What is the Significance of the Sengol in India's New Parliament? Unveiling Its Historical Legacy

Sengol: A Cultural Symbol in India's New Parliament

New Delhi: The 'Sengol', which was placed in the new Parliament building in 2023, has been included in the NCERT's Class 9 Social Science curriculum. It is described as a 'cultural marker of rulership and good governance' with roots tracing back to the Chola dynasty.

The textbook, titled 'Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2', was launched on Tuesday, following the commencement of the new academic year. The first part of this educational resource was made available in June.

On May 28, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic Sengol sceptre, which is now displayed in a glass case adjacent to the Lok Sabha Speaker's podium.

According to the textbook, 'The Sengol, a cultural marker of rulership and good governance, was placed in India’s newly inaugurated Parliament building in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This tradition of using the Sengol as a symbol of righteous governance dates back over a thousand years to the Chola dynasty.'

The chapter also highlights the Sengol's connection to the transfer of power during India's Independence.

'To commemorate India's Independence, at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, received the Sengol from the Adheenam Saints of Tamil Nadu, an ancient Shaivite tradition,' the textbook states.

During his address in the Lok Sabha to celebrate the inauguration of the new Parliament, Modi remarked that the Sengol in 1947 represented the transfer of power under the guidance of Rajaji and the Adheenams.

However, the Congress party has raised concerns, asserting that there is no documented evidence from Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari, or Jawaharlal Nehru that identifies the sceptre as a symbol of the British transfer of power to India.

The Ministry of Culture describes the Sengol as a significant sceptre deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural traditions of ancient Tamil civilization, symbolizing India's enduring values where temporal authority is aligned with the principles of dharma (righteousness).

'Once a vital part of the coronation ceremonies for Tamil monarchs, the Sengol was more than just a ceremonial item; it represented the ethical duties of a ruler. This sacred tradition was notably revived on the eve of India's independence in 1947 when a Sengol was formally presented to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,' the ministry elaborated.

Crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty and consecrated by the esteemed seers of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, the Sengol symbolized the 'civilizationally rooted' transition of power from colonial rule to an independent Indian state.

'It carried the blessings of spiritual guardianship and the timeless wisdom of India's sacred heritage,' the ministry added.