In a historic decision, the Indian government has announced the installation of a Sengol near the Speaker's podium in the new Parliament building. While this move has stirred both celebration and criticism, many are asking: What is the Sengol? What does it represent in Tamil culture, and why are some voices even from Tamil Nadu opposing it? Is it merely a relic of monarchy or a profound symbol of justice, ethics, and cultural heritage?
The Deeper Meaning of Sengol in Tamil Culture
At its core, the word Sengol is derived from two Tamil words: Semmai (meaning excellence, purity, fairness, or nobility) and Kol (meaning sceptre or stick). While sceptres in many world civilizations from Egypt and Mesopotamia to Rome and Greece symbolized authority and domination, the Tamil concept of Sengol stands apart.
In Tamil culture, the Sengol does not represent brute power or monarchy. Instead, it stands for justice, fair governance, and moral authority. It is a reminder that a ruler must uphold dharma (righteousness) and serve the people with impartiality and ethical governance. The Sengol is not about the king's dominance over the subjects, but about his accountability to the values that define righteous leadership.
Sengol in Tamil History and Literature
Contrary to popular belief, the practice of Sengol was not exclusive to the Chola dynasty. It was prevalent across various Tamil kingdoms. The values embedded in the Sengol are powerfully illustrated in the ancient Tamil epic Silappathikaram, particularly in the poignant story of Kannagi and her husband Kovalan.
After being wrongly accused of stealing the queen's anklet by a corrupt goldsmith, Kovalan is unjustly executed by order of the Pandya king, Nedunchezhiyan. Upon discovering the truth, Kannagi storms the court and proves Kovalan's innocence. Overwhelmed by guilt and the enormity of his injustice, the king utters, “Am I the king? No, I am the thief,” and gives up his life in repentance. The author of Silappathikaram, Ilango Adigal, narrates that the Sengol had metaphorically bent under the weight of injustice, but was made to stand straight again by the king's sacrifice.
This story cements the idea that the Sengol is valued more than the life of a king. It symbolizes a higher order of justice and responsibility, and a ruler who fails to uphold it must be willing to relinquish his position, or even his life, in penance.
Thiruvalluvar's Vision: Ethical Rule Over Martial Power
The revered Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, author of the Tirukkural, wrote extensively about the importance of righteous governance. He states that it is not the sword but the Sengol that ensures victory for a king, a powerful metaphor stressing the supremacy of ethics over force.
According to Thiruvalluvar, when rulers abandon ethical governance (Sengol), people begin to lose faith in dharma and even in sacred texts like the Vedas. The Sengol, therefore, becomes a sacred standard, an unwavering reminder that truth and justice must guide administration, not coercion or might.
The 1947 Sengol: A Forgotten Moment in India's Independence
The Sengol being placed in Parliament today has its own remarkable history. Measuring five feet in length, this sceptre is crafted from silver and coated with gold. It is topped with an intricately carved Nandi, the sacred bull and vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva, a symbol of righteousness, strength, and unwavering devotion.
During the eve of India's independence in August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, then designated to become the Prime Minister, discussed with C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) how to symbolically represent the transfer of power from the British. Rajaji proposed the ancient Tamil tradition of handing over a Sengol to mark coronation or the assumption of responsibility.
To execute this idea, Rajaji reached out to the Tiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a prominent Shaivaite monastery in Tamil Nadu. The high priest of the Adheenam commissioned the crafting of the Sengol through renowned Chennai-based jeweler Vummidi Bangaru Chetty.
On August 14, 1947, the Sengol was brought to New Delhi by a delegation of priests. At around 10:30 p.m., a ceremonial presentation was held at Nehru's residence, where the Sengol was handed over to him. Traditional Nadaswaram music was played, and 11 sacred verses from the Tamil hymn Kolaru Pathigam were chanted during the ritual. Following independence, the Sengol was placed in Teen Murti Bhavan, Nehru's official residence.
The Present-Day Controversy: Misunderstanding or Misinformation?
Despite this rich cultural and historical context, the decision to place the Sengol in Parliament has drawn criticism. Many argue that the Sengol symbolizes monarchy, and hence, has no place in a democratic institution. Others take issue with the presence of Nandi on the sceptre, interpreting it as a symbol of Hinduism.
However, such interpretations often reflect a Western or colonial lens. In traditional Tamil thought, the Sengol is not a monarchic symbol, but a moral standard. It reminds rulers to serve the people ethically, placing dharma and fairness above all.
As for Nandi, critics must recognize that what is called Hinduism today was the cultural fabric of this land for thousands of years. To acknowledge symbols from this heritage is not to undermine secularism; it is to honor India's civilizational continuity. Secularism doesn't demand erasure of culture; it encourages equal respect for all while preserving our shared history.
A Symbol for All: Why Sengol Belongs in the Parliament
The placement of the Sengol in Parliament is not just a cultural revival but a symbolic reinforcement of values that Indian democracy aspires to uphold: justice, fairness, accountability, and moral governance. It stands not for any one religion or dynasty, but for a timeless idea that rulers are custodians of ethics, not wielders of unchecked power.
At a time when public trust in leadership often wavers, the Sengol serves as a profound reminder: True power lies in righteous rule, and ethical leadership is the highest duty of those in office.
Let us not look at this historical symbol through the narrow lens of modern divisions. Instead, let us embrace the Sengol for what it truly represents: a guiding light for justice, a call for moral courage, and a celebration of India's deeply rooted cultural legacy.
