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Essay On Constitution Of India

The Constitution of India is a set of rules and regulations that was drafted by a committee headed by Dr. B.R Ambedkar. It contains the guidelines as per which our country is expected to function such that its political, legal, and social ecosystems stay maintained. Here are a few sample essays on “Constitution of India”.

Essay On Constitution Of India

100 Words Essay On Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is a legal document that outlines the political system's framework and the obligations, privileges, and restraints to which this country should adhere.

The Indian Constitution came into force on this date in 1950. Although Dr. Ambedkar is renowned for his significant contribution to the constitution's drafting, 299 people put a lot of effort into making it what it is today.

The Indian constitution is the lengthiest in the world. There are 25 parts, 448 articles, and 12 schedules in it. The people who wrote the constitution had to pay attention to even the most minor details because our country is vast, with many different cultures, castes, religions, and states.

200 Words Essay On Constitution of India

The Indian constitution is a document which contains the framework of our political system, the duties, rights, limitations, and structure of government that we should follow in this nation. In addition, it lays out the rights and obligations of Indian citizens. In India, nobody, not even the prime minister or the president, can violate the constitution.

Republic Day | India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 every year. This day is remembered as when the Indian Constitution became effective in 1950. Dr. Ambedkar played a significant role in drafting the constitution, but 299 others prominently contributed to its creation.

Length | The Indian constitution is the lengthiest in the world. It has 448 articles organised into 25 parts and 12 schedules. The drafting and enforcement of the constitution were democratic processes. It protects the fundamental rights of every Indian.

Provisions | The constitution divides the strengths of three governmental institutions: the executive, judiciary, and legislature. This means that the Indian Constitution advocates for a federal government. According to the Preamble, the country's unity and integrity must be safeguarded by achieving justice, liberty, and equality for all people. State governments and the central government share government powers. The constitution says India is a republic, meaning no dictator or king governs it. Individuals are the public authority. Citizens elect their leaders every five years.

500 Words Essay on The Constitution of India

The longest constitution of any sovereign state in the world, the Indian Constitution offers a comprehensive framework for governing the nation while considering its diversity in social, cultural, and religious beliefs.

Constituent Assembly

The members of the provincial assemblies chosen by the Indian people formed the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the constitution. Dr Sachidanand Sinha presided over the Constituent Assembly as its first president. Later, Dr Rajendra Prasad was chosen to serve as its leader.

Length Of The Constitution

The Indian Constitution is the world's longest-written constitution for any sovereign nation and is a unique document with many extraordinary features. The constitution's original text had 395 articles divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules. It became effective on January 26, 1950, and India celebrated Republic Day. Since then, 100 amendments have brought the total number of articles to 448.

Drafting Of The Constitution

The Indian Constitution, which offers a comprehensive and dynamic framework to guide and govern the country while keeping in mind its unique social, cultural, and religious diversity, is credited to Dr BR Ambedkar, chairman of its drafting committee. It creates the three main branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—and lays out their respective roles, responsibilities, and powers. It also governs their interactions with one another.

In the Preamble to the Constitution, India is described as a welfare state dedicated to securing justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens and fostering fraternity, the dignity of each person, and the unity and integrity of the country. The Preamble's objectives form the fundamental framework of the Indian Constitution, which cannot be changed. The Preamble's opening and closing clauses, "We, the People... adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution," indicate that the people ultimately hold the reins of power.

Fundamental Rights

The constitution grants citizens a wide range of fundamental rights. These include the following:

The right to equality

The right to freedom

The right against exploitation

The right to freedom of religion

The right to cultural and educational freedom

The right to constitutional remedies

These rights are actionable in court, and if one is violated, a person may file a petition with the Supreme Court or one of the High Courts. However, there are limitations to India's fundamental rights. It is possible to impose reasonable limitations. Fundamental duties were added to the constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 to remind people that while exercising their rights as citizens, they also have obligations because rights and obligations are correlated.

Directive Principles Of State Policy

The constitution also has a chapter on the ‘Directive Principles Of State Policy’. These serve as instructions to the government on how to put them into practice to establish social and economic democracy in the country.

The fact that the constitution is a living document that can change over time through interpretation or amendment is one of its advantages. To avoid impeding the nation's and its people's progress, it is also among the most frequently amended constitutions in the world.

As a result, the success of the Indian Constitution for a nation as diverse and as complex as India continues to fascinate, astound, and incite experts worldwide.

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Essay on Indian Constitution in 100, 250, and 350 words

write an essay on indian constitution

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  • Jan 3, 2024

Essay On Indian Constitution

The constitution of India was written and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 but it became effective on 26th January 1950. It is a set of rules and regulations that guide the administration of the country. It is the backbone of every democratic and secular fabric of the nation. The Indian Constitution is the longest in the world and describes the framework for political principles, procedures and powers of the government. This is just a brief paragraph on the Indian constitution, we have provided samples of essay on Indian Constitution. Let’s explore them!

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Indian Constitution in 100 words
  • 2 Essay on Indian Constitution in 250 words
  • 3 Essay on Indian Constitution in 350 words
  • 4 Indian Constitution Defines the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens
  • 5 The Constitution Defines the Structure and Working of the Government
  • 6 Conclusion

Learn more about the Making of Indian Constitution

Essay on Indian Constitution in 100 words

The Indian Constitution became effective on the 26th of January 1950 although the Constituent Assembly adopted it on the 26th of November 1949. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar headed the drafting committee that wrote it. Hence, it was the longest-written constitution of India and provides a detailed account of the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens of India. The original constitution of India is the lengthiest in the world and is hand-written and calligraphed. It is the supreme law of India that is drafted by the Constituent Assembly which is even superior to the Parliament. After the constitution came into effect, the status of India changed from “Dominion of India” to “Republic of India”. Hence, 26th January is celebrated as The Republic Day of India.

Also Read:- Importance of Internet

Essay on Indian Constitution in 250 words

The Indian Constitution was drafted under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar who is known as the ‘Father of Indian Constitution’. It took almost 3 years to draft the same. Various aspects of the society such as economic, socio-political, etc were taken into consideration while drafting the constitution. While drafting the Indian Constitution, the drafting committee took into consideration various constitutions of other countries such as France, Japan and Britain to seek valuable insights. 

The Fundamental Rights and Duties of the Indian Citizens, the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Federal Structure of the Government of India, all were included in the Indian Constitution. Every policy, duty and right has been explained at length in the Indian Constitution hence making it the lengthiest written constitution in the world. 

There were more than 2000 amendments that had to be made to the Indian Constitution to get it approved. The same was adopted on November 26th, 1949 and was enforced on January 26th, 1950. From that day onwards, the status of India changed from “Dominion of India” to “Republic of India”. And that is why since then, 26th January is celebrated as the Republic Day. On this occasion, the National Flag of India is hoisted at various places across the nation and the National Anthem is sung to rejoice the day. There is a special day that is dedicated to the Indian Constitution known as the ‘National Constitution Day’ that came into existence in 2015. 

Also Read:- Essay on Pollution

Essay on Indian Constitution in 350 words

The Indian Constitution is the supreme document that gives a very detailed account of what the citizens of India can and also cannot do. It has been set up as a standard that needs to be followed to ensure law and order in society and also to help it develop and prosper.

Indian Constitution Defines the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens

The duties and the Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens have been clearly stated and defined in the Constitution of India. The Fundamental Rights include:

  • The Right to Equality
  • The Right to Freedom
  • The Right to Freedom of Religion
  • Cultural and Educational Rights
  • Right Against Exploitation
  • Right to Constitutional Remedies

These are the basic rights and all the citizens across the country are entitled to the same irrespective of their colour, caste, creed, or religion.

Fundamental Duties of the Indian CItizens that are included in the Indian Constitution are:-

  • Respecting the Constitution of India
  • To always honour the National Anthem and the National Flag
  • To protect the unity
  • Preserving the heritage of the county
  • Protecting the integrity and sovereignty of India
  • Promoting the spirit of brotherhood
  • To have compassion for living creatures
  • To strive for excellence 
  • To protect public property and contribute your bit to maintaining peace

These are also mentioned in detail in the Indian Constitution. 

The Constitution Defines the Structure and Working of the Government

The working of the Government as well as its structure is also mentioned in detail in the Indian Constitution.  The Indian Constitution mentions that India has a parliamentary system of government that is present at the centre as well as in states. The power to take major decisions lies with the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers. The president of India on the other hand, has nominal powers.

Also Read: Essay on Human Rights

The Constitution of India was approved after several amendments by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar who, along with his team of six members, was a part of the drafting committee that came up with the Indian Constitution.

Ans: The Indian Constitution became effective on the 26th of January 1950 although the Constituent Assembly adopted it on the 26th of November 1949. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar headed the drafting committee that wrote it. Hence, it was the longest-written constitution of India and provides a detailed account of the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens of India. The original constitution of India is the lengthiest in the world and is hand-written and calligraphed. It is the supreme law of India that is drafted by the Constituent Assembly which is even superior to the Parliament. After the constitution came into effect, the status of India changed from “Dominion of India” to “Republic of India”. Hence, 26th January is celebrated as The Republic Day of India.

