In a poignant moment dominating national cultural discussions on October 23, 2026, renowned jeweller, master craftsman, and family patriarch Vummidi Ethiraj passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 99. Ethiraj was the guiding figure behind the historic 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a heritage establishment famous across South India for its intricate traditional craftsmanship, temple jewellery designs, and contribution to Indian cultural artifacts. Ethiraj and his family gained widespread national prominence for crafting the historic 'Sengol'—the sacred golden scepter representing righteous governance and the transfer of power—which was originally presented to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and later installed in the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tributes flooded in from political leaders, cultural historians, industrial leaders, and artisan guilds across the country, celebrating his century-long commitment to preserving indigenous metalworking techniques and traditional goldsmith traditions. Cultural historians and jewelry craft experts noted that his passing marks the end of an iconic chapter in Indian artisanal heritage, leaving behind an enduring legacy of artistic brilliance, craftsmanship integrity, and historic contributions to national heritage monuments.

South Indian Jewellery Patriarch and National Heritage Icon Passes Away

Vummidi Ethiraj, the veteran Chennai-based jeweller and patriarch of the renowned Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, passed away peacefully at his home in Chennai on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He was 99 years old.

Born on November 25, 1926, Ethiraj leaves behind an indelible mark on South India's goldsmithing industry and Indian national history. As a young 20-year-old artisan in 1947, he was instrumental in overseeing the crafting of the 'Sengol'—a majestic gold-plated silver sceptre commissioned by the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam Mutt to symbolize the sacred transfer of power from British colonial rule to independent India.

Overview: Key Highlights and Milestones of Vummidi Ethiraj's Legacy

Parameter / AspectOfficial Details & Historical Context
Dignitary / IconVummidi Ethiraj (1926–2026; Aged 99)
Associated InstitutionVummidi Bangaru Jewellers (125-year-old heritage house)
Monumental CreationThe Sengol (5-foot gold-plated silver sceptre topped with Nandi)
Historical MilestonePresented to PM Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947
Modern Parliament InstallationInstalled in New Lok Sabha Chamber on May 28, 2023
Surviving FamilyThree children: Vijaya Bharathi, Uday Kumar, & Vijayendren Vummidi

Crafting the Sengol and Its Historic Parliament Installation

The creation of the Sengol stands as a defining chapter in Indian political iconography. On the eve of Independence on August 14, 1947, priests from Tamil Nadu's Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam Mutt presented the crafted sceptre to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Sengol Creation & Historical Pipeline: -------------------------------------- Adheenam Mutt Commission (1947) ──> Crafted by Vummidi Ethiraj (Aged 20) ──> Handed to PM Nehru (Aug 14, 1947) ──> Preserved in Allahabad Museum ──> Consecrated in New Parliament (May 28, 2023)

The craftsmanship returned to national prominence on May 28, 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrated and installed the historic Sengol adjacent to the Speaker's chair in the Lok Sabha chamber during the inauguration of the new Parliament building. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister personally felicitated the nonagenarian Ethiraj and members of the Vummidi family for their historic contribution.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj Ji. Hailing from a distinguished family based in Tamil Nadu, he will always be remembered for his efforts in crafting the historic Sengol that was presented to former Prime Minister Nehru. His legacy of excellence and craftsmanship will continue to inspire." — Prime Minister Narendra Modi

A Lasting Legacy in Fine Craftsmanship

Under Ethiraj’s leadership, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers expanded into one of South India's most trusted luxury jewellery brands, renowned for traditional temple jewellery design, precision gem-setting, and metallurgical excellence.

State leaders, cultural historians, and members of the gem and jewellery industry paid rich tributes to Ethiraj in Chennai. His life's work continues to serve as a bridge connecting ancient Chola-era metalworking traditions with modern India's sovereign identity.