Bara Imambara was built by 4th Nawab of Awadh - Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula and the construction work began in the year 1784. It took over 14 years to complete and was designed by the architect Hafiz Kifayat Ullah and Shahjahanabadi. The estimated cost of constructing this grand monument is speculated to be between half a million rupees to a million rupees. Even after the construction was completed, the Nawab used to spend four to five thousand rupees annually on its decoration. The story behind this massive centre is based on a very noble cause. During the 18th century, a devastating famine struck the Awadh Estate, making the Nawab think of a plan to provide food for his starving subjects. He decided to make them construct magnificent buildings which would, in turn, provide them with employment, and hence food. This is how the idea of Food-for-Work was implemented. This basic and yet efficient concept is still prevalent in India.