Vummidi Ethiraj, Chennai jeweller who helped craft the historic Sengol, dies at 99
Vummidi Ethiraj, the Chennai jeweller who helped craft the Sengol presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and installed in the new Parliament building in 2023, died in Chennai on 21 October 2026 at the age of 99.
Summary
Vummidi Ethiraj, patriarch of the family that owns Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, died in Chennai on 21 October 2026 at the age of 99. Ethiraj, born on 25 November 1926, helped craft the Sengol, a gold-plated silver sceptre that priests of Tamil Nadu's Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the night of 14 August 1947. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building on 28 May 2023, condoled his death and recalled meeting him in 2023.
Key facts
- Person
- Vummidi Ethiraj (jeweller, Chennai)
- Died
- 21 October 2026, Chennai, aged 99
- Born
- 25 November 1926
- Family firm
- Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers
- Known for
- Helping craft the Sengol (gold-plated silver sceptre)
- Sengol presented
- To Jawaharlal Nehru, night of 14 August 1947, by priests of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam
- Sengol installed
- New Parliament building, 28 May 2023
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Vummidi Ethiraj, who died in October 2026, was known for helping craft which historic object?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — The Sengol installed in the new Parliament building
On which date was the Sengol ceremonially installed in the new Parliament building?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 28 May 2023