1740 AD by Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah and rebuilt in 1847 by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan[1][2][3] after it was destroyed by the fires of 1842 and 1846. It is frequently mentioned as the largest imambara in the world. The old Nizamat Imambara was built by Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah[1][3][4] in the Nizamat Fort Area. He bought bricks and mortar, and laid the foundation of the building with his own hands. However, the old Imambara was primarily made up of wood. The plot where this Imambara had been built was dug to a depth of 6 feet. It was refilled with soil which was brought from Mecca so that the poor members of the Muslim community could have an experience of Hajj The old Imambara caught fire[1][3][4] for the first time in 1842 and was partly destroyed. But it was completely destroyed by a fire on 23 December 1846.[2] That day the Nawabs along with the Europeans threw a party to celebrate the weaning ceremony of five-year-old Hassan Ali Mirza. The Imambara caught fire at midnight due to the fireworks left off and was completely burnt down. Nothing survived except the old Madina Mosque.

Standing with pride just opposite the hazarduary palace - it is a mesmerizing architecture. It is open for public only during Muharram - so whoever planning to visit this imambara, opt for this time. Rest of the time, it remains close.

It was a mosque during the nawab period. But now entry is closed. It only opens in the month of Muharram for 10 days.

Every time... every time YOUR mammoth structure, YOUR regality, YOUR serenity and gravity amazed me...my whole inner self just transferred to another world...a world far superior from this common world....Nizamat Imambara, you are just fascinating. Nawab Siraj himself laid bricks and soils from Mecca for Your foundation in 1740...it was his dream project to have a Mecca by his side...that wooden structure is no more....the fire of 1842 and 1846 totally devoured You...yet like a Phinix once again You raised your head from your ashes. Nawab Nazim Mansur Ali Khan rebuilt You in 1847... more than 6 lacs rupees and 11 strenuous months...Your transformation was complete. Now You are always beside Siraj's Madina ...You and Your ethereal White colour is our proud heritage. World's largest Imambara is only an award...You are the true essence of INDIA.

Old Nizamat Imambara The old Nizamat Imambara was built by Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah in the Nizamat Fort Area. He bought bricks and mortar, and laid the foundation of the building with his own hands. However, the old Imambara was primarily made up of wood. The plot where this Imambara had been built was dug to a depth of six feet. It was refilled with soil which was brought from Mecca so that the poor members of the Muslim community could have an experience of Hajj. Destruction The old Imambara caught fire for the first time in 1842 and was partly destroyed. But it was completely destroyed by a fire on 23 December 1846. That day the Nawabs along with the Europeans threw a party to celebrate the weaning ceremony of five-year-old Hassan Ali Mirza. The Imambara caught fire at midnight due to the fireworks left off and was completely burnt down. Nothing survived except the old Madina Mosque. New Nizamat Imambara The new Imambara was built in 1847 by Nawab Nazim Mansur Ali Khan under the supervision and direction of Sadeq Ali Khan just opposite the Hazarduari Palace at a cost of more than Rs 6 lacs. The main entrance just parallel to the north face of the Hazarduari Palace faces south. The masons took only 11 months to finish the construction as in addition to their wages they also received food which allowed them to work day and night. The present Imambara is 680 feet long, however the breadths vary. The central block that has the Madina is 300 feet long. It had been built slightly some feet away from the site of the old building in north. The Imambara stands just opposite to the Hazarduari Palace and is situated just on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The gap between the shores of the river and the west wall of the Imambara may be a few feet.

A beautiful place. This Historical Landmark is a must visit for anyone visiting Murdidabad. It takes thru the history of Mursidabad,.built in 1740.