Ans: The constitution of India was written and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 but it became effective on 26th January 1950. It is a set of rules and regulations that guide the administration of the country. It is the backbone of every democratic and secular fabric of the nation. The Indian Constitution is the longest in the world. And describes the framework for political principles, procedures and powers of the government.

Ans: The Indian Constitution is the supreme document that gives a very detailed account of what the citizens of India can and also cannot do. It has been set up as a standard that needs to be followed to ensure law and order in society and also to help it develop and prosper.

Related Reads:-

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Constitution of India: Meaning, Structure, Enactment, Salient Features & Significance

Constitution of India

The Constitution of India , as the fundamental law of the land , embodies the values, principles, and governance framework of our country. It serves as the supreme law, guiding the state’s functioning and ensuring citizen’s rights and responsibilities. With its roots grounded in historical struggles, philosophical ideals, and societal aspirations, it reflects the nation’s collective journey toward democracy, justice, and equality. This article of NEXT IAS aims to explain the meaning, structure, salient features, significance, and other aspects of the Constitution of India.

What is the Meaning of Constitution?

A Constitution of a state is a fundamental set of principles or established precedents according to which the state is governed. It outlines the organization, powers, and limits of government institutions, as well as the rights and duties of citizens. It serves as the supreme law of the land , providing a framework for the functioning of the government, the protection of individual liberties, and the maintenance of social order.

What is Constitution of India?

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the Republic of India. It lays down the framework for the country’s political system, defining the powers and responsibilities of government institutions, safeguarding fundamental rights, and outlining the principles of governance. It is a set of rules and regulations guiding the administration of a country.

Constitution of India

Structure of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is one of the longest and most detailed written constitutions in the world. Various components of the structure of the Indian Constitution can be seen as follows:

  • The Indian Constitution is structured into various Parts, each dealing with a specific aspect of the country’s legal, administrative, or governmental framework.
  • Originally, there were 22 parts in the Constitution of India. As of now, there are 25 parts of the Indian Constitution.
  • Each part of the constitution contains several articles numbered sequentially.
  • Originally, there were 395 articles in the Constitution of India. As of now, the Indian Constitution contains 448 articles .
  • They provide clarity and supplementary details, making the Constitution more comprehensive and functional.
  • Originally, there were 8 schedules in the Constitution of India. As of now, there are 12 schedules in the Indian Constitution.

Enactment and Adoption of the Indian Constitution

  • The Constitution of India was framed by a Constituent Assembly which was established in 1946. The President of the Constituent Assembly was Dr. Rajendra Prasad .
  • On 29th August 1947, a resolution was moved in the Constituent Assembly for the appointment of a Drafting Committee to draft a permanent constitution of India. Accordingly, the Drafting Committee was appointed under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar .
  • The Drafting Committee took a total of 166 days , which was spread over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to prepare a draft constitution. The final draft of the Constitution was introduced in the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1948 .
  • After many deliberations and some modifications, the Draft Constitution was declared as passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949. This is known as the “ Date of Adoption ” of the Constitution of India.
  • A few provisions of the Constitution came into force on 26th November 1949. However, the major part of the Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950, making India a sovereign republic. This date is known as the “ Date of Enactment ” of the Constitution of India.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

Lengthiest written constitution.

The Constitution of India is the lengthiest of all the written Constitutions of the world. It is a very comprehensive and detailed document.

  • Several factors that have contributed to its elephantine size include – the need to accommodate the vast diversity of the country, a single constitution for both the Center and States, the presence of legal experts and luminaries in the Constituent Assembly, etc.

Drawn from Various Sources

The Constitution of India has borrowed most of its provisions from the Government of India Act of 1935 as well as from the constitutions of various other countries.

Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

Constitutions are classified into – rigid (requires a special procedure for its amendment) and flexible (can be amended in the same manner as ordinary laws are made).

  • The Constitution of India is neither rigid nor flexible, but a synthesis of both.

Federal System with Unitary Bias

The Constitution of India establishes a federal system of government and contains all the usual features of a federation. However, it also contains a large number of unitary or non-federal features.

Parliamentary Form of Government

The Constitution of India has adopted the British Parliamentary System of Government. The parliamentary system is based on the principle of cooperation and coordination between the legislative and executive organs.

Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy

The synthesis of parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy in India represents a delicate balance between the authority of the legislature to enact laws and the power of the judiciary to review and interpret these laws in light of constitutional principles.

  • While Parliament retains the ultimate authority to make laws , the judiciary serves as the guardian of the Constitution , ensuring that parliamentary actions adhere to constitutional norms and protect fundamental rights.

Integrated and Independent Judiciary

The Indian Constitution establishes an integrated and independent judicial system in the country.

  • An integrated judicial system means that a single system of courts, comprising of Supreme Court , High Courts, and Subordinate Courts, enforces both the central laws as well as the state laws.
  • An independent judicial system means that the Indian judiciary operates autonomously, free from the influence of the executive and legislative branches of government.

Fundamental Rights

The Indian Constitution guarantees 6 fundamental rights to all citizens, which promotes the idea of political democracy in the country. They operate as limitations on the tyranny of the executive and arbitrary laws of the legislature.

Directive Principles of State Policy

The Indian Constitution contains a set of principles in the form of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) , which denote the ideals that the state should keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws.

  • The Directive Principles seek to establish a ‘Welfare State’ in India by promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy.

Fundamental Duties

The fundamental duties are a set of moral and civic obligations outlined in the Constitution of India.

  • These duties serve as a guide for citizens to contribute towards building a strong and harmonious nation.

A Secular State

The Constitution of India does not uphold any particular religion as the official religion of the Indian State. Instead, it mandates that the state treat all religions equally, refraining from favoring or discriminating against any particular religion.

Universal Adult Franchise

The Indian Constitution adopts universal adult franchise as the basis of elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies.

  • Every citizen who is not less than 18 years of age has a right to vote without any discrimination based on caste, race, religion, sex, literacy, wealth, and so on.

Single Citizenship

Single citizenship is a constitutional principle in India whereby all citizens irrespective of the state in which they are born or reside enjoy the same political and civil rights of citizenship all over the country, and no discrimination is made between them.

Independent Bodies

The Indian Constitution has established certain independent bodies which are envisaged as the bulwarks of the democratic system of Government in India.

Emergency Provisions

The Indian Constitution contains emergency provisions to enable the President to meet any extraordinary situation effectively.

  • The rationale behind the incorporation of these provisions is to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security of the country, the democratic political system, and the Constitution .

Three-tier Government

The three-tier government refers to the division of governmental powers and responsibilities among three levels- the central government, state governments, and local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities).

  • This decentralized system allows for effective governance by delegating authority to address regional and local issues, promoting participatory democracy and grassroots development.

Co-operative Societies

The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 gave constitutional status and protection to co-operative societies.

Significance of the Constitution of India

  • Rule of Law – The Constitution establishes the framework for governance based on the rule of law, ensuring that no individual, including government officials, is above the law.
  • Protection of Rights – It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens, safeguarding their freedoms of speech, expression, religion, and more, while also providing mechanisms for legal redress if these rights are infringed upon.
  • Structure of Government – The Constitution delineates the structure of government, defining the roles, powers, and limitations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This separation of powers prevents the concentration of authority and promotes checks and balances.
  • Democratic Principles – Through provisions like a universal adult franchise, the constitution upholds democratic principles by ensuring citizens’ participation in governance through free and fair elections.
  • Stability and Continuity – The constitution provides stability and continuity in governance, serving as a framework for guiding successive governments and preventing abrupt changes in the political system.
  • National Unity – It fosters national unity by recognizing and respecting the diversity of the populace while also promoting a sense of common citizenship and allegiance to the nation.
  • Legal Framework – The constitution serves as the legal foundation upon which all laws and regulations are based, providing consistency and coherence in the legal system.
  • Adaptability – While providing a stable framework, the constitution also allows for necessary amendments to accommodate changing societal needs and values, ensuring its relevance over time.

Sources of the Constitution of India

  • Government of India Act of 1935 – Federal Scheme, Office of Governor, Judiciary, Public Service Commissions, Emergency Provisions, and Administrative Details.
  • British Constitution – Parliamentary System of Government, Rule of Law, Legislative Procedure, Single Citizenship, Cabinet System, Prerogative Writs, Parliamentary Privileges, and Bicameralism.
  • US Constitution – Fundamental Rights, Independence of the Judiciary, Judicial Review, Impeachment of the President, Removal of Supreme Court and High Court Judges, and the Post of the Vice-President.
  • Irish Constitution – Directive Principles of State Policy, the Nomination of Members to Rajya Sabha, and Method of Election of the President.
  • Canadian Constitution – Federation with a strong Centre, vesting of residuary powers in the Centre, appointment of state governors by the Centre, and advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
  • Australian Constitution – Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade, Commerce & Intercourse, and a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
  • Weimar Constitution of Germany – Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency.
  • Soviet Constitution (USSR, now Russia) – Fundamental duties and the ideal of Justice (Social, Economic, and Political) in the Preamble.
  • French Constitution – Republic and the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble.
  • South African Constitution – Procedure for amendment of the Constitution and election of members of Rajya Sabha.
  • Japanese Constitution – Procedure established by law.

