The purpose of the study is to analyze the trend of female architectural patronage of 17th century Lahore within the perspective of women empowerment. The Case Study of Maryam Zamani Masjid has depicted the much empowered image of Maryam Zamani, the patron of Masjid. Her importance in the royal court and as the famous business icon of her time makes her fit into the present definition of women empowerment. It is argued that her appearance as one of the influential women of her time can be successfully fits into the domains of four variables of women empowerment. Theories and models have been applied in order to find out whether it was women empowerment or merely the royal’s gesture of respect towards her?

Keywords: Female Architectural Patronage, Medieval times Lahore, Mughal Women, Masjid Maryam Zamani, Women empowerment