The Story of Sengol: From Nehru to Modi, the Historic Sceptre of Tamil Nadu

"Sengol" is a golden staff that represents authority and righteousness in Tamil culture. It was presented to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, by the Tamil Nadu Adheenams (religious heads) in 1947 to celebrate the end of British rule. The Sengol has a rich history and significance for the Tamil people and the nation. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning and importance of the Sengol, which was recently placed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the new Parliament building.

Table of Content

• What is Sengol?
• The Origin and Meaning of Sengol
• The Features and Artistry of the Sengol and its Design
• How the Sengol Ceremony on August 14, 1947 Symbolized India’s Independence
• The Sengol and the New Parliament Building
• Reasons and reactions of the installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is Sengol?

Sengol is a ceremonial sceptre that has a long and rich history in the culture and politics of Tamil Nadu. It was used by the ancient Chola kings to symbolize their authority and righteousness, and it was also presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of India’s independence as an indication of the shift of power from Britain to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the placement of the Sengol near the Speaker's chair in the newly constructed Parliament building.

The Origin and Meaning of Sengol

The word Sengol derives from the Tamil word “semmai”, which means righteousness. The sceptre is made of gold and silver, and has a Nandi bull on top, which represents justice. The sceptre measures five feet in length and weighs about 10 kg. The Sengol was conceived by a religious establishment in the Madras province and crafted by two men, Vummidi Ethirajulu and Vummidi Sudhakar, who are still alive and remember making it.

The Sengol tradition dates back to the Chola dynasty, which ruled over parts of South India from the 9th to the 13th century CE. The Chola kings were known for their military prowess, administrative efficiency, cultural patronage, and maritime expansion.

They also followed a unique ceremony of transferring power from one king to another, which involved the handover of the Sengol from the outgoing king to his successor. The new king would receive the Sengol with an order to rule his subjects fairly and justly, and to protect the land from enemies. The Sengol was seen as a sacred symbol of sovereignty and legitimacy.

The Features and Artistry of the Sengol and its Design

The Sengol is a ceremonial sceptre that has a gold and silver layer and a Nandi bull on top. It is five feet long and weighs about 10 kg. It has a triangular shape to ensure optimum space utilization. It has elaborate carvings and patterns that showcase the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The Sengol was created by the famous jewellers Vummidi Bangaru Chetty in Chennai . They were assigned by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 500-year-old Saivaite monastery in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu . The Adheenam was contacted by C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India, who proposed the use of the Sengol as a symbol of transfer of power from the British to India.

How the Sengol Ceremony on August 14, 1947 Symbolized India’s Independence

On August 14, 1947, a historic and symbolic event took place that marked India’s independence from the British rule. It was the Sengol ceremony, which was based on the ancient tradition of the Chola kings of Tamil Nadu, who used the Sengol as a symbol of their authority and righteousness.

The Sengol was a gold and silver sceptre with a Nandi bull on top, which signified justice. It was five feet long and weighed about 10 kg. It was made by a famous jeweler Vummidi Bangaru Chetty in the Madras Presidency.

The ceremony was performed by the deputy high priest of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 500-year-old Saivaite monastery, along with a nagaswaram player Rajarathinam Pillai, and a person who sang divine songs in Tamil temples. They belonged to the Adhinam of Tamil Nadu, a religious institution that followed the Saiva Siddhanta tradition of Hinduism.

The ceremony happened at around 10:45 pm at Nehru’s residence in New Delhi . Nehru received the Sengol from the priests and scholars with respect and appreciation. He also thanked them for their gesture and praised their culture and history. He hoped that the Sengol would inspire him and his successors to rule India with wisdom and justice.

The Sengol was then placed on a table in front of Nehru, who gave his historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech at midnight. He then raised the national flag at the Red Fort, announcing India’s independence. 

The Sengol ceremony was a way of showing India’s unity and diversity, and a way of acknowledging the role of Tamil Nadu in the freedom struggle. It was also a way of celebrating the ancient and glorious heritage of India, and a way of reminding the new leaders of India of their responsibility and duty.

The Sengol and the New Parliament Building

The Sengol has once again come into the limelight with the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28, 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, installed the Sengol near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair in the new building.

The Sengol was retrieved from the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, where it was kept since 1947. Modi said that the Sengol was a reminder of India’s glorious past and its bright future, and that it would inspire the lawmakers to uphold the values of democracy and justice. He also said that the Sengol was a symbol of India’s respect for its regional cultures and traditions, and that it would strengthen the bond between the Centre and the states.