Various Schedules of the Indian Constitution

Parts of the constitution.

Note – Part-VII (The States in Part B of the First Schedule), has been deleted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment of 1956.

In conclusion, the Indian Constitution stands as a testament to the nation’s democratic ideals and aspirations. Its meticulous crafting, rooted in historical struggles and visionary principles, continues to guide India’s journey towards a more just, inclusive, and prosperous society. The Indian Constitution stands as a testament to upholding its values, fostering unity amidst diversity, and safeguarding the rights and liberties of every citizen, thus ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Related Concepts

  • Constitutionalism – Constitutionalism is a system where the Constitution is supreme and the institution’s structure and processes are governed by constitutional principles. It provides the template or framework within which the state has to carry out its operations. It also puts limitations on the government.
  • Classification of the Constitution – Constitutions across the world have been classified into the following categories and sub-categories:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was the constitution of india adopted.

The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949 .

Why the Constitution of India is called a bag of Borrowing?

The Constitution of India is called a “bag of borrowing” due to its extensive adaptation of principles and provisions from various global sources. It amalgamates elements from multiple constitutions, including the British, American, Irish, Canadian, and others, reflecting India’s diverse legal heritage and democratic ideals.

Who is known as the ‘Father of Indian Constitution’?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is regarded as the “Father of the Indian Constitution” for his pivotal role as the chairman of the Drafting Committee and his significant contributions in shaping the provisions of the Indian Constitution.

When do we Celebrate the Constitution Day?

Constitution Day also famously known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’ , is celebrated in our country on 26th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.

What is the Philosophy of the Constitution of India?

The philosophy of the Constitution of India revolves around several key principles such as Sovereignty, Equality, Justice, Liberty, Fraternity, Dignity, Secularism, Federalism, Democratic Principles, etc.

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Essay on Constitution of India for Students and Children

500+ words essay on constitution of india.

The constitution of India came into force from 26 January. A special committee is gathered to draw and outline the constitution. The constitution gives all the details related to what is legal and what is illegal in the country. In addition, with the enforcement of the constitution, the Indian sub-continent become the Republic of India . Besides, the drafting committee consists of seven members that were supervised by B.R. Ambedkar. Moreover, the constitution helps in maintaining prosperity and peace in the country.

Essay on constitution of India

Salient Features of the Constitution

The list of salient features of the Indian constitution is very long and there are many uniqueness about it that you won’t find in any other countries constitution.

Longest Written Constitution

The first thing that makes the Indian constitution different is its length. The constitution of India contains a preamble, 448fourhundred, and forty-eight Articles, twenty-five groups, twelve Schedules, and five appendices. Moreover, it takes around 3 years to complete the draft of the constitution.

The Rigidity and Flexibility of the Indian Constitution

The constitution is hard as well as soft both at the same time. While on one side the supreme power needs to be followed carefully to maintain the law and order in the country, on the other side the citizen can appeal to amend the outdated provisions. But there are certain provisions that can be easily amended and there are some that take a lot of time and resources to amend. Furthermore, there have been more than 100 amendments in the constitution from the day of its enforcement.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

The original constitution does not have preamble but it was later on added to the constitution. Also, it gives a detailed account of the constitution’s philosophy. The preamble states that India is a Socialist, Secular, Sovereign, and Democratic republic. In addition, it believes in equality, justice, and freedom of its people . The constitution puts the welfare of its people first rather than the state.

A Secular State

According to the constitution of India is a secular country that means that it does not give special status to any religion. Anyone can perform his religion freely.

It means a dictator or monarch does not rule the country. Moreover, it nominates and elects its head every five years.

Fundamental Policies

The constitution of t5he country states every fundamental duty of its citizens under it. These duties have to be followed by all the citizens of the country equally whether it’s a rich person or a poor one. Besides, these duties include the respect of national flag and national anthem , integrity and unity of the country, the safeguard of public property, and various others.

Directive State Principle or Policy

This policy is simple guidelines to the state in which ensure the development of its socio-economy via its policies.

In conclusion, the constitution serves as guidelines for every citizen. Also, law and rule are completely defined in the constitution. The head of the drafting committee Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has done a remarkable job that no one can forget. He and his team draft constitution that no other country has bale to do till date. Besides, the constitution has helped India to attain the status of the Republic in the world.

FAQs about Essay on Constitution of India

Q.1 Define what is the Indian constitution in simple words? A.1 The constitution is the supreme law of the country. Everything is predefined in it. Besides, the constitution is a framework that guides the procedures, policies, and power of the government.

Q.2 Who is known as the father of the Indian constitution? A.2 Dr. B.R. Amberdkar is the father of the Indian constitution because he was the head of the drafting committee that completed the constitution.

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Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant provisions and Basic structure

Last updated on March 8, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Indian constitution

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the country’s fundamental governing document, and the Dominion of India became the Republic of India.

The Constitution of India is the longest-written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. It embodies the country’s rules and regulations and defines the fundamental rights of its citizens.

It is a living document that has been amended and refined several times since it was first adopted in 1950. The Constitution of India is a unique document that reflects the aspirations, values, and diverse culture of the Indian people.

It is a source of inspiration and guidance for all citizens and has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of India’s development as a modern, democratic, and pluralistic nation.

Table of Contents

Indian Constitution: Historical Underpinning

The Constitution of India has its roots in the country’s colonial past and the struggle for independence from British rule. The process of framing the Constitution began in the 1930s, with the formation of the Indian National Congress and the demand for self-governance.

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During the freedom movement, various constitutional frameworks were proposed, including the Nehru Report of 1928, the Karachi Resolution of 1931, and the Bombay Plan of 1944. These proposals formed the basis for the Constituent Assembly, which was elected in 1946 to draft a new Constitution for the newly independent nation.

The Constituent Assembly was composed of elected representatives from all the provinces of British India, as well as representatives from the princely states. It was chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution.

The Constituent Assembly held its first meeting on 9 December 1946, and over the next three years, it debated and discussed the various provisions of the Constitution. The Constitution was finally adopted on 26 November 1949, and it came into effect on 26 January 1950, marking the birth of the Republic of India.

The Constitution of India reflects the country’s diverse culture and the values of its founding fathers, who were inspired by the ideals of democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a living document that has evolved through a series of amendments, and it continues to guide and shape the development of the nation.

Also read: The historical underpinning of the Indian constitution

Evolution of the Constitution

The Constitution of India has undergone several amendments since it was first adopted in 1950. The process of amending the Constitution is set out in Article 368, which requires a special majority in both houses of Parliament, as well as the ratification of at least half of the states in the country.

The Constitution has been amended more than 100 times since its adoption. The amendments have been made to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the country, as well as to incorporate new laws and policies.

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Some of the significant amendments to the Constitution include:

  • The First Amendment Act of 1951 , amended the freedom of speech and expression and added the Ninth Schedule to protect certain laws from judicial review.
  • The Seventh Amendment Act of 1956 , reorganized the states of India on linguistic lines.
  • The Ninth Amendment Act of 1960 , recognized the right to property as a fundamental right.
  • The Twenty-Fourth Amendment Act of 1971 , abolished the privy purse and abolished the privy council as a court of appeal for the princely states.
  • The Thirty-Ninth Amendment Act of 1975 , recognized Sikkim as a state of India.
  • The Forty-Second Amendment Act of 1976 , amended several provisions of the Constitution, including the Preamble, and added the words “secular” and “socialist” to it.
  • The Seventy-Third Amendment Act of 1992 , recognized the rights of the scheduled castes and tribes to participate in local self-governance.
  • The Ninety-Fourth Amendment Act of 2006 , provided reservations for the scheduled castes and tribes in the promotion to higher posts in the civil services.

The Constitution of India has played a vital role in shaping the country’s political and social landscape, and it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the nation.

Indian Constitution: Features

The Constitution of India has several features that set it apart from the constitutions of other countries. Some of the key features of the Indian Constitution are:

  • Written and comprehensive : The Constitution of India is a written document that sets out the framework for the country’s political system and the rights and duties of its citizens. It is the longest-written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, with 444 articles in 22 parts and 12 schedules.
  • Federal system : The Constitution of India establishes a federal system of government, in which power is divided between the central government and the states. The central government has exclusive powers in certain areas, such as foreign affairs and defense, while the states have powers in matters such as education and law and order.
  • Parliamentary democracy : The Constitution of India establishes a parliamentary form of government, in which the executive is responsible to the legislature. The President of India is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
  • Fundamental rights : The Constitution of India guarantees a set of fundamental rights to all citizens, which include the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, and the protection of life and personal liberty. These rights are enforceable by the courts, and any law that violates these rights can be struck down by the courts.
  • Directive principles : The Constitution of India also lays down a set of directive principles of state policy, which are non-enforceable guidelines for the government to follow in the formulation of its policies. These principles include the promotion of international peace and security, the protection of the environment, and the promotion of the welfare of the people.
  • Independent judiciary : The Constitution of India establishes an independent judiciary, which is responsible for interpreting the laws of the country and upholding the rights of citizens. The Supreme Court is the highest in the country, and it has the power of judicial review, which allows it to declare a law or government action unconstitutional.
  • Amendment process : The Constitution of India provides a detailed process for amending its provisions. An amendment requires a special majority in both houses of Parliament, as well as the ratification of at least half of the states in the country. This ensures that any changes to the Constitution are made with the consensus of the majority of the people.

