The magnificent Tomb of the Ummat uz Zohra, popularly known as Bahu Begum who was the wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah is located in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The construction was commenced by Darab Ali Khan who was her personal assistant, in 1815 AD who died in 1818 AD on 10th August as he could finish the foundation work before his death. Bahu Begum died on 27th January 1816 AD.
Then construction was started again by her advocate Panah Ali and by Mirza Haider son of adopted daughter. This finest building faces many hurdles like lack of funds and it was completed after mutiny in 1858 AD. The tomb is standing in the centre of the walled complex. It can be accessed through an elevated and well designed decorated grandeur gateway, though outer complex is further enclosed by arched cells all along the walls and can be accessed through a triple gateway. The square structure of the tomb is built over a series of chambers. A passage is provisioned in the tomb complex to access the grave which is at the centre. The main hall contains Shah-n-Sheen with ritual objects and the cenotaph. Central hall where religious gatherings are held. The central hall has verandah and the corners are adorned by four-storeyed minarets toped with fluted domes. The fluted central dome of the tomb is decorated by inverted lotus along with petal designs on the bottom of the neck and finial at the top. The walls and ceilings of tomb are adorned with beautiful stucco designs painted in bright colours.
This is considered one of the finest edifice built in Nawabi style architecture situated in Awadh and it’s a splendid attraction.