Context:
A historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu ‘Sengol’ will be installed at the new Parliament building to be inaugurated by by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28.
Relevance:
GS I: History, Facts for Prelims
About Sengol:
Origin:
- The term “Sengol” was first used on August 14, 1947, by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the transfer of power from the British.
- It was initially kept in a museum in Allahabad.
- The word “Sengol” is derived from the Tamil word “Semmai,” which means “righteousness.”
- It is a civilizational practice from the Chola kingdom, which was one of the prominent kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent for centuries.
Symbolic:
- In Tamil tradition, a high priest presents a sceptre, known as “Sengol,” to a newly crowned king as a symbolic gesture of power transition.
- The recipient of the “Sengol” is expected to rule with justice and impartiality.
- C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor General of India, proposed that this tradition observed by the Chola dynasty could serve as a significant symbol of India’s freedom from British rule.
Features:
- The “Sengol” was crafted by the renowned jeweler Vummidi Bangaru Chetty from Madras (Chennai).
- This impressive sceptre measures five feet in length.
- It features a “nandi” bull at the top, symbolizing the concept of justice.
-Source: The Hindu
