What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you listen to the term Imambara? Lucknow isn’t it? But did you know that other than Lucknow, West Bengal also preserves Imambara as a part of its heritage? The Hoogly Imambara is just 55.2 Km from the city of joy Kolkata on the banks of river Hooghly. The trip to the fabulous portion of history is just a few hours from the capital of Bengal.
The Imambara had a modest beginning, despite the grand monument’s stunningly ornamented designs and motifs that are sure to leave anyone in awe. Mohammad Aga Motahar, a renowned Persian businessman, founded the Hooghly Imambara in the year 1717 AD. He had arrived at the Hooghly River’s banks at the start of the 18th century with his salt enterprise.
Intending to reside there for the rest of his life, he constructed his family’s home where the Imambara now stands. Being wealthy allowed him to take advantage of having lots of servants at his disposal. Although he was extremely wealthy, it’s possible that his family life wasn’t happy.
His son-in-law Mirza Saleh-ud-din added another structure to it in 1735. The Tazias are likely kept in this new structure, which has the name “Tazia Khana.” There is no relationship between the modern Imambara and the earlier one. In actuality, it was constructed with the support of Haji Md. Mohsin on the ruins of the earlier one. Haji Md. Mohsin was a well-known philanthropist who was born in 1732. Because he was Md. Aga Motahar’s sole heirs, Mannu Jan Khanam and Mirza Saleh-ud lost the entire Motahar estate. Md. Mohsin was a devout man without children. He gave the entire property to the Muslim community in the area.
Tragically Md. Mohsin passed away on November 29, 1812, before the Imambara could be finished. Mohsin had made preparations for the Imambara and a Mutawalli to be built (a caretaker or official trustee appointed to look after the Muslim shrine). The Mutawallis, however, disobeyed Haji Mohsin and were accused of corruption and misusing money as a result. The government finally took control of the Imambara because of the mismanagement.
Syed Keramat Ali, a distinguished architect, was chosen to serve as a Mutawalli in 1834. Keramat Ali was a multifaceted individual with extensive scientific and geometrical knowledge. The Hooghly Imamabara was eventually constructed under his leadership. According to Hashmat Ali’s biography of Haji Mohsin, the Imambara took twenty long years to construct, from 1841 to 1861, at a cost of Rs. 850000. Syed Keramat Ali gave Maulvi Syed Ashraf Uddin, the eldest son of Nawab Amir Ali, the power before he passed away in 1875.
Imambara translates to “the abode of angels” (where “Imam” stands for angels and “Bara” for “abode”). An impressive doorway leading to an open courtyard greets visitors to the Hooghly Imambara. The courtyard’s centre is a rectangular tank that is adorned with lovely fountains. The fountain is thought to be connected to the river underground.
The Zaridalan, the Imambara’s primary prayer hall, is located in front of the courtyard. The Zaridalan’s interiors are a harmonious blend of beauty and solemnity. A calming effect is provided by the marble floor’s black and white check pattern. The maxims of the Prophet Hazrat Mohammad are written on the walls of this room, which is also exquisitely decorated with lanterns and chandeliers made of Belgian glass hanging from the ceiling. The Imambara’s walls are written in Arabic script. The Imam’s seven-star throne is located inside the prayer hall, where he makes speeches. For the ladies, there is a sophisticated seating arrangement on each side balcony.
The clock
Another breathtaking wonder in the Imambara is the clock tower. The clock is situated in the middle of the twin towers built over the Imambara’s entrance. According to reports, each tower has 152 stairs leading to the top and is 150 feet tall. A single central machine powers the enormous clock with two dials that are situated on either side of the towers and continues to function flawlessly to this day. One time per week, the clock is wound. Given that the clock key weighs 20 kg, it makes sense that two people would be needed to carry it. Three bells of various sizes, each weighing about 3200 kg, 1600 kg, and 1200 kg, are located directly above the central unit. Every 15 minutes, the small and medium-sized bells, and every hour, the larger bell, chime. Men can access the Southern Tower, while women can access the Northern Tower. A breathtaking view of the surroundings and the Ganges River can be found on the top floor of the towers. The clock continues to display the right time as if it were quietly observing both the river’s and time’s progression.
The Sun Dial
At the Imambara’s open yard on the back side, there is a sundial. The correct time from dawn until dusk is still displayed on a concrete table with a fixed hand. The sundial captured our attention. It actually provided the precise time.
The Haji Mohammad Moshin’s last will and testament
The last will of Haji Mohammad Moshin is written in both English and Arabic on the wall in the backyard. This is a fascinating artefact for all history buffs to see.
The Hooghly Imambara is an excellent location to spend some time in solitude and reflection while also taking in the beauty of both architecture and nature. Observe the sunset while sitting by the Hooghly. Overall, the trip might be a positive one.
How to get to Hooghly Imambara:
Bandel is the closest railway station. Local trains run from Howrah station to Bandel. You can take a rickshaw to the Imambara from the station.
Your visit to Bandel Church can be combined. You can also travel to the Imambara by riverboat from Bandel Church. There will be a difference in this boat ride.
Facts About Hooghly Imambara
The Hooghly Imambara is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April to August and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September to March. Entry tickets are Rs. 10 each (as of 2016) except for inside the Zaridalan, taking pictures is completely permitted at the Imambara.
Trivia
M/s Black & Hurray Co., Big Ben, London produced the enormous clock at the clock tower or Ghori Ghor and charged Rs. 11721 for it in 1852. The renowned Hooghly Mohsin College was founded by Haji Mohammad Mohsin as well. The Hooghly Imambara needs to be properly cared for. The entire area is in disrepair, and the fountain is broken. Maintaining the area properly can improve it and draw more visitors.
Indeed, the pace of life won’t let you plan for vacations every weekend, but if you are a travel enthusiast, trips like these can be refreshing and informative as well. For more information keep a watch on our website.
