Everything you need to know about SENGOL
Sengol Controversy
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP RK Chaudhary has triggered a controversy by demanding the removal of the sacred Sengol from the Lok Sabha, prompting reactions from the Opposition and BJP leaders.
The Sengol
The Sengol is a gold-plated, silver sceptre that is installed in New Parliament House in New Delhi, India. The sceptre was originally gifted to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first PM of India, by a Tamil Adheenam in a religious ceremony on the evening before the Independence of India in 1947.
Allahabad Museum
The Sengol was housed at Allahabad Museum for seventy years until it was moved to its present location upon the buildings inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
History
As the Independence of India drew near, Jawaharlal Nehru and other members of the Indian National Congress (INC or Congress) took part in religious ceremonies and received gifts. On such an occasion on 14 August 1947, emissaries from the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam Matha, a Hindu monastery in Tamil Nadu, presented Nehru with the Sengol at his home.
Significance of Sengol
Known as Sengol-derived from the Tamil word semmai, meaning righteousness. It signifies the transfer of power from the British to Indians.
Sengol features
The Sengol is five feet long and features the majestic figure of Nandi, the divine bull, on top as a representation of nyaya or the embodiment of justice and fairness.