Vummidi Ethiraj, master jeweller who crafted the historic Sengol, dies at 99

Master jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, who helped craft the historic Sengol sceptre installed inside the new Parliament building, has died in Chennai at the age of 99.

Ethiraj was the patriarch of the family behind Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a prominent 125-year-old jewellery house based in Tamil Nadu. His passing on Wednesday drew tributes from national leaders who praised his role in preserving traditional Indian metalwork and heritage.

Leaders pay tribute to a lifetime of craftsmanship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, remembering Ethiraj as an artisan whose work linked ancient Indian statecraft with modern governance.

Writing on X, Modi said he was deeply saddened by the loss of a craftsman from a distinguished Tamil Nadu family.

"He will always be remembered for his efforts in crafting the historic Sengol that was presented to former Prime Minister Nehru," Modi said. "Many years later, in 2023, it was our government which had the honour of giving the Sengol a place of pride in the new Parliament building."

Modi recalled meeting Ethiraj during the inauguration ceremonies for the new Parliament complex in New Delhi, where the sceptre was formally placed beside the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair.

"During that time, I had the honour of meeting Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj Ji and expressing gratitude for what he has done for our nation and culture," Modi added. "His life and craftsmanship represent a remarkable connection between India’s glorious traditions and our national journey."

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also extended his condolences, describing Ethiraj's work on the sceptre as an enduring contribution to the country's civilisational identity.

"His invaluable contribution to preserving India’s rich tradition of jewellery craftsmanship leaves behind an enduring legacy," Radhakrishnan said in a statement.

The legacy of the Sengol

The Sengol, a five-foot gold-plated silver sceptre surmounted by Nandi the bull to symbolise justice, was originally crafted by Ethiraj and his family firm around the time of India's independence in 1947.

Commissioned through the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam mutt in Tamil Nadu, the sceptre was handed over on the eve of independence to mark the transfer of authority, drawing on ancient Chola dynasty customs.

For decades, the relic remained away from the centre of national civic life. In May 2023, the central government brought it back into the spotlight, giving it a permanent place in the new Lok Sabha chamber to represent sovereign continuity, ethical governance, and India's traditional arts.

Ethiraj's work on the piece ensured that the century-old craftsmanship of Tamil Nadu silversmiths remains a permanent fixture of India's parliamentary architecture.