Sengol
Topic: Parliament: Composition, Powers and Law-making · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 6 "The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive"
Meaning
The Sengol is a gold-plated silver sceptre, a ceremonial staff carried as a sign of authority. It comes from the Chola tradition of south India and has a figure of Nandi, the sacred bull, on top. It stands for rule guided by dharma, meaning just and righteous government. It was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on 14 August 1947, on the eve of independence.
Example
In May 2023 the Sengol was placed beside the Speaker's chair in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament building. It is a symbol of just rule.
Don't confuse with
- The Mace: a separate staff of office. The Sengol is a Chola-tradition sceptre placed beside the Speaker's chair in 2023.