LUCKNOW, Nov. 18 -- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been conserving the centuries-old Shahi Bawarchi Khana (royal kitchen) at Chhota Imambada for over a month, and the restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Aftab Hussain, superintending archaeologist, said the work involves a slow and meticulous process. "We are removing dead plaster, treating cracks, strengthening weakened sections and carrying out detailed lime plastering," he said.

Built in 1839 by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, the third nawab of Awadh, Chhota Imambada served as an important religious and cultural centre. Its royal kitchen once prepared meals during Ramzan and Muharram, which were distributed among the poor, a tradition started 1...