An architectural masterpiece of the 19th century is the magnificent Hooghly Imbabara in the town of Hooghly situated in the state of West Bengal. Hooghly or Hooghly-Chinsura as it also known lies about 30 k from the metro city of Kolkata. Built by Hazi Mohammad Mohsin between 1841 and 1861, this historical structure doubles up as a mosque as well as an imambara, the latter refers to a building or room usually used during the festivities of Muharram.
Consisting of two storeys with a clock tower at the entrance, the building is flanked by two large towers that are as tall as 80 feet. Built predominantly in the Islamic stle of architecture, the walls have numerous inscriptions of texts from the Holy Quran.
Intricate patterns adorn the walls and the interiors are decorated richly with lanterns and marble.
There are steps inside the clock tower that take you to the top that offer some panoramic views of the Hoogly river and the Jubilee bridge.
The courtyard in the center has a fountain and the whole structure is a symbol of the erstwhile glory of the Nawab era in Bengal. Some parts of the building are however, dilapidated and in need of some repairs and restoration.
The heritage structure is once again a reminder of our rich cultural past and is definitely worth a visit if you are history buff.
Again a very interesting post, I just love these heritage sites in your country.
Thanks Marion! More reasons to plan a visit to India:)
I’ll get there one day, soon I hope!!
I belong from Kolkata and this post is making me nostalgic now! Great one 🙂
Thank you so much:)
Very interesting. Looks like worth a visit!
Yes Swami; it indeed is:)
Very interesting!
Thank you Sir!
You are sharing with us so many treasures from Kolkatta so thank you for that!!!very interesting read Rashmi & great photographs 🙂 love the colourful glass work that has been so intricately done!
Thank u so much Divya! Appreciate you reading my posts:)
Of course Rashmi… They are insightful & interesting at the least! Your photography is stunning too:)
looks cool Rashmi 🙂
Thanks Daniel!
Lovely pictures 🙂
Thanks Nandini:)
Great views of the Hoogly river and the Jubilee bridge. Again amazing artistry in the building.
Yes it offers great views indeed!
Looks like it is taken care off well. I missed visiting this place when I was there. Glad to see these great captures.
Thanks Indrani; the place is fairly well maintained but could do with some more.
Beautiful photos..
Thanks Ranjini!
I am going to visit this place for sure, have been to kolkata umpteen times but never been here! Lovely pictures
That’s great Anupriya; I look forward to hearing your views on the place:)
Fabulous pictures Rashmi! Loved the green door!:) So vibrant!
Thank you so much Divsi:) Glad you liked it!
Lovely…
Thank you Sunita!
Very nice cover up with beautiful pics. loved this post a lot.
Thank you so much Jyotirmoy! Glad you liked the post:)
Beautiful pictures – those views are wonderful! Interested to hear about the history and love the vibrant green of the door 🙂
Thanks Rosemary!
I absolutely adore the title to this post. Very lovely use of language. You always intrigue me us read on! 🙂
Thanks so much Reeanna for your kind words! You made my day:)
@Rashminotes Mam its a shame being a Bengali, I havent visited this amazing place..After living so many years in Kolkata, we had been blindly mesmerised only by the City of Joy…You have truly showcased the beauty of the bygone Bengal..Cudos..Congrats once again for the wonderful post…Next trip to Kolkata…this trip would be definitely on the cards.. : )
Thank you Indranil! Please do visit and let me know your views:) Will look forward to it!