The Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the new Parliament building on May 28th 2023, an essential element of the Central Vista redevelopment project. The installation of a historical golden sceptre called Sengol near the Speaker’s seat is one of the significant segments of this event. The Sengol not only symbolizes India’s independence and sovereignty but also represents its rich cultural heritage and diversity.
What is the Historical Significance of Sengol?
Deriving its meaning from the Tamil word “Semmai,” which translates to “Righteousness,” the Sengol bears deep significance. In the past, this sceptre, made of either gold or silver and often adorned with precious gems, was carried by emperors on ceremonial occasions representing their authority.
Linked closely with the Chola Empire, a major south Indian dynasty that ruled over parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Sri Lanka from the 9th to 13th century CE, the Sengol has an absorbing history. The Cholas, known for their military skills, maritime trade, administrative efficiency, cultural patronage, and temple architecture, would traditionally pass on the Sengol sceptre from one king to another as a sign of succession and legitimacy. This ceremonious handover was usually performed by a high priest or guru, who blessed the new king and conferred him with the Sengol.
Sengol’s Role in India’s Independence
Before the crucial transfer of power in 1947 from the British rule to independent India, Lord Mountbatten, then Viceroy, posed an intriguing query to the soon-to-be Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He wanted to know the suitable ceremony symbolizing this pivotal transition. To address his query, Nehru consulted C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, who was later appointed as India’s last Governor-General.
Rajaji suggested the Chola model of handing over the Sengol sceptre as an apt ceremony for India’s independence. According to him, it would essentially represent India’s ancient civilization and culture, unity in diversity. Honoring this proposal, Nehru received the Sengol sceptre from Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 500-year-old Saivaite monastery on August 14, 1947. Eminent jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty from Madras (present-day Chennai) crafted this golden sceptre, with the Nandi, symbolizing “Nyaya” or justice, hand-carved at the top.
Preservation and Recent Placement of Sengol
Nehru kept the Sengol sceptre at his residence in Delhi initially after acquiring it in 1947. Later, he decided to donate it to Anand Bhavan Museum in Allahabad (modern-day Prayagraj), established by his father Motilal Nehru in 1930. This museum primarily focuses on preserving the history and legacy of India’s freedom movement. For more than seven decades, the Sengol sceptre remained at Anand Bhavan Museum.
During the Central Vista redevelopment project (2021-22), the government decided to reinstall the Sengol sceptre in the new Parliament building as a step towards reviving this historical event. This sceptre will be placed near the Speaker’s seat in the new Parliament building, accompanied by a plaque that explains its history and significance. The installation of Sengol is not merely symbolic; it also sends a potent message about India’s democracy, highlighting its roots in ancient traditions and values and its inclusive respect for diversity and plurality.
About the Central Vista Redevelopment Project
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project is designed to revamp the Central Vista, India’s central administrative area near Raisina Hill, New Delhi. Originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker during the British colonial rule, the area was retained by the Government of India post-independence. The Union Budget 2022-23 has allocated Rs 2,600 crore to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for constructing non-residential office buildings, including Parliament and the Supreme Court of India as part of this ambitious Central Vista project.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024