Sengol

• Meaning: It is profound in meaning, derived from the Tamil word “Semmai”, meaning “Righteousness”.
• Form: It was made of gold or silver and was often decorated with precious stones.
• Ceremonial significance: A Sengol sceptre was carried by emperors on ceremonial occasions and used to represent their authority.

Sengol and Chola Tradition

• Association: It is associated with the Chola Empire, one of the longest-ruling and most influential dynasties in South India.
• Chola rule: The Cholas ruled over parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Sri Lanka from the 9th to 13th century CE.
• Chola features: They were known for their military prowess, maritime trade, administrative efficiency, cultural patronage and temple architecture.
• Succession: The Cholas had a tradition of handing over the Sengol sceptre from one king to another as a mark of succession and legitimacy.
• Ceremony: The ceremony was usually performed by a high priest or a guru, who blessed the new king and conferred him with the Sengol.

Sengol and India’s Independence

• Transfer of power: Before independence from British rule in 1947, Lord Mountbatten asked Jawaharlal Nehru what ceremony should symbolise the transfer of power from British to Indian hands.
• C. Rajagopalachari: Nehru consulted C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), who later became the last Governor-General of India.
• Chola model: Rajaji suggested adopting the Chola model of handing over the Sengol sceptre as a suitable ceremony for India’s independence.
• Significance: He said it would reflect India’s ancient civilisation and culture, as well as its unity in diversity.
• Presentation: The Sengol was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 500-year-old Saivaite monastery, on August 14, 1947.
• Crafting: A golden sceptre was crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, a famous jeweller in Madras (now Chennai).
• Nandi: The Nandi, with its unyielding gaze as the beholder of “Nyaya”, is hand-carved at the top.

Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the Sengol, consider the following statements:

1. The Sengol is associated with the Chola tradition of succession and legitimacy.
2. It was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam on August 14, 1947.
3. The Sengol was crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty.
4. The Nandi is hand-carved at the top of the Sengol.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation: All four statements are correct. The Sengol is associated with the Chola tradition, was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, was crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, and has a hand-carved Nandi at the top.