Why in News?

The Sengol, which was installed in the new Parliament building in 2023, has been featured in the newly released NCERT Class 9 textbook, 'Understanding Society and Beyond – Part 2'. The textbook links it to the Chola tradition of righteous governance and the transfer of power in 1947.

What is the Sengol?

The Sengol is a ceremonial sceptre rooted in ancient Tamil tradition, symbolising righteous and ethical rule, where political authority is accompanied by the responsibility to govern fairly.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Symbol of Righteousness

  • The word 'Sengol' is derived from the Tamil word 'semmai', meaning righteousness.
  • It represents just and fair governance, standing in direct contrast to 'Kodungol', which signifies authoritarianism or unjust rule.
  • In ancient Tamil tradition, it was viewed as a profound virtue or concept of equity rather than merely a decorated rod.
  • It reminded the king that he held the 'aanai' (decree) to govern fairly and uphold his duties to the people.

Prominence in Classical Literature

  • Silappadikaram (written by poet-prince Ilango Adigal): The first Tamil epic records Chera King Cheran Senguttuvan praising a Pandiyan king who sacrificed his own life to restore the 'uprightness of the Sengol' after mistakenly executing an innocent man.
  • Tirukkural (authored by Thiruvalluvar): Dedicates an entire chapter to 'Sengonmai' (The Right Sceptre), emphasising that a ruler's equity, not weapons, brings true victory.
  • Sangam Era Texts: The sceptre as a symbol of righteous rule finds mention in 2,000-year-old texts like Purananooru, Kurunthogai, and Tholkappiyam.

Integral to Coronation Rites

  • Historically associated with the Chola dynasty and Nayaka kings.
  • The Sengol was handed to a new monarch by high priests during coronation ceremonies, marking the transfer of power and the bestowment of ethical responsibility.

A Core Pillar of the Kingdom

  • Ancient Tamil treatises classify the Sengol as one of the 10 essential constituents of a kingdom.
  • It stood alongside other symbols of sovereignty like the venkottra kudai (white umbrella) and murasu (drum).

Sengol and India's Independence in 1947

  • Freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) suggested to Jawaharlal Nehru that the Sengol be used as a ceremonial symbol to mark the transfer of power from British rule to independent India.
  • Rajaji approached the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 14th-century Saivaite Math in Tamil Nadu, which commissioned a gold-plated silver Sengol topped with a Nandi.
  • On 14th August 1947, the Sengol was brought to Delhi, first presented to Lord Mountbatten, sanctified with holy water, and then ceremonially handed over to Nehru.
  • The ceremony symbolised the transfer of power along with the ethical responsibility associated with authority.
  • The Nandi atop the Sengol symbolises steadfast justice, firmness, and the vigilant observance of truth (Nyaya).

Other Ancient Governance Concepts in the New NCERT Textbook

  • Institutional Mottos: India's national motto 'Satyameva Jayate' is linked to the Mundaka Upanishad; it replaced the British-era motto 'Heaven's Light, Our Guide'. The Supreme Court's motto 'Yato Dharmastato Jayah' ('Where there is righteous duty, there is victory') is linked to the Mahabharata.
  • Ram Rajya: Mahatma Gandhi's reference (drawing from the Ramayana and the 16th-century Ramcharitmanas) as an ideal governance structure based on probity, transparency, compassion, and public welfare.
  • Governance as a 'Sacred Responsibility': From the Vedic period through the Ramayana and Mahabharata eras, Indian traditions viewed governance as a sacred duty to the people, not merely a mechanism of power.
  • Divine Validation of Resistance: In the chapter 'Resistance and Resilience', Indian kings receiving swords from Goddesses (Kali, Durga, Bhavani) is highlighted — e.g., Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj receiving a sword from Goddess Tulja Bhavani, and Kumara Kampana using a goddess-given sword against Sultanate forces.

Significance for UPSC

  • Art and Culture (GS Paper 1): Links Sangam literature, Tamil epics, and Chola traditions to contemporary national symbols.
  • Modern History: Connects the 1947 transfer of power with cultural symbolism.
  • Polity/Governance (GS Paper 2/Ethics): Provides classical Indian perspectives on righteous and ethical governance relevant to essays and GS-IV.

Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

  • Prelims (2026): Question on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture — Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only.
  • Mains (2013): 'Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.'