The Imperial Zenana Mosque of Lahore Fort holds deep historical and architectural significance as a private place of worship for the royal women of the Mughal household. Likely constructed during the early years of Shah Jahan’s reign, it was spatially connected to the inner sanctum of the fort, including the Paeen Bagh, Khilwat Khana, and the Shah Burj. Its entrance from the Shah Burj forecourt through a bent passage indicates both its orientation towards the qibla and its intended privacy, possibly allowing access for male royalty as well. The mosque’s courtyard is paved in black and white marble. Archaeological investigations in this area uncovered historic walls, which indicate the presence of a platform-like structure. Furthermore, sub-surface remnants of earlier Jahangir-period structures uncovered confirm that the mosque was inserted into the fabric of earlier palace buildings, realigned to meet Islamic orientation requirements.

Architectural study reveals the Mosque was retrofitted into an existing room, its angle shifted to align with the Kaaba. The layered walls, composed of rubble infill and multiple plaster coatings, indicate this adaptive reuse. The western wall features a modest mihrab, and the Mosque appears to have been divided into two areas: a more secluded section near the mihrab likely reserved for women of the highest status, and a larger area for the rest of the household. The eastern and southern entrances, as well as the northern door, appear to be later additions. Despite these later interventions, the Mosque retains a marble floor inlaid with intricate Mughal motifs like the Girah Hasht Tara (eight-knotted star), crafted in Sang-e-Badal and black marble, suggesting its original opulence.

Conservation efforts at the Imperial Zenana Mosque have included extensive site investigations, leading to the discovery and analysis of a historic drainage system connected to the Paeen Bagh quadrangle, prompting the development and integration of a comprehensive drainage plan for the site. The project involved removing detached and deteriorated plasters, cleaning and replastering interior and exterior surfaces, and stabilizing historic openings while removing and rehabilitating inappropriate brick masonry additions. Restoration activities further included the strategic replacement of deteriorated red sandstone jalis (screens), marble flooring, and the application of lime terracing. Additionally, marble inlay in the prayer area and walls was completed. The exterior façade was stabilized, missing plaster applied, and surrounding brick flooring restored. Strategic placement of lights and appropriate illumination measures were taken.