Sengol

Table of Contents☰

About Sengol:

Origin:
- It was used on August 14, 1947, by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru when the transfer of power took place from the British. It was kept in a museum in Allahabad.
- The word Sengol is derived from the Tamil word ‘Semmai’, meaning ‘righteousness’. It is a civilisational practice from the Chola kingdom, which was among the leading kingdoms in the Indian sub-continent for centuries.
Symbolic:
- According to Tamil tradition, a high priest presents a sceptre to a newly crowned king as a symbolic gesture of power transition.
- The one accorded the ‘sengol’ is expected to impart a just and impartial rule. C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor General of India, suggested 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 a renowned jeweller in Madras Vummidi Bangaru Chetty. This impressive sceptre measures five feet in length and features a ‘nandi’ bull at the top, representing the concept of justice.

Q1) What is the work of Governor General of India?

The governor-general (now also the Viceroy) headed the central government of India, which administered the provinces of British India, including the Punjab, Bengal, Bombay, Madras, the United Provinces, and others.

Source: Historic sceptre ‘Sengol’ to be placed in new Parliament building: