Preface
The Indian Constitution is the cornerstone of India’s democracy, shaping the nation as a sovereign, secular, and inclusive republic. Adopted on November 26, 1949, it reflects the aspirations of a newly independent nation, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all.
The Constitution was crafted by the Constituent Assembly, formed on December 6, 1946, to represent the nation’s diverse voices. Drawing inspiration from global frameworks while addressing India’s unique needs, it became the lengthiest and most detailed Constitution in the world, uniting a vast population and safeguarding the rights of every citizen.
This ebook celebrates 75 years of this remarkable document by presenting 75 facts that illuminate its origins, principles, and ongoing relevance. Each fact offers insights into the legacy of a Constitution that continues to guide and inspire the world’s largest democracy.
Assembly Composition
- The Constituent Assembly was initially composed of 389 members.
- 292 members were elected through the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, 93 represented the Indian Princely States, and 4 represented the Chief Commissioners’ Provinces.
- Members were chosen by indirect election as per the Cabinet Mission’s recommendations.
Inaugural Session
- The Constituent Assembly held its first session on December 9, 1946, in the Constitution Hall of Parliament House, now known as Samvidhan Sadan.
- Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha presided as the interim President during this inaugural meeting.
- On December 11, 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was appointed as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly.
Post-Partition Changes
- The Mountbatten Plan of June 3, 1947, led to the creation of a separate Constituent Assembly for Pakistan.
- Representatives from some Provinces ceased to be part of the Assembly after partition.
- The Assembly’s membership was subsequently reduced to 299.
Seats and Nominations
- Dr. Ambedkar initially contested the Constituent Assembly seat from Bombay Presidency but lost.
- He was then elected to the Assembly from Bengal, but lost his seat after the partition. However, Congress Party later nominated him from Bombay Presidency.
- Out of the 299 members of the assembly, 229 were elected from 12 Indian Provinces, and 70 were nominated from 29 Princely States.
Women Pioneers
- The Constituent Assembly included 15 women members.
- Notable women members included Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, and Sucheta Kripalani.
- These women advocated for equal rights during a time when women had limited rights globally.
First Proceedings
- On December 9, 1946, the session began with the singing of Vande Mataram, symbolizing India’s struggle for freedom and unity.
- Acharya Kripalani delivered the inaugural address, welcoming the members and emphasizing the importance of unity amidst diversity.
- The first day concluded with all 207 members present submitting their credentials and signing the register.
Flag Adoption
- The National Flag of India was adopted in its present form on 22nd July 1947 by the Constituent Assembly.
- It served as the flag of the Dominion of India from 15th August 1947 to 26th January 1950 and of the Republic of India thereafter.
- The saffron symbolizes strength, white denotes peace with the Dharma Chakra, and green signifies fertility and growth.
Transitional Assembly
- On the night of August 14, 1947, the Constituent Assembly convened in the Constitution Hall.
- The Assembly transitioned to become the Legislative Assembly of Independent India at midnight.
- This shift marked the final steps of colonial rule and India’s independence.
Key Committees
- Rajendra Prasad chaired several key committees, including those on Rules of Procedure, Steering, Finance and Staff, and the National Flag.
- Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar led the Credential Committee, while B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya chaired the House Committee.
- K.M. Munshi headed the Order of Business Committee, and G.V. Mavalankar led the Committee on the Functions of the Constituent Assembly.
BR Ambedkar’s Vision
- The Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, was the most important committee of the Constituent Assembly.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar introduced the final draft of the Constitution to the Assembly on November 04, 1948, for the first reading.
- The Assembly held a general discussion on the draft for five days, concluding on November 09, 1948.
Drafting Committee
- The Drafting Committee was elected on August 29, 1947.
- The Committee worked for 141 days to prepare the Draft Constitution.
- The Draft Constitution initially contained 315 articles and 8 Schedules before deliberations.
Draft Discussions
- The Assembly spent 165 days in deliberations on the Draft Constitution.
- Of these 165 days, 114 were specifically devoted to discussing the Draft Constitution.
- A total of 7,635 amendments were proposed to the Draft Constitution.
Finalized Document
- Out of 7,635 proposed amendments to the Draft Constitution, 2,473 were moved for consideration by the Constituent Assembly.
- The final Constitution included 395 articles, divided into 22 parts and 8 Schedules.
- At the time of its adoption, it was the world’s lengthiest written Constitution.
Final Session
- The Constituent Assembly held its final meeting on January 24, 1950
- On this day, 284 members signed the Constitution, and Jana Gana Mana was officially declared India’s National Anthem.
- During the session, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was named the first President of India.
Constitutional Journey
- The Constituent Assembly took two years, eleven months, and seventeen days to draft the Constitution of Independent India.
- The Assembly held a total of eleven sessions during the drafting period.
- Over 53,000 visitors observed the Constitution’s deliberations from the Visitors’ Gallery during this period.
Key Dates
- The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949.
- It came into force on January 26, 1950.
- January 26, 1950, is celebrated as Republic Day in India, marking the country’s transition to a republic.
Constitutional Influences
- The Government of India Act of 1935 influenced the federal scheme, office of governor, and judiciary provisions in the Indian Constitution.
- The U.S. Constitution inspired fundamental rights, judicial review, and impeachment procedures for the President.
- The Irish Constitution contributed to Directive Principles of State Policy and the method of electing the President.
Gandhian Ideals
- Gandhian ideals influenced the Constitution, aiming to promote cottage industries in rural areas through individual or cooperative efforts.
- Provisions were made to prohibit the consumption of intoxicants, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi’s vision.
- These principles were incorporated as Directive Principles, guiding future government policies to align with Gandhi’s vision for a better society.
Social Equality
- Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, making it punishable by law.
- Article 18(1) prohibits the conferring of titles, except for military or academic distinctions, ending the feudal system.
- The Constitution ensures positive discrimination for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes to promote social, economic, and political inclusion.
Handwritten Masterpiece
- The Constitution of India was handwritten and calligraphically crafted in both English and Hindi, consisting of 90,000 words.
- Prem Behari Narain Raizada undertook the calligraphy of the original English version.
- He began the calligraphy on November 28, 1949, and completed it by late April 1950 on handmade Millbourne loan paper.
Historical Illustrations
- Nandalal Bose, the celebrated artist from Shantiniketan, decorated the calligraphic sheets.
- His artwork included 22 illustrations in the miniature style.
- These illustrations depicted important moments in India’s history, from the Indus Valley to the freedom movement.
Guarding History
- The original copies of the Constitution of India are preserved in helium-filled cases.
- These cases are stored in the Library of the Parliament of India.
- This preservation ensures the longevity of the original document for future generations.
Preserving Legacy
- On January 26, 1950, the Parliament Secretariat took over the responsibility of preserving the original Constitution.
- In 1955, the Survey of India, Dehradun, produced 1,000 offset-printed copies of the original Constitution.
- The production of these copies took 12 years of meticulous effort.
New Dawn
- On January 26, 1950, India transitioned from being a Dominion to a Republic.
- The new Republic replaced the Government of India Act, 1935.
- The Constitution came into force, signifying India’s complete independence from British rule.
Democratic Beginnings
- India’s first General Elections were held between October 25, 1951, and February 21, 1952.
- These elections were conducted under the provisions of the newly adopted Constitution.
- The elections marked the first exercise of the democratic system established by the Constitution.