Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers: The Family which brought 'Sengol' sceptre back into existence

At Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers in Chennai, re’s a replica of famous sceptre "Sengol," which was given as a sign of handover of authority from British to India in 1947. It was used by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, when British monarchy was ousted from India. 'Sengol' was created in 1947 in what was n Mras by a jeweller, Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, under guidance of seer of Thiruvuthurai Aenam, a mutt in Tamil Nu, ANI reported. 

Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers is family which was tasked with making of 'Sengol' sceptre to revere trition of Chola Empire. 

During Chola dynasty era, "Sengol" symbolised custom of handing over sovereignty to new rulers. A "Nandi" and a carving of goddess Lakshmi, representing wealth and prosperity, are on top of sceptre. Jindra Vummidi, great-grandson of Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, who created "Sengol" in 1947, said that "Sengol" was blessed with prayers, and given to British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten at time and subsequently handed over to Pt. Nehru.

(Jindra Vummidi, great-grandson of jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty)

word "Sengol" is common in Tamil Nu. According to Amarendra Vummidi, or great-grandson of jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, said its original design was handed to my great-grandfar and grandfar by seer of Thiruvuthurai Aenam to be manufactured and delivered to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Amit Shah's announcement

On Wednesday, Home Minister Amit Shah me a significant announcement, stating that a priceless aspect of India's long-standing history would be incorporated into new Parliament during inauguration event on May 28. 

“ historic sceptre, 'Sengol', will be placed in new Parliament building. It was used on August 14, 1947, by PM Nehru when transfer of power took place from British. It is called Sengol in Tamil, and meaning of this word is full of wealth," Shah stated. 

Brief history of 'Sengol'

Sengol, an orned rod or staff, is wielded by rulers during formal occasions as a symbol of ir authority and sovereignty. It is named 'Sengol' in Tamil, which means "full of wealth".

According to S Gurumurthy, on August 14, 1947, a solemn and revered Tamil trition known as Sengol (Dharma Danda) vesting ceremony marked transition of power from British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten to Indian Prime Minister Pandit Nehru. ceremony included recital of 11 verses from veram text that invoked blessings of Shiva for ruler. It took place just before Pandit Nehru dressed nation at midnight and hoisted national flag. 

Chola Empire custom of installing a new ruler involves Rajaguru vesting Sengol in ir hands.

(Image depicting handing over of Sengol (Dharam Danda) to ruler)

ceremony was conducted by a tritional Tamil Shaiva heenam (Mutt), who placed Sengol in Pundit Nehru's hands. Ancient Tamil scriptures frequently mention Sengol, which stands for ethical governance. Saint-poet Tiruvalluvar has penned 10 verses honouring Sengol and "Songonmai," which implies rule based on "Aram", Tamil term for Dharma.