SENGOL

During the inauguration of the new Parliament, PM Modi will place the historic 'Sengol' sceptre near the speakers seat.

The 'Sengol' sceptre is a historical symbol of independence representing the transfer of power from the British to the Indians. 

It is a Tamil tradition of a high priest presenting a sceptre to a newly crowned king as a symbolic gesture of transferring power. 

When India achieved Independence, the same tradition was followed by Lord Mountbatten and late Prime Minister Nehru. 

The 'Sengol' was crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, a jeweller in Madras. It is 5 ft and showcases a 'nandi' bull at the top, representing justice. 

The sceptre was then acquired by Thiruvaduthurai Atheenam, a religious insitution in Tamil Nadu. 

The sceptre was sanctified in Ganga Jal and delivered to former PM Nehru 15 minutes before midnight, marking the moment of India's independence.