The Sengol is a unique and valuable artefact that reflects India’s rich and diverse heritage. It is a testament to the legacy of the Chola kings, who were among the greatest rulers in Indian history. It is also a witness to India’s independence, which was achieved through sacrifice and struggle. And it is a beacon of hope for India’s future, which is based on democracy and development. The Sengol is more than just a sceptre; it is a symbol of India’s pride and potential.

Reasons and reactions of the installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building

The installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building was a momentous occasion that occurred on May 28, 2023. The Sengol is a golden rod that was presented to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, by the Tamil Nadu Adheenams (spiritual leaders) to celebrate the end of British rule in 1947. The Sengol is regarded as a symbol of responsibility, service and patriotism by the Tamil people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new Parliament building and placed the Sengol near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s seat with the approval of the Adheenam seers . He said that the Sengol in Parliament shows how tradition and development blend harmoniously, giving more motivation to fulfil people’s aspirations.

The installation of the Sengol elicited varied responses from different segments of society. Some applauded the gesture as a sign of esteem and acknowledgment for the Tamil culture and history. Others denounced it as a political ploy to attract the Tamil voters before the 2024 general elections. Some also doubted the genuineness of the Sengol, as it was reportedly missing for decades and found only recently.

Conclusion

Sengol is a ceremonial sceptre that has a long and rich history in the culture and politics of Tamil Nadu. It was used by the ancient Chola kings to symbolize their authority and righteousness, and it was also presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of India’s independence as an indication of the shift of power from Britain to India.

In the recently constructed Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed the Sengol near the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker. Sengol is a symbol of India’s unity and diversity, and a tribute to the contribution of Tamil Nadu to the freedom struggle. It is also a reminder of India’s glorious past and its bright future, and a source of inspiration for the lawmakers to uphold the values of democracy and justice.

It is also a symbol of India’s respect for its regional cultures and traditions, and a way of strengthening the bond between the Centre and the states. Sengol is more than just a sceptre; it is a symbol of India’s pride and potential.

FAQs

Q: What is Sengol?

A: Sengol is a ceremonial sceptre that was used by the ancient Chola kings of Tamil Nadu to symbolize their authority and righteousness. It is made of gold and silver, and has a Nandi bull on top, which represents justice.

Q: How is Sengol related to India’s independence?

A: Sengol was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of India’s independence as a sign of transfer of power from the British to India. Nehru accepted the Sengol from a group of Tamil priests and scholars, who represented the Adhinam of Tamil Nadu, a religious institution. The Sengol was then placed on a table in front of Nehru, who delivered his historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech and hoisted the national flag.

Q: Where is Sengol now?

A: Sengol was kept in the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library since 1947. Recently, it was installed near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair in the newly built Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2023.

Q: What is the significance of Sengol in the new Parliament building?

A: Sengol is a symbol of India’s unity and diversity, and a tribute to the contribution of Tamil Nadu to the freedom struggle. It is also a reminder of India’s glorious past and its bright future, and a source of inspiration for the lawmakers to uphold the values of democracy and justice. It is also a symbol of India’s respect for its regional cultures and traditions, and a way of strengthening the bond between the Centre and the states.

Q: How can I learn more about Sengol?

A: You can learn more about Sengol by reading articles, books, or watching videos on the history and culture of Tamil Nadu, especially the Chola dynasty. You can also visit the new Parliament building or the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library to see the Sengol in person.

Q: Who are the Chola kings and why are they important?

A: The Chola kings were a dynasty of rulers who ruled over parts of South India from the 9th to the 13th century CE. They are important because they were among the greatest rulers in Indian history, who expanded their empire across the Indian Ocean, built magnificent temples and monuments, patronized arts and literature, and established a strong administration and navy.

Q: What is the Adhinam of Tamil Nadu and what is its role in the Sengol ceremony?

A: The Adhinam of Tamil Nadu is a religious institution that traces its origin to the Saiva Siddhanta tradition of Hinduism. It is headed by a pontiff called the Madurai Adheenam, who is considered to be the spiritual successor of the legendary saint Tirujnana Sambandar. The Adhinam of Tamil Nadu was responsible for conceiving and crafting the Sengol for Nehru, and also for presenting it to him on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Q: How did Nehru react to receiving the Sengol?

A: Nehru was deeply touched and impressed by receiving the Sengol. He thanked the Adhinam of Tamil Nadu for their gesture and praised their culture and history. He also expressed his hope that the Sengol would inspire him and his successors to rule India with wisdom and justice.

Q: How did Modi decide to install the Sengol in the new Parliament building?

A: Modi decided to install the Sengol in the new Parliament building after he learned about its history and significance from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who had visited the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and seen the Sengol there. Modi felt that the Sengol deserved a place of honour in the new Parliament building, as it represented India’s heritage and aspirations.