Indian Constitution: Amendments

The process of amending the Constitution of India is set out in Article 368 of the Constitution. According to this article, an amendment to the Constitution can be initiated by the introduction of a bill in either house of Parliament.

The bill must be passed by a special majority in both houses of Parliament, which means that it must be supported by at least two-thirds of the members present and voting in each house.

Once the bill is passed by Parliament, it must be ratified by at least half of the states in the country. The ratification must be done by the state legislatures, and it must be obtained within six months from the date of the passing of the bill.

If the bill is ratified by at least half of the states, it becomes an act and is added to the Constitution as an amendment. If the bill is not ratified by the required number of states, it lapses and cannot be reintroduced in Parliament.

The process of amending the Constitution of India is designed to ensure that any changes to the Constitution are made with the consensus of the majority of the people. The special majority requirement in Parliament and the ratification by the states ensure that the amendment has the support of a wide cross-section of the country.

Also read: Amendments of Indian Constitution

Significant Provisions of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is a comprehensive document that outlines the rights and duties of citizens, as well as the structure and functions of the government. Some of the significant provisions of the Indian Constitution include:

  • Fundamental Rights : These are the basic rights that are guaranteed to every citizen of India, including the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, and the right to life and personal liberty.
  • Directive Principles of State Policy : These are guidelines for the government to follow in the formulation and implementation of policies, to promote the welfare of the people.
  • Federal Structure : The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with powers divided between the central government and the state governments.
  • Independence of the Judiciary : The Indian Constitution provides for the independence of the judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex and a hierarchy of courts below it.
  • Emergency Provisions : The Indian Constitution contains provisions that allow the government to take measures to protect the country’s security and integrity in times of emergency.
  • Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes : The Indian Constitution provides for affirmative action to protect the rights and promote the welfare of historically disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution

The basic structure doctrine is a judicial principle in the Constitution of India which holds that the Constitution has certain basic features that cannot be amended by the Parliament. This doctrine was propounded by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala in 1973.

The basic structure doctrine has not been explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India. Rather, it has been inferred by the Supreme Court from the provisions of the Constitution and the principles underlying it. According to this doctrine, the following are the basic features of the Constitution that cannot be amended:

  • Supremacy of the Constitution
  • Republican and democratic form of government
  • Secular Character of the Constitution
  • Separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary
  • Federal character of the Constitution
  • Free and fair elections
  • Independence of the judiciary
  • Judicial review
  • The principle of equality before the law and prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender, or place of birth.

The basic structure doctrine has been instrumental in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens and preserving the basic tenets of the Constitution. It has also served as a check on the powers of the Parliament to amend the Constitution, ensuring that any amendments are consistent with the basic principles and values of the Constitution.

Also read: Basic Structure of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land and the foundation of the Indian democratic system. It outlines the powers and functions of the various organs of the government and guarantees the fundamental rights of citizens. The Constitution also contains provisions for the protection of the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity and the promotion of social justice.

The basic structure doctrine is a key principle of the Constitution which holds that certain fundamental features of the Constitution, such as the supremacy of the Constitution, the republican and democratic form of government, and the secular character of the state, cannot be amended by the Parliament.

This doctrine has played a crucial role in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens and preserving the basic tenets of the Constitution.

Overall, the Constitution of India serves as a model for other countries around the world and has played a vital role in the country’s development and progress over the past seven decades. It is a living document that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and aspirations of the people of India.

Article written by: Vivek Rajasekharan

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write an essay on indian constitution

October 28, 2023 at 10:35 pm

Amendments written above are incorrect. Privy purse abolition is 26th CAA and not 24th , many other mistakes are there in the page.

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Essay on Constitution 500+ Words

The Constitution of India serves as the guiding star of our nation, shedding light on the path to justice, equality, and democracy. Furthermore, it is a remarkable document that molds our country’s destiny, guaranteeing that India maintains its status as a diverse and vibrant democracy. In the following essay, we will delve into the Constitution of India, examining its significance, history, and the fundamental principles that distinguish it as truly exceptional.

The Birth of the Constitution:

The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, marked the moment when India became a republic. Furthermore, it was the culmination of years of dedicated effort by a distinguished assembly of minds known as the Constituent Assembly. Notably, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect, played an indispensable role in shaping this significant document.

Guarantor of Rights:

One of the most important aspects of the Indian Constitution is that it guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens. These rights ensure that every Indian is treated fairly and has the freedom to express themselves, practice their religion, and more.

Equality for All:

The Constitution promotes equality in all aspects of life. It does not discriminate based on caste, religion, gender, or place of birth. This principle of equality helps India embrace its diversity and promotes unity among its people.

Democracy in Action:

India is the world’s largest democracy, and the Constitution is the backbone of this system. It outlines how our government works, from elections to the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament. Every citizen’s vote matters, making India a true democracy.

Directive Principles of State Policy:

The Constitution includes directive principles that guide the government on how to create a just and equal society. These principles focus on eradicating poverty, providing education, and improving the living conditions of the people.

Amendments and Evolution:

The Constitution is not set in stone; it can be amended or changed to suit the evolving needs of the country. This flexibility allows us to adapt to new challenges and make improvements as necessary.

Fundamental Duties:

While the Constitution grants rights, it also emphasizes the importance of responsibilities. It outlines fundamental duties that every citizen should follow to help maintain peace and harmony in the country.

Safeguarding Justice:

The Constitution also established the judiciary as a separate and independent branch of government. The Supreme Court, with its judges, ensures that the laws are followed and justice is served.

Diversity Respected:

India is known for its diversity in languages, religions, and cultures. The Constitution acknowledges and respects this diversity, allowing people to freely practice their religions and preserve their traditions.

Conclusion of Essay on Constitution

In conclusion, the Constitution of India is not just a legal document; it’s the soul of our nation. It embodies the dreams and aspirations of millions, ensuring that India remains a diverse, democratic, and inclusive country. The principles of justice, equality, and freedom that it upholds are the very values that make India a shining example to the world. As citizens of this great nation, it’s our duty to uphold and protect the Constitution, for it is our guiding light towards a brighter and more equitable future. The Constitution of India is not just a piece of paper; it’s the heart that beats within our nation, uniting us all in the spirit of democracy and progress.

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Essay on Constitution of India in English for Children and Students

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Table of Contents

Essay on Constitution of India: The constitution of India became effective on 26 th January 1950; though it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 th November 1949. It was written by a drafting committee headed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Therefore it is the longest written constitution that defines the power, procedures and responsibilities of the government institutions of India and gives detailed account of the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens of our country.

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Target Exam ---

The original Indian Constitution is hand written, calligraphed and also the lengthiest Constitution in the world. The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India drafted by the Constituent Assembly, superior even to the Parliament, as it cannot over rides it. With the Constitution coming into effect, India’s status from “Dominion of India” was changed to the “Republic of India”.

Long and Short Essay on Constitution of India in English

Here are long and short essay on Constitution of India to help you with the topic in your exam.

After going through the Constitution of India essay you will know about the features of Constitution, who was in the drafting committee of the constitution, which other constitutions is the Indian constitution inspired from, how long does it took to draft the Constitution, and other facts of the Constitution of India.

However you can use these essays in your school’s essay writing competition, debate competition or other similar events.

Short Essay on Constitution of India in 200 words

The Constitution of India drafted under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar who known as the Father of the Indian Constitution. It took almost three years to draft the Constitution. Various socio-political and economic aspects of the society were taken into consideration while drafting the Constitution. The drafting committee also referred to the Constitutions of various other counties including Britain, France and Japan to seek valuable inputs.

The Constitution of India includes the Fundamental Rights and Duties of the citizens, the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Federal Structure of the Government of India. Every policy, right and duty has explained at length in the Indian Constitution thereby making it the longest written Constitution in the world.

More than 2000 amendments had to made in the Constitution of India in order to get it approved. It was adopted on 26th November 1949 and enforced completely on 26 th January 1950. This was the day when our country began to be known as the Republic of India. 26 th January is since then celebrated as the Republic Day. The Indian National Flag is hoisted at various places across the country and the National Anthem is sung to rejoice the day. National Constitution Day, a special day dedicated particularly to the Indian Constitution, came into being in 2015.

Essay on Importance of Constitution of India in 300 words

The Constitution of India is known to the supreme document that gives a detailed account of what the citizens of India can and also cannot do. It has set a standard that needs to followed to ensure law and order in the society and also to help it develop and prosper.

Constitution Defines the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens

The fundamental rights and duties of the Indian citizens have clearly defined in the Constitution of the country. However the Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens include the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, Right against Exploitation, Right to Constitutional Remedies. Therefore these are the basic rights that all the citizens of the country entitled to irrespective of their caste, colour, creed or religion.

Some of the fundamental duties of an Indian citizen are to respect the constitution, honour the national flag and national anthem, protect the unity, preserve the heritage of the country, protect the integrity and sovereignty of India, promote the spirit of brotherhood, have compassion for living creatures, strive for excellence, protect public property and contribute his/ her bit in maintaining peace. These also mentioned at length in the Indian Constitution.

Constitution Defines the Structure and Working of the Government

The structure and working of the government also stated at length in the Constitution of India. The Constitution mentions that India has a parliamentary system of government. This system is present at the centre as well as in the states. The Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers have the power to take all the major decisions. The President of India, on the other hand, has nominal powers.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar along with his team of six members who were a part of the drafting committee came up with the Constitution of India. The Constitution approved after several amendments. Many amendments have also done after the enforcement of the Constitution.

Essay on Formation of Constitution of India in 400 words

The Constitution of India came into form on 26 th November 1949. A special committee formed to draft the Constitution that gives a detailed account of the practices that are deemed lawful and those deemed unlawful and are punishable. Therefore the Constitution was enforced on 26 th January 1950. With the enforcement of the Constitution, our country came to be known as the Republic of India.

Special Drafting Committee for the Constitution of India

The task of drafting the Constitution of India was that of great responsibility. The Constituent Assembly set up a special drafting committee to further this work. There were seven members in the drafting committee. These included prominent Indian leaders namely, B.R. Ambedkar, B.L. Mitter, K.M. Munshi, N. Gopalaswami Ayengar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, DP and Mohammad Saadullah. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar headed the drafting committee. Ambedkar referred to as the Father of the Indian Constitution. This is because it was under his guidance and supervision that this big draft came into form.

Indian Constitution – Inspired by Constitutions of Other Countries

The constitution of India drew inspiration from the constitutions of various other countries. Many of the concepts and acts included in our constitution borrowed from the constitutions of countries such as France, Germany, Japan, Australia, USA, Britain, Ireland, Russia and South Africa.

The drafting committee of the Indian Constitution also referred to the Government of India Act 1858, the Government of India Act 1919 and 1935 and the Indian Independence Act 1947 to get an idea about the acts and features to be included in the Constitution. These previous acts helped the committee understand the condition and requirement of the citizens of the country. Our Constitution thus often referred to as the bag of borrowings. It consisted of as many as 395 articles, 22 parts and 8 schedules at the time of its enactment. It handwritten and calligraphed.

After putting in immense efforts when the drafting committee presented the final draft of the Constitution of India, it suggested to make several amendments. The committee sat together to make more than 2000 amendments to get the Constitution approved. The members conducted several discussions to make appropriate amendments for getting the approval. 284 members of the Constituent Assembly of India signed the Constitution to give their approval on the same. This done two days before the enforcement of the constitution.

The Constitution of India is a massive piece of writing that includes a detailed account of the dos and don’ts for the Indian system. It has undergone around 100 amendments since it came into form.

Essay on Constitution of India in 500 words

Constitution of india – the supreme power of country.

The Constitution of India rightly said to the supreme power of the country. The laws, codes, rights and duties mentioned in the Indian Constitution need to followed strictly by the citizens of the country. Therefore the decisions made in the parliament and Supreme Court of India are all based on the laws and codes defined in the Constitution of India. Parliament of India does not have the power to override the constitution.

Dr. B. R Ambedkar – The Chief Architect of Indian Constitution

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar headed the drafting committee formed to write the Constitution of India. He was the chairman of this committee. He contributed immensely in the formation of the Constitution by giving several valuable inputs and thus came to be known as the chief architect of the Constitution of India. There were six other members in the drafting committee which formed by the Constituent Assembly of India. These members worked under the guidance of Dr. Ambedkar.

Constitution of India Replaced Government of India Act

The Government of India Act, 1935 acted as the fundamental governing document of India until the formation of the Constitution of India. The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India in November 1949. Many of the articles of the Constitution came into force at that time. The Constitution effectively enforced on 26 th January 1950 which came to known as the Indian Republic Day. The remaining articles became effective on this date. Our country which until then called the Dominion of the British Crown thereafter came to known as the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India.

Special Days to Celebrate the Constitution of India

The formation and enforcement of Indian Constitution celebrated at a grand scale on the Republic Day each year. Republic Day is a national holiday in the country. A massive event organized at India Gate, New Delhi on Republic Day to honour the Constitution of the country. The constitutional head of India, i.e., its president hoists national flag at Rajpath. The Prime Minister and President of India and several Chief Ministers of different states of the country are present at the event. Parades by school kids and armed forces held on Rajpath. School children also perform dances and other cultural acts. Parade of beautiful tableau displaying the culture of various Indian states also held during the event.

Several small events organized at different offices and schools throughout the country to commemorate the Indian Constitution. Painting, essay and music competitions held in schools in addition to colleges. Patriotic songs sung and aslo speeches about the Constitution of India delivered.

National Constitution Day

In the year 2015, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave the suggestion to dedicate an exclusive day to our constitution. Since the Indian Constitution adopted on 26 th November 1949, this date chosen to honour the constitution. 26 th November celebrated as the National Constitution Day since 2015.

Many small and big events organized in schools, colleges and government institutions across India on this day. The importance of the Indian Constitution emphasized during these events. Patriotic songs sung and cultural activities organized to celebrate the day.

The Constitution of India has prepared with precision considering the interest of the common man as well as the overall interest of the country. It is a gift for the citizens of our country.

Long Essay on Constitution of India (600 words)

Introduction

Enforced on 26 th January 1950, the Constitution of India prepared by a committee consisting of seven members headed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It guides the citizens of India, the country’s government bodies and other authorities to act in the right manner. However it has played a significant role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the country.

Salient Features of the Constitution of India

Here are the top salient features of the constitution of India:

Longest Written Constitution

The Constitution of India the longest written constitution in the world. It took almost three years to write this detailed constitution. However it has a preamble, 448 articles, 25 groups, 12 schedules and 5 appendices. It is much lengthier than the US Constitution that includes only 7 Articles.

Amalgamation of Rigidity and Flexibility

The Constitution of India is a mix of rigidity and flexibility. While it is the supreme power that needs to followed diligently to maintain law and order in the country, the citizens can appeal to amend the provisions they deem outdated or stern. While certain provisions can amended with some difficulty others are easy to amend. As many as 103 amendments have done in the Constitution of our country since its enforcement.

The Preamble

The well drafted Preamble of the Indian Constitution gives a detailed account of the philosophy of the constitution. It states that India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic. It is a welfare state which puts its people first. However it believes in equality, freedom and justice for its people. While democratic socialism followed right from the beginning, the term Socialism added only in 1976.

India – A Secular State

The Constitution has declared India a secular state. Therefore India does not give special status to any religion. It provides its citizens complete freedom to choose their religion. It condemns religious groups instigating people in the name of religion.

India – A Republic

The Constitution declares India to be a Republic. Therefore the country not ruled by a nominated head or monarch. It has an elected head called the President. The President, elected indirectly by the people of the country, comes to power for a period of 5 years.

India – A Mix of Federalism and Unitarianism

The Constitution describes India as a federal structure with many unitary features. It referred to as a Quasi-Federation or a Unitarian Federation. Just like a federation, India has divided power among the centre and states. It has a dual administration system. It has a written, supreme constitution that needs to followed religiously. Therefore it includes an independent judiciary embedded with the power to decide centre-state disputes. At the same time it has unitary features such as a strong common constitution, common election commission and emergency provisions to name a few.

Fundamental Duties of Citizens

The Constitution of India clearly states the fundamental duties of its citizens. Some of these are to upload and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, respect the national flag and the national anthem, preserve the rich heritage of the country, protect the natural environment, safeguard public property and treat everyone equally.

Directive Principles of the State Policy

The Directive Principles of the State Policy also mentioned in the Constitution of India. These principles are basically the guidelines provided to the state to further socio-economic development aims via its policies.

The Constitution of India serves as a guiding light for its citizens. Therefore everything well-defined in the Indian Constitution. It has helped India attain the status of a Republic. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and the members of the drafting committee of the Indian constitution have indeed done a commendable job for which they will always remembered.

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Essay on Constitution of India FAQs

What is indian constitution short note.

The Indian Constitution is a written document that outlines the framework and rules for governing India. It defines the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the government and its citizens.

What is constitution in 100 words?

A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents that a state or organization is governed by. It outlines the structure of government, establishes rights and freedoms, and provides the framework for laws and institutions.

What is constitution 10 lines?

A constitution is a written document that sets the basic rules for governing a country. It defines the structure of the government, allocates powers among different entities, protects the rights of citizens, and establishes the legal framework for the nation.

What is the Constitution of India?

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. It lays down the framework that defines the political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of the government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights and duties of citizens.

Who started Constitution of India?

The drafting committee for the Constitution of India was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He played a pivotal role in shaping and finalizing the Constitution.

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Article Contents

1.introduction, 2.the constitution and historical imagination, 3.time: founding moments, serialized epics, and everyday postscripts, 4.liberalism with indian characteristics: individuals and communities, 5.conclusion: freedom, discipline, and the paths not taken.

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The Indian Constitution: Moments, epics and everyday lives

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Rohit De, The Indian Constitution: Moments, epics and everyday lives, International Journal of Constitutional Law , Volume 18, Issue 3, October 2020, Pages 1022–1030, https://doi.org/10.1093/icon/moaa077

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I submit that a Constituent Assembly not only frames a constitution, but also gives people a new framework of life. Dakshayani Velayudhan, Dec. 9, 1946, in 1 Constituent Assembly of India Debates

January 26, 2020 marked the seventieth anniversary of the Indian Constitution. Official celebrations focused on memorializing the “fundamental duties” of the citizen in the constitution that range from “respecting public property and adjuring violence” to “respecting the national flag and national anthem.” In striking contrast, hundreds of thousands of Indian citizens gathered in the streets protesting the changes to the citizenship law by affirming constitutional values of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice through public recitations of the preamble. 1 The current government-led crisis of the Indian constitutional system has been described as “death of the constitution by a thousand cuts” 2 and is being met with an exceptional resilience of constitutional patriotism from ordinary citizens. Perhaps for the first time since its promulgation, the Constitution is being reflected in popular culture and celebrated in film, song, and poetry. 3

Taking stock on the sixtieth anniversary of the Indian Constitution, political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta noted that constitutions, “not only allocate authority, define the limits of power or enunciate values, they also constitute our sense of history and shape a sense of self,” but despite the centrality of the Constitution to Indian social and political life, it remained “ill served by our historical imagination.” 4 In contrast, the last decade has witnessed an efflorescence of historically inflected writing, both scholarly and popular, on the Indian constitution. 5 Madhav Khosla, Ornit Shani, and myself recognize, in our respective work, that the promulgation of the Indian Constitution was a transformative moment for democracy in India, and is a resource for theorizing democracy more generally. As all three authors emphasize, this shared assumption marks a break from Indian scholarship, which saw the Constitution as a “superstructure” or as incidental to Indian politics; it is also a break from Western political theory which viewed the constitution as derivative and the Indian democratic experience at best as an anomaly. For Khosla, the Indian constitution is the “paradigmatic democratic experience in the 20th century, in much the same way in which Tocqueville’s America was for the 19th century.” 6 Ornit Shani notes that the Indian experience of universal adult franchise, irrespective of qualifications, predated not just the postcolonial world, but also the United States and France. I point out that the imbrication of constitution into daily life and the judicialization of politics have a considerably longer history in India than in most of the world. 7 Liberalism, democracy, industrialization, and social equality might have emerged sequentially in the west, but the Indian republic sought to achieve all goals simultaneously.

While differing in their emphasis on the process of change, the three books complement each other. Khosla excavates a shared constitutional vision at the moment of founding that makes visible the political apparatus of democratization, i.e. the codification and explication of rules as a pedagogical project, the emergence of a centralized overarching state, and focusing on the individual as the unit of representation. Shani argues that it was “practical rather than ideological steps,” through the bureaucratic task of implementing universal franchise, that “transformed the meaning of social existence in India” and laid the groundwork of electoral politics. 8 My work documents the use of constitutional remedies in courts and the emergence of constitutional rhetoric on the streets by ordinary people, arguing that the constitutional order was not a gift by enlightened politicians or benevolent judges but was produced and reproduced in everyday encounters by ordinary citizens. 9 Despite the text of the Indian Constitution reproducing several features of colonial legislation, and the institutions of the police, army, bureaucracy, and judiciary continuing with the same personnel and practices, all three authors rebut the idea that the Indian Constitution is an inevitable outgrowth of the colonial legal and bureaucratic frameworks. 10 Khosla distinguishes constitutional codification from colonial projects of codification, arguing that rights were marginal to the nationalist movement and colonial debates over representation were focused on group/communal identities. 11 Shani demonstrates how colonial bureaucrats, when tasked with expanding franchise even minimally, showed reluctance to enfranchise voters, shunned publicity, and found a range of administrative objections to expanding the voter’s list. In contrast, from 1948 onwards, in anticipation of changing legal authorities, the bureaucrats devised new precedents, overcame procedural hurdles, and actively publicized the process of turning citizens into voters. 12 I show how the judicial constitutional remedies in the new constitution gave Indian courts wide powers of judicial review and empowered citizens with the tactics and language to challenge a previously unimaginable range of governmental action both in the courts and on the streets. All three authors forcefully rebut the challenge to demographic non-representativeness (the unelected and largely upper caste Assembly members, the colonial bureaucracy, civil society groups, and litigants) by showing how the processes of constitution writing, electoral registration, and constitutional litigation opened up fields of action for the larger population by rewiring vocabularies, political imaginations, and expectations.

Along with these shared and complementary visions, these three books represent a heterogeneity of methods, archives and causality and offer different (and occasionally contradictory) answers to the nature of India’s constitutional experiment.

Between December 1946 and November 1949, over 300 members of the Indian Constituent Assembly met and deliberated over a constitutional draft in Delhi. For Khosla, this is a distinct moment of founding when “India’s political elite converged on a set of liberal constitutional values without the inheritance of any major liberal traditions.” 13 Khosla rejects not only arguments of colonial continuity, but also claims that these were products of a self-interested compromise over a transfer of power or that they were rooted in a long history of Indian liberal (and radical) thought. 14 While these claims can be contested, Khosla’s maneuver separates a future-oriented “constitutional moment” from everyday politics, allowing for a focus on the ideas themselves without reducing it to contingent maneuvering of interest groups. For instance, he shows how Nehru and Ambedkar, despite differing on their understanding of social and economic needs, came together in adopting a centralized state as the instrument of power for social and economic transformation and freedom, despite two decades of debates over provincial autonomy and village government. 15 One of the strengths of Khosla’s work is his deftness in placing the Indian debates on franchise, representation, and citizenship within the canon of political theory. Khosla’s narrative stops with the promulgation of the constitutional text by the Constituent Assembly, but he notes that the framework did not “exhaust its democratic character and carry the full weight of legitimation.” 16 The provision of universal adult suffrage and ease of constitutional amendment through constitutionally prescribed forms allowed for a democratic sovereignty in the future. Khosla suggests that the ease of amending the Indian Constitution through future parliaments was in recognition of the unelected nature of the Assembly and the absence of a process of ratification. 17 However, the first amendments to the Indian Constitution, circumscribing the rights to free speech and property and nullifying judicial verdicts, were made by the unelected Constituent Assembly in 1951. 18 According to Khosla, at the birth of the Indian republic, people were yet to transition from subjecthood to citizenship, but would do so through a democratic constitution. 19

In contrast, Ornit Shani argues that Indians became voters, and democratic subjects, before they became citizens. Shani focuses on the making of the Indian electorate through the preparation of the first draft electoral roll in anticipation of the Indian constitution. Moving away from the “ivory tower” of the Constituent Assembly, Shani shows how the “institution of electoral democracy,” which preceded the constitutional deliberations by politicians, was the product of a dialog between professional bureaucrats and ordinary people. She argues that it was the institutionalization of procedural equality in a deeply hierarchical society ahead of the constitution that made India’s democracy legible and legitimate to its people. 20 Shani’s archive is the little studied Secretariat of the Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with preparing an electoral roll for the new republic and bureaucratized the idea of equality for the purpose of voting.

As the deliberations began in the Constituent Assembly in 1946, both the territory of the future republic and the people who would constitute it remained undefined. The decision to partition British India into two states led to the greatest human displacement in history, resulting in the migration of 15 million people and millions of deaths. A patchwork of semi-autonomous princely states made up a third of the territory in South Asia, and their sovereigns continued to negotiate the status of their territories and subjects within the Indian union even after the promulgation of the Constitution. 21 The shifting populations and boundaries complicated the process of creating a list of voters and generated struggles for citizenship that were informed by the constitution being drafted and led to changes in the draft provisions. Shani reads the press notes issued by the Secretariat, the ensuing discussions in press, and the letters from the public as a “serialized epic of democracy” which allowed ordinary people to insert themselves as protagonists and “contribut[e] to the democratization of feelings and imagination.” 22 Similarly, administrative debates about funding and preparing a national electoral roll welded together 600 jurisdictions into a democratic federal structure and forged a common idea of Indianness. Most strikingly, Shani charts the transformation of a colonial bureaucratic imagination into one with an unprecedented “measure and tenacity of inclusion,” with state officials registering refugees in camps, homeless people, women in seclusion, and people living in remote areas. Through this new inclusive process they transform and democratize forms and procedures of democratic participation. The production of an electoral roll of 170 million people supported the notion that sovereignty resided in people with actual names and addresses (even though it might record that so-and-so slept under a tree), rather than being a faceless entity. Shani’s key intervention is to show that ordinary people did not react to the constitution-making process, but that constitution-making and everyday struggles were co-constitutive processes. For instance, she shows how the provisions on a centralized electoral commission and the principle of non-discrimination over place of birth emerged through struggles of internal migrants trying to get themselves into the electoral roll before the constitution was completed.

