What is Sengol, the symbol of Chola legacy that is set to stand tall in India's new parliament?

An ancient symbol depicting a state of growth and transfer of power will be prominently installed in India's soon-to-be-inaugurated parliament building in New Delhi.

The new parliament building will have the Sengol -- a ceremonial club-like object embellished with ancient India's symbols of power, honour, prestige and continuity of people's hold on those in power -- placed near the seat of Lok Sabha speaker.

Lok Sabha or People's House, is the lower house of India's parliament, directly elected by the people.

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What is Sengol: Past and Present

Sengol's origin can be traced back to the Chola dynasty of South India, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world.

In contemporary times, the Sengol held deep cultural importance in Tamil Nadu state.

The Sengol in Tamil Nadu state is also taken as a mark of heritage and tradition, serving as an integral part of various cultural events, festivals, and significant ceremonies.

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Later, shortly before India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced the dawn of freedom in the country and freedom from the British on midnight of August 15th, he received Sengol from Tamil Nadu. It was regarded by leaders of the time as a symbol of India's diverse traditions depicting a sense of continuity of traditions since the third century BCE.

It has also been described as a symbol of achieving independence, and a sign of the shift of power from the British to the people of India.

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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi would receive it from South India's Tamil Nadu state prior to the official inauguration of the new parliament building.

Describing Sengol's significance, India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah said:

“ThisSengolhas a huge significance. At around 10.45 PM on August 14, 1947, late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru received thisSengolfrom Tamil Nadu, and in the presence of several senior leaders, he accepted this as a symbol of achieving independence. It is a sign of a shift of power from Britishers to The people of this country."

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