Sengol Jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj Dies at 99

Vummidi Ethiraj, a jeweller who played a key role in crafting the Sengol, died in Chennai on 21 October 2026 at the age of 99. Born on 25 November 1926, he was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a 125-year-old jewellery business.

Vummidi Ethiraj and the Jewellery Business

Ethiraj was associated with the creation of the historic Sengol, a gold-plated silver sceptre linked to the transfer of power from British rule to independent India in 1947. The sceptre was crafted by Vummidi Jewellers. Ethiraj died about a month before his 100th birthday. He is survived by his children Vijaya Bharathi, Uday Kumar Vummidi and Vijayendren Vummidi. His wife, Sumitra Vummidi, predeceased him. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences following his death.

The Sengol and the Transfer of Power

The Sengol is a sceptre made of silver and plated with gold. It is associated with the transfer of power in 1947, when India became independent from British rule. The historic Sengol was crafted by Vummidi Jewellers. The word “Sengol” is derived from Tamil and is associated with the idea of a just or righteous rule. In 2023, the Sengol was ceremonially installed in the Lok Sabha chamber of India’s new Parliament building, near the Speaker’s seat.

Parliament Building and the Sengol

Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building on 28 May 2023. The building was inaugurated on the same date. The installation placed the sceptre within the Lok Sabha chamber, the lower house of India’s Parliament.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Sengol is a gold-plated silver sceptre associated with India’s transfer of power in 1947.
• Vummidi Jewellers crafted the historic Sengol.
• The Sengol was installed in the Lok Sabha chamber on 28 May 2023.
• Vummidi Ethiraj was born on 25 November 1926 and died on 21 October 2026.

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament, and the Rajya Sabha is its upper house. The Sengol remains installed in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament building.