The upcoming inauguration of the new parliament building in Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds special significance for the people of Tamil Nadu. During the ceremony, PM Modi will receive the historic Sengol (scepter) that was presented to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947, symbolizing the transfer of power from the British.
The Sengol will be handed over to PM Modi by 24 adherence (mutt) heads of Tamil Nadu, conveying a crucial political message to the southern region of India, particularly Tamil Nadu. The golden scepter is expected to be placed near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair in the new Parliament building.
This outreach by the BJP to the adherents, who represent Shaivite sects dedicated to Tamil forms of worship, is not the party’s first attempt to engage with them. In recent years, the Tamil Nadu BJP has supported the demands of adherents in Madurai and Dharmapuram, who have accused the DMK government of interfering with or obstructing their traditional practices.
The BJP-led central government has also organized events like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam to highlight the cultural, historical, and civilizational connections between North and South India. The broader aim of the Sangh Parivar, the ideological parent of the BJP, is to emphasize the cultural unity of the nation, centered around Tamil saints and spiritualism. This outreach to southern states is also crucial for the BJP’s electoral prospects in the upcoming 2024 national elections.
Prime Minister Modi has frequently incorporated Tamil elements into his speeches, showcasing his affinity for the language and culture. He has donned a Veshti (traditional attire) and praised the Tamil classic Thirukkural, referenced the dream of a united and strong Bharatam (India) by Tamil poet Subramania Bharati as one of his inspirations, and even quoted a three-thousand-year-old Tamil verse during his address at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.
While the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), particularly in Tamil Nadu, has been working to unite Shaivite and Vaishnavite mutts under a broader ‘Hindu’ umbrella, it has also been addressing the debate surrounding the imposition of Hindi in the state.
The Sengol, commissioned by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, one of the oldest Shaivite mutts in the country, was suggested by C Rajagopalachari to Nehru as a ceremonial gesture representing the transfer of power.
Its historical roots date back to the Sangam era and were documented during the Chola period as a symbol of power transition to a new king. The golden scepter was created by Vummidi Bangaru Chetti and Sons, renowned jewelers and diamond merchants based in Chennai.
The current seer of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, Sri La Sri Ambalavana Desika Paramacharya Swamigal, has expressed his appreciation for presenting the Sengol to the Prime Minister. The adherents in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Thanjavur and Madurai, have a significant following, especially among non-upper caste communities.
The decision to honor the Sengol in the parliament has drawn both praise and criticism. Dravidian scholar K Thirunavukkarasu argues that such practices reinforce caste divisions and go against the principles of democracy. TKS Elangovan of the ruling DMK questions the need for presenting the Sengol in a democracy where power rests with the people, not a monarch.
the other hand, supporters argue that the placement of the scepter signifies cultural unity between North and South India and reiterates the shared heritage and diversity of the nation.
The Sengol’s significance aligns with the BJP’s concerted efforts to establish a distinct identity in Tamil Nadu, challenge the governance of the DMK, and tap into growing public disillusionment with Dravidian parties.
The BJP aims to appeal to a segment of the population described as “non-Periyarist, non-Brahmin, nationalist, pious, with a strong, defiant Hindu religiosity.”
The inclusion of the Sengol in the new parliament building serves multiple purposes: it honors Tamil heritage, enhances cultural unity, and strategically reaches out to the people of Tamil Nadu.
As India’s political landscape evolves, the BJP seeks to expand its influence in southern states, and events like these play a crucial role in shaping perceptions and gaining support.