Lucknow: Three historic gateways of Chhota Imambada—the south-east gate (Pehla Phatak), north gate (Naubat Khana) and north-west gate (Doosra Phatak)—are going to be restored by INTACH under supervision of Lucknow Development Authority. The gateways, once the principal entrances to the enclosed complex, had deteriorated over time due to ageing, seepage and weathering. It is part of plan to conserve heritage character of Husainabad.Built between 1832 and 1836 during the reign of Muhammad Ali Shah, Chhota Imambada was conceived as a smaller counterpart to Bada Imambada. The three gateways were integral to the original design, forming part of the boundary wall and guiding visitors through open courtyards to reach the central shrine.Project coordinator, architect Pratishtha Sharma, said the gateways were not merely entry points but key elements in the architectural sequence of the complex. Traditional construction materials like lakhauri—thin, hand-made bricks typical of Mughal and Awadhi architecture— will be used to match the original masonry.The mortar is a mix of lime, sand, and surkhi (powdered brick dust), materials used in pre-modern construction. Workers are using traditional additives like jaggery, guggul resin, belgiri pulp, urad dal and natural fibres to replicate older techniques, said INTACH director Dharmendra Mishra, “to ensure conformity with the original structure.”Stucco ornamentation, floral motifs and mouldings are being restored using surviving fragments and archival references. The domed turrets above the gateways form another focus area, with one partially collapsed turret near Pehla Phatak now being rebuilt with its original copper- and brass-clad design.
