In a recent appeal by the Union Home Minister, the people of Tamil Nadu were urged to elect more than 25 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. The purpose of this appeal was to express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for installing Sengol, a legacy of the Chola era, in the new Parliament House. Sengol, a five-foot-long gold-coated silver sceptre with an intricately carved ‘nandi’ symbolizing justice, holds deep historical and cultural significance. This essay explores the origins, symbolism, and relevance of Sengol today.

The Significance of Sengol: What You Should Know
Courtesy:Swarajya
Origins and Creation of Sengol:
  1. Made in 1947 during India’s Independence, Sengol was crafted to mark the ceremonial transfer of power from the British to the Indians.
  2. Lord Mountbatten, the last British viceroy, intended to commemorate this epochal moment.
  3. The head of the ancient Shaivite math Thiruvavaduthurai Aadeenam math presented Sengol to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the late Prime Minister, as a symbol of achieving independence.
The Symbolism of Sengol:
  1. Signifying a shift of power from the British to the people of India, Sengol stands as a testament to the country’s struggle for independence and self-governance.
  2. The ‘nandi’ atop the sceptre represents the concept of justice, highlighting the importance of fairness and impartiality in governance.
  3. The act of presenting Sengol to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru conveyed the expectations for leaders who hold the sceptre to rule with fairness and justice.
Relevance and Importance of Sengol Today:
  1. Sengol serves as a powerful reminder of India’s diversity and the birth of a great nation.
  2. The sceptre’s presence in the new Parliament House signifies the continuity of democratic values and the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice.
  3. It acts as a constant reminder to leaders of their duty to govern with integrity and righteousness.

Important Points:

  • 🌟 Origins: Sengol was created in 1947 to mark India’s Independence and the transfer of power from the British to the Indians.
  • 🏰 Symbolism: Sengol represents the shift of power and signifies the struggle for independence and self-governance. The ‘nandi’ atop the sceptre symbolizes justice.
  • 🌍 Relevance: Sengol serves as a reminder of India’s diversity and the birth of a great nation. It emphasizes the importance of fair and just rule.
  • 🙏 Expectations: Those who receive Sengol are expected to govern with fairness, impartiality, and righteousness.
  • ⚖️ Historical Significance: During the Chola period, Sengol played a vital role in coronation ceremonies, symbolizing the transfer of power from one ruler to the next.
  • 🗳️ Political Appeal: The Union Home Minister appeals for the election of more than 25 MPs from Tamil Nadu as a gesture of gratitude for installing Sengol in the new Parliament House.
  • 🏛️ Continuity: Sengol’s presence in the Parliament House signifies the continuity of democratic values and the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice.
Why In News

The Union Home Minister, in an impassioned plea, urged the citizens of Tamil Nadu to join hands in electing over 25 Members of Parliament in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. This collective effort would serve as a profound gesture of gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary decision to adorn the new Parliament House with Sengol, a treasured artifact hailing from the glorious Chola era.

MCQs about The Significance of Sengol

  1. What does the ‘nandi’ atop the Sengol symbolize?
    A. Unity and diversity
    B. Justice
    C. Independence
    D. Power transfer
    Correct Answer: B. Justice
    Explanation: The ‘nandi’ atop the Sengol represents the concept of justice, as mentioned in the essay. It signifies the importance of fairness and impartiality in governance.
  2. Who presented the Sengol to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru?
    A. Lord Mountbatten
    B. The head of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadeenam math
    C. The British viceroy
    D. The people of Tamil Nadu
    Correct Answer: B. The head of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadeenam math
    Explanation: The Sengol was presented to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru by the head of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadeenam math as a symbol of achieving independence.
  3. What is the significance of Sengol in the new Parliament House?
    A. It represents the diversity of India.
    B. It symbolizes the continuity of democratic values.
    C. It serves as a reminder of India’s struggle for independence.
    D. It honors the Chola era.
    Correct Answer: B. It symbolizes the continuity of democratic values.
    Explanation: The presence of Sengol in the new Parliament House signifies the continuity of democratic values and the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice.
  4. What is the main purpose of the Union Home Minister’s appeal to elect more than 25 MPs from Tamil Nadu?
    A. To promote cultural heritage
    B. To express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
    C. To highlight the diversity of India
    D. To encourage fair and just rule
    Correct Answer: B. To express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
    Explanation: The appeal by the Union Home Minister is aimed at thanking Prime Minister Modi for installing Sengol in the new Parliament House.

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