Chola Sengol - A Historical Sceptre and its Significance for UPSC Exam

Delving into the History of Sengol

The term 'Sengol' refers to a sceptre and traces its roots back to the Chola dynasty of South India, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in world history.

• The 'Sengol' was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru , the first Prime Minister of Independent India, to symbolise the transfer of power from the British. It was then preserved in a museum in Allahabad.
• The sacred 'sengol' is a symbol of just and fair rule and was traditionally used to mark the transfer of power from one king to another in the Chola dynasty. The sceptre, which stands five feet tall and features a Nandi or bull on the top, will be installed near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s podium.
• Crafted from silver and coated in gold, the sceptre has been meticulously preserved at the Allahabad Museum.
• The 'sengol' carries with it an expectation of just and fair rule by its recipient.
• The 'sacred sengol ceremony' took place on August 14, right before Pandit Nehru’s iconic 'Tryst of Destiny' speech at midnight.
• The 'sengol' symbolises the idea that governance should be just, aligned with policies, and dutiful. This symbolism sends a powerful message to the public and elected representatives.

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