Historic ‘Sengol’ to be installed in new Parliament building

The current Indian Prime Minister plans to install the 'Sengol,' a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, in the new Parliament building.

Key Highlights:

• The ‘Sengol’ was received by Independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, from Lord Mountbatten to symbolically represent the transfer of power from the British and was later kept in a museum in Allahabad.

When C. Rajagopalachari suggested a Chola-era ceremony

• Symbolise the transfer of power from British to Indian hands: Nehru then consulted C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, who went on to become India's final Viceroy.
• Rajaji identified the Chola paradigm, in which power was transferred from one monarch to another after it was sanctified and blessed by a high ruler.
• The'sengol' or sceptre was passed from one monarch to his successor as a symbol.
• Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, a well-known goldsmith in the Madras Presidency, created a golden sceptre.
• Vummidi Ethirajulu (96) and Vummidi Sudhakar (88), the sengol's creators, live in Chennai.

• All 20 Adheenams invited for new Parliament building inauguration: The historic plan has been prepared in consultation with the presidents of Adheenam, with all 20 presidents present.
  • Vummidi Bangaru Chetty ji, associated with its creation, will also participate in the ceremony.
  • Sri La Sri Ambalavana Desika Paramacharya Swamigal will hand over the sceptre to Mr. PM on the day of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.