Context:
PM pointed the installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building during inauguration of Kashi – Tamil Sangamam.
Historical Significance:
- Derived from – Tamil word “Semmai” meaning “Righteousness”.
- Sengol is made of the gold-plated silver sceptre.
- Carried by emperors on ceremonial occasions to represent their authority.
- Associated with the Chola Empire.
- Chola tradition –
- Handing over the Sengol sceptre from one king to another.
- It marks the succession and legitimacy.
- Performed by – High priest or a guru
Sengol and India’s independence:
- C. Rajagopalachari suggested Chola model ceremony for India’s independence.
- Presented to PM Nehru by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam (a 500-year-old Saivaite monastery)
- Crafted by – Vummidi Bangaru Chetty (a famous jeweller in Madras)
- Sengol has Nandi (beholder of Nyaya (justice)) is hand-carved at the top.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
(c) A bill of exchange
(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
Answer: (c)
