padma(lotus motif)

The padma which has been depicted in mughal architecture is also an ancient hindu symbol. It represents pricipal of growth. The lotus symbol occupies an important place in hindu cosmology. Water is source and support of all being and lotus represent it.
The padma was adopted as a motif for depiction in Indian art from it's earliest phase.It was a popular art motif during Gupta period when it is depicted in various form and it is from this period that it became conventionalized
During mughal reign it can be found all over fatehpur sikri and even taj mahal.
Lotus had been one of the most important or widely used motifs, it can easily be found in every historical monument be it of any age.