Fewer words have jumped to the top of the popularity charts as ‘Sengol,’ the sceptre in Tamil, used by ancient kings of Tamil Nadu as a symbol of righteousness and judicious governance. The kings had a few other symbols, the most important of which is a crown, which is traditionally adorned after long religious ceremonies, Havan et al., that the kings were Hindus. The sceptre is held by the king until his reign and is transferred to another as a symbol of the transfer of power by a defeat in war to his enemies or to his heir, the crown prince, or in rare cases, the crown princess.
Sceptres were also used by North Indian kings as symbols of their authority and power. Sceptres, also known as royal or ceremonial staffs, have been utilized by rulers in various cultures around the world, including ancient Indian kingdoms. Ashoka the Great (3rd century BCE), famous for his conversion to Buddhism, is depicted holding a sceptre. Chandragupta Maurya (4th century BCE), Harsha (7th century BCE), and Kanishka (2nd century CE) all had crowns, sceptres, and other regal embellishments.
In North India, the use of sceptres can be traced back to ancient times when different dynasties and empires ruled the region. Sceptres were typically ornate and adorned with precious metals, gems, and intricate carvings. They were often carried by the king during important ceremonies, processions, and official functions. The sceptre symbolized the ruler’s authority and sovereignty over his kingdom and was a visual representation of his regal status. It’s worth noting that the specific terminology and names associated with sceptres might vary across different regions and historical periods in North India. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Sengol.
Be that as it may, for the present, a new parliament complex has been inaugurated today, which is a matter of record. It warranted a new edifice to perhaps accommodate more members, with the Lok Sabha part having 888 seats, which can accommodate 1272 seats in a combined session, and the Rajya Sabha having 384 seats. It’s modern and more secure with advanced gadgets and better digital connectivity, etc. There is nothing to criticize about this, as the country is growing in every aspect. In 1950, the number of MPs was 500 when the population was less than 40 crore; today we are 140 crore. The existing parliament building has 543 seats, while the Constitution of India provides for a maximum of 552 seats. An increase in the number of MPs could be meaningful for better administration and representation, as the population has more than tripled since 1950. Therefore, the expanded size of the New Parliament is not unjustified.
The controversy is about Sengol, purportedly sanctified and given to Lord Mountbatten by the seers of the Thiruvadudurai Adeenam, a Shaivite Mutt, who in turn accepted and returned it. The seers went to Nehru with the accompaniment of Tamil Nadu’s characteristic Nadhaswaram and Dhavil and handed over the same to Nehru on 15 Aug 1947 as a symbolic transfer of power. Nehru apparently did not know what he had to do or was not explained the significance of it, and it found its way to the Museum at Prayagraj, with some overzealous cataloguer naming it a walking stick of Nehru.
I am all for good governance, and if the Sengol is going to guarantee that, I cannot accept that such a display of a sovereign symbol alone can do the magic of making the parliament function as it ought to. A righteous and good government comes from the heart of the lawmakers and not from the symbols that adorn the house. The saints and seers of mutts carry a sceptre of a different kind, called ‘thandam,’ which constantly reminds them of the rigours of an aesthetic lifestyle devoted only to God.
I wonder in awe at the ability of the government to cash in on sentiments by rolling out theories, in this case that these were from the Chola period, whereas it was made by a jeweller in Chennai 75 years ago. Perhaps the Ponniyin Selvam film had a contribution spreading the knowledge of the Cholas, but it is purely the handiwork of the image-boosting exercise that Sengol was thrust into an otherwise proud moment in Indian history. Every other aspect of the parliament went into shadow, with the Sengol occupying the limelight and primetime news. The twelve representatives of twelve different religions praying during today’s inauguration of the New Parliament had a calming effect. They are all from India, and their religions must be respected and protected judiciously in the Parliament if the Sengol is truly respected.
The BJP party is trying hard to break into the impenetrable Dravidian fortress of Tamil Nadu, and Tamils all over the world are joyful that the entire world has mastered their language, even if it begins with one word, ‘Sengol.’ I may not be surprised if at Ayodhya, Ram is made to wear a ‘Veshti,’ a Tamil attire, to woo the Tamils.
Sorry if I’m hurting a few with my blunt observations. To them, I must pose only one question: why were the President and Vice Vice-President absent from such a memorable ceremony? A mere address by the President during the opening joint session is no match for today’s.
I hope these exercises yield the rightful dividend in 2024 for Modi.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
