Sengol

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:

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