Gulab Bari is famous for the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah. It’s located in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. As it was the first capital of Awadh. The complex is surrounded by a brick wall with plaster. The boundary wall has numerous quarters most probably for the workers and care takers. There are three arched double storeyed entrance gates to access the complex, Imambara, Mosque and tomb. These gateways are quite imposing having decorated balconies and relief works with plaster.
The tomb of Shuja-ud-Daulah is situated in the centre of the Char Bagh. This Char Bagh has fountains and shallow water canals. It is a beautiful building whose central chamber houses the tombs of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah and his mother on the ground floor. Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah died on 26 January 1775. The main chamber on the first floor of the tomb can be reached through three grand arched gateways via staircase. It houses the picture of Nawab, chandeliers, decorated wooden grill which marks the graves and covered with clothes.
The tomb is a square two-storey structure with arched verandahs all around on the ground floor. The roof of this beautiful building is adorned with a dome. On which there is also a vase with an inverted lotus. There are 4 small minarets around the dome which are decorated with cupola. The parapet in front of the dome is based on arches between the minarets which are decorated with small bulbus structures. Minarets are built on octagonal structures at the four corners which are adorned with domes and finials at the top.
The remaining work of this tomb was completed by the wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah in 1789 and she herself maintained this rose garden and the tomb. In 1860, the British took over the other buildings except the tomb.
Now this heritage is under the supervision of three departments, Nazul, Garden and Horticulture Department and Archaeological Department because it is a protected monument of national importance. No ticket of any kind is charged here. Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula’s father, Nawab Mirza Muqim, who was known by the title Safdar Jung, died in 1753 and his body was kept in this tomb and later buried in Delhi Safdar Jung’s Tomb.
This is very attraction among the locals and visitors as it’s magnificent architectural monument. Rose garden is maintained and having many varieties and some other floral plants are planted to enhance the beauty of this marvelous edifice. Imambara is almost turned to ruins and the mosque is also not having any care.