History
A Sengol (Rajdand, Sceptre, राजदण्ड, செங்கோல்) is a symbolic object often associated with the transfer of power from one king to another in certain cultural and historical contexts. While the specific rituals and traditions may vary across different civilizations, the sengol generally represents authority, sovereignty, and the right to rule. It is also viewed as the monarch’s reminder that he must rule in a just and fair manner.
The transfer of power using a sengol typically occurs during a coronation or an official ceremony where a new monarch ascends to the throne. The sengol is a hark back to the Sangam era, about 2000 years ago, when monarchs ruled the land.
In the Tamil culture, குடை (kudai, the royal umbrella), செங்கோல் (sengol, the sceptre) and அரியணை (ariyanai, the throne) are the three objects which symbolise the power of the king.
The Chola empire, which ruled over a significant part of South India, used a sengol as a symbol of royal authority and power. The Chola kings were known for their elaborate ceremonies and regal splendor, and the use of a sengol was an important element in their coronations and other official events.
Rajaraja I, Mummudi Cholan, Ponniyin Selvan, Kshatriya Sikhamani
Wall paintings depicted in the cloister Mandapa, Thanjavur
The sengol also occupies an important place in Sangam era Tamil classics such as திருக்குறள் (Thirukkural) - an entire chapter called Sengonmai is present in it.
The sengol is mentioned in the சிலப்பதிகாரம் (Silappathikaram) in connection with a Pandya king who pronounced an incorrect verdict. In this great Tamil epic, when the king is proven wrong by the wife of the protagonist in the novel, the king says that his sengol was bent - this is meant to show that justice had not been served by the ruler.
More information about Sengol can be found in the Government of India website here