While Khosla’s narrative ends with the promulgation of the Constitution, and Shani’s runs parallel to the process of constitutional drafting, mine seeks to show how the Constitution after its promulgation “came so alive in popular imagination that ordinary people attributed meaning to its existence, took recourse through it and argued with it.” 23 What happens after the overarching centralized state with ambitions to restructure society and economy through codified rules, as Khosla describes, begins to intervene in everyday life? How do people who are not included in the electoral rolls or, more commonly, unable to protect their interests electorally, protect themselves? I argue that, almost as soon as it is promulgated, the Indian Constitution begins to operate as an organizational assumption for citizens and a background threat to the state through processes driven by some of its most marginal citizens. 24 I show this by looking at the use of the new constitutional remedies against attempts to transform the daily life of citizens, be it food practices, drinking habits, shopping, or sexual behavior. 25 While the book draws on judicial records, the central figure is not the judge but the litigant, who was able to insert themselves into an elite conversation and compel the state to respond. In contrast to the “serialized press notes” discussed by Shani, the site of encounter was not chosen by the state, and bureaucrats and politicians (including the constitution founders) are surprised and exasperated when being asked to abide by constitutional procedure. This point was acutely made when Durgabai Deshmukh, a liberal lawyer and constitutional drafter, faced with sex workers asserting their right to practice their profession, demanded that the constitution be amended to exclude them and that “notions of freedom undergo a change.” 26 It is clear that neither judges nor politicians exercise a monopoly on constitutional meaning, as ordinary Indians persist in their claims even after a judicial negation, or in anticipation of constitutional change. Like Shani, I draw inspiration from Robert Cover in recognizing that constitutions exist in a normative universe constructed by the “force of interpretive commitments, some small and private, others immense and public” and seek to bring the smaller actors to light. 27 Despite the centrality of the judicial archive, it was clear that judges did not control the final meaning of the constitution, as groups held onto constitutional interpretations and advanced claims counter to judicial visions.

In one of his final speeches to the Constituent Assembly, Dr Ambedkar worried that “democracy in India was only top dressing on a deeply undemocratic society.” 28 Not only was Ambedkar intimately familiar with the exclusions and violence of a caste society, he had also led two decades of negotiations with both the British and the Congress Party to create a more inclusive playing field but to little avail. How did the constitutional order provide a way for a more democratic society? Khosla gives the clearest answer to this question by suggesting the constitution centered on the individual in exclusion of other identities as the unit of representation, as demonstrated by dropping communal electorates based on religion. He suggests that even the constitutionally mandated special provisions made available to Dalit and tribal communities are framed on the “social and educational backwardness of a group,” which might have applied to certain castes at the time of independence, but were not innate to the group’s conditions. 29 His approach highlights the limitations of reading the Constitution as a document of shared consensus. The Constitution drafters, particularly women and Dalit members, were acutely aware of deep-seated inequalities in society and sought to harness state instruments to transform it. Central to this was an awareness that formal equality was not only insufficient but also dangerous, in that it could be used to hamper the state’s efforts to ameliorate social conditions. 30

The withdrawal of demands for communal representation and the disaggregation of caste and religious minorities are more a product of political machinations in the assembly than a commitment to liberalism. 31 There were only two Muslim members in the Assembly until June of 1947, when the Muslim League members took their seats. As several scholars have shown, the members of the League were outnumbered, had their loyalties and credibility attacked, and were outmaneuvered in committee meetings. 32 Aditya Nigam suggests that reading the constituent assembly debates as an event rather than a text makes visible how within the assembly the “liberal abstract notion of unmarked citizenship” was deployed in a desire for homogeneity rather than democracy and often silenced the articulation of a community-based grievance. 33

Shani’s work also focuses on the production of an unmarked procedurally equal citizenship, but her archive foregrounds the close relationship between community identity and the paradigmatic form of individual representation. The process of bureaucratic enumeration comes dazzlingly alive through the letters and public engagement that the constituent assembly are flooded with. While some are from individuals, a majority seem to come from a range of identity-based associations (a hybrid between traditional caste organizations and modern civil society groups) and, in expanding their liberal unmarked right to franchise, they make claims that are based on group identities. Take, for instance, the Assam Citizen’s Association Dhubri, which attempted to secure the voting rights of refugees, but lobbied to remove the constitutional restrictions preventing them from buying tribal land and pushed for state aid to support minority-run educational institutions. 34 The mobilization for individual representation was facilitated by community organizations. As Shani points out, some communities were unable to represent themselves, and tribal areas in Northeast and Central India, the Andamans, and the state of Jammu and Kashmir were not given the direct franchise. 35

Group identities entered my book in unexpected ways. As I tabulated challenges to particular laws, I noticed a clustering of petitions by individuals belonging to the same community, even in cases that were seemingly unconnected to ascriptive identities, such as commodity controls. It soon became apparent that in caste society, ascriptive identities and economic structures were closely linked, and the ability to litigate was greatest for those with access to informational networks or resources through community organizations. In many instances, what appeared to be claims for individual rights such as the right to drink, on closer examination seemed to be have been funded or organized by a community whose economic interests had been affected. As the archive made clear, not all communities in the 1950s had equal access to litigation, with landless laborers and Dalits , who made up a substantial portion of the population, being underrepresented. However, the acts of litigious citizens opened up pathways of rights for others less able to litigate and caused state officials to anticipate challenges and take constitutional norms as “organizational assumptions” to be followed or evaded. 36 Liberal theory treats liberty, property, and community as separate concepts, but in the Indian case they seem to be inextricably linked to constitutional design.

Despite these limitations and differences, all three authors agree that the Indian constitutional experiment was unprecedented for the time and in terms of its success. The two contemporaneous constituent assemblies in Pakistan and Israel were unable to agree upon a constitutional document, and neither has had the same degree of longevity or popular support. The longevity of the Indian Constituent Assembly is tied both to promise of the constitution and its framework of disciplining politics. For instance, attempts to challenge either the codification of rules or the overarching centralizing state were defended with a range of instruments within the constitution, from the provision of emergency to preventive detention laws. 37 While elections and electoral participation were celebrated, state elites were invested in using elections to discipline politics, curbing other forms of civic protest, and to thwart political engagement that had developed during the national movement. 38 Judicial victories were rare, narrow, and often reversed; moreover, the litigator was frequently castigated as a representative of a “private interest” against “national interest,” and the most effective strategies were where the litigant could, to paraphrase Hannah Arendt, frame their private interest as a general one. 39 As John Dunne notes, the globalization of representative democracy rooted in a bureaucratic statist structure erases more radical alternatives. 40

Given that the triad of features that our books identify and theorize faces increasing challenges in India, one direction for the emerging scholarship on the Indian Constitution is to explore the paths not taken. Kalyani Ramnath, for instance, suggests that the range of disparate opinions within the Constituent Assembly presents an opportunity to examine the different ways in which the constitutional text and polity could have been structured. 41 Khosla engages at some length with the Gandhian genealogy of thinking state power, but there remain other alternatives, including the federal proposals from the Dravidian parties and the princely states, Ambedkar’s radical economic plans including land nationalization, or the more robust imagination of fundamental rights in the Karachi Charter of 1932. Upendra Baxi describes constitutionalism in a threefold way: (i) as a corpus of texts signaling the original intention to fashion a new political formation that seeks to write society through law; (ii) as a set of ongoing interpretive practices within an authoritative community (be it bureaucrats, lawyers, or judges); and (iii) as a site for articulating insurgent orders of expectations from the state. 42 As we look towards the next decade of scholarship on the Indian Constitution, one hopes to see the recovery of more voices, imaginations, archives, and strategies covering the breadth of Baxi’s definitions of constitutionalism.

Rohit De & Surabhi Ranganathan, We are Witnessing the Rediscovery of India’s Republic , N.Y. Times (Dec. 27, 2019), https://nyti.ms/3iAyfeo .

Tarunabh Khaitan, Killing a Constitution by a Thousand Cuts: Executive Aggrandizement and Party-State Fusion in India , 14 Law & Ethics Hum. Rts . 49 (2020).

Suanshu Khurana, Ekkta Malik & Tanushree Ghosh, Poets, Singers and Writers on what the Constitution Means to Them in Letter and Spirit , Indian Express (Jan. 6, 2020), https://bit.ly/3c0qWKB; Article 15 ( Zee Studios, 2018).

Pratap Bhanu Mehta, What is Constitutional Morality? , 615 Seminar India ( Nov. 2010), https://bit.ly/3hyADkL .

This selection of monographs reflects both an interest in constitutional founding as well as constitutional narration for both legal and lay publics. On the constituent assembly and the moment of founding, see Gautam Bhatia, The Transformative Constitution: A Radical Biography in Nine Acts (2019) ; Arvind Elangovan, Norms and Politics: Sir Benegal Narsimha Rau and the Making of the Indian Constitution (1935–1950) (2019); The Indian Constituent Assembly: Deliberations on Democracy ( Udit Bhatia ed., 2017); Akash Singh Rathore, Ambedkar’s Preamble: A Secret History of the Constitution of India (2020); Sandipto Dasgupta, Legalizing the Revolution: Decolonization and Constitutionalism in the 20th Century (2020); Niraja Gopal Jayal, Citizenship and Its Discontents: An Indian History (2013) . On narrating constitutional jurisprudence, see Chitranshul Sinha, The Great Repression: The Story of Sedition in India (2019); Abhinav Chandrachud, A Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India (2017); Anuj Bhuwania, Courting the People: Public Interest Litigation in Post-Emergency India (2017); Gautam Bhatia, Offend, Shock and Disturb: Free Speech under the Indian Constitution (2016); Pooja Parmar, Indigenity and Legal Pluralism in India: Claims, Histories and Meanings (2015), Kalpana Kannibiran, Tools of Justice: Non Discrimination and the Indian Constitution (2012). For an analytical overview, see Arun Kumar Thiruvengadam, The Indian Constitution: A Contextual Analysis (2018).

Madhav Khosla , India’s Founding Moment: The Constitution of a Most Surprising Democracy 6 (2020).

Rohit De, A People’s Constitution: The Everyday Life of the Law in the Indian Republic 4 (2018).

Ornit Shani, How India Became Democratic? Citizenship and the Making of the Universal Franchise 5 (2019).

De , supra note 7, at 3.

On the colonial constitutionalism argument, see Rannabir Sammadar, The Materiality of Politics: The Technologies of Rule (vol. 1) (2007); Sumit Sarkar, Indian Democracy: The Historical Inheritance , in The Success of India’s Democracy 21 (Atul Kohli ed ., 2001); Anil Kalhan, Constitution and “Extraconstitution , ” in Colonial Emergency Regimes in Postcolonial India and Pakistan 89–120 (Victor Ramraj & Arun K. Thiruvengadam eds., 2010).

Khosla , supra note 6. On the way the postcolonial legal order has attempted to integrate its colonial past, see Rahela Khorakiwala, From the Colonial to the Contemporary: Images, Iconography and Performances of Law in India’s High Courts (2019); Rohit De, Between Midnight and Republic: Theory and Practice of India’s Dominion Status , 17 Int’l J. Const. L. 1213 (2019).

Shani , supra note 8, at 32–51.

Khosla , supra note 6, at 18. Moving away from quantitative and game theory models for constitutional success, Khosla’s book is part of an emerging field of interest in Asian constitutional foundations. See Constitutional Foundings in South Asia (Kevin Yl Tan & Ridwan Ul Hoque eds., 2021); The Sri Lankan Republic at 40: Reflections on Constitutional History, Theory and Practice (Asanga Welikala ed., 2012); Maryam Khan, What’s in a Founding? Founding Moments and Pakistan’s “Permanent Constitution” of 1973 , in Founding Moments in Constitutionalism 201–21 (Richard Albert, Nischal Basnyet & Menaka Guruswamy eds., 2020); Constitution-Making in Asia: Decolonisation and State-Building in the Aftermath of the British Empire (Harshan Kumarasingham ed., 2016).

For an example of the compromise model of constitution making in British colonies, see Charles Parkinson, Bill of Rights and Decolonization: The Emergence of Domestic Human Rights Instruments in Britain’s Overseas Territories (2007). For arguments identifying antecedents of the Indian Constitution in Indian intellectual history, see Christopher Bayly, Recovering Liberties: Indian Thought in the Age of Liberalism and Empire (2011); Sukanya Bannerjee, Becoming Imperial Citizens: Indians in the Late Victorian Empire (2013) ; Elangovan, supra note 5; Jayal, supra note 5; Mithi Mukherjee, India in the Shadows of Empire: A Legal and Political History (1757–1950) (2009) . For an overview of radical or socialist antecedents to the Indian Constitution, see Rohit De, Constitutional Antecedents , in The Oxford Handbook to the Indian Constitution 17 ( Sujit Choudhary, Madhav Khosla, and Pratap Bhanu Mehta eds., 2015); Kama Maclean, The Fundamental Rights Resolution Nationalism, Internationalism, and Cosmopolitanism in an Interwar Moment , 37 Comp. Stud. S. Asia, Afr. & Middle E. 213 (2017). For a scalar lineage, see Stephen Legg, Dyarchy: Democracy, Autocracy, and the Scalar Sovereignty of Interwar India , 36 Comp. Stud. S. Asia, Afr. & Middle E. 44 (2016).

This builds on Uday Mehta’s argument that the Indian constitution, distinct from the American or French traditions, transforms power from “a traditional concern with establishing the conditions for freedom to a concern with sustaining life and its necessities”: see Uday S. Mehta, The Social Question and the Absolutism of Politics , 615 Seminar India ( Nov. 2010), https://bit.ly/2Rrq8oP . The Partition casts a shadow over these politics, with concerns of “fissiparous tendencies,” bringing those who would have preferred a more decentralized polity towards a consensus over a centralizing transformative state.

Khosla , supra note 6, at 156.

Khosla sets this up in contrast to the difficulty of constitutional amendments in the United States, which were promulgated after a widespread ratification process. See id . at 158.

Nivedita Menon, Citizenship and the Passive Revolution: Interpreting the First Amendment , Econ. & Pol. Weekly 1812 (2004); Arudra Burra, Freedom of Speech in the Early Constitution: A Study of the Constitution (First Amendment) Bill , in The Indian Constituent Assembly: Deliberations on Democracy , supra note 5, at 130.

Khosla , supra note 6, at 158.

Shani , supra note 8, at 5.

There were ninety-three seats reserved for representatives of princely states within the Assembly, though there was a lively debate about whether these members should be nominated by the prince or selected through popular representation. Several representatives took their seats well after the draft of the Constitution was finalized. The largest state, Hyderabad, was unrepresented in the Constituent Assembly, as it did not accede to India until after 1950. The princely states were also sites of experimentation for constitutional forms since the late nineteenth century: constitutionally mandated affirmative action was first introduced in Mysore in the early twentieth century; Aundh experimented with Gandhian decentralized government; and Manipur offered universal franchise and a stronger bill of rights. Given the possibility of joining an Indian union since the 1930s, the princely states had been debating various forms of federalism. The state of Jammu and Kashmir was the only state in the Indian union which was permitted to have its own constituent assembly and flag. On princely states, see Barbara Ramusack, The Indian Princes and Their States (2004); Manu Bhagavan, Princely States and the Making of Modern India: Internationalism, Constitutionalism and the Postcolonial Moment , 46 Indian Econ. & Soc. History Rev. 427 (2009). On Mysore and Baroda, see Manu Bhagavan, Soveriegn Spheres: Princes, Education and Empire in Colonial India (2003). On constitutional experiments in Baroda, see Rahul Sagar, How and Why the First Constitution in Modern India was Written , Scroll ( Jan. 19, 2020), https://bit.ly/3c7LAIY . On the Travancore Constitution, see Sarath Pillai, Fragmenting the Nation: Divisible Sovereignty and Travancore’s Quest for Federal Independence , 34 Law & History Rev. 743 (2016). On Hyderabad, see Kavita Saraswathi Datla, Sovereignty and the End of Empire: The Transition to Independence in Colonial Hyderabad , 3 Ab Imperio 63 (2018). On Manipur, see S. K. Bannerjee, Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 , 19 Indian J. Pol. Sci. 35 (1958). On Aundh, see Indira Rothermund , The Aundh Experiment: A Gandhian Grass-roots Democracy (1983).

De,   supra note 7, at 9.

Id. at 218.

I took a conscious decision to not look at more obviously political cases in this book. I discuss them in Rohit De, Rebellion, Dacoity, and Equality: The Emergence of the Constitutional Field in Postcolonial India , 34 Comp. Stud. S. Asia, Afr. & Middle E. 260 (2014). See also Rohit De, How to Write Constitutional Histories: The Constitution of Everyday Life , Asian J. Comp. L. ( forthcoming 2020).

Letter from Durgabai Deshmukh, Member, Planning Commission and Chairperson Central Social Welfare Board, to Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India (Sept. 7, 1954) (on file with the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library).

Robert M. Cover, Foreword: Nomos and Narrative , 97 Harv. L. Rev . 4 (1983).

B. R. Ambedkar, Nov. 4, 1948, in 7 Constituent Assembly of India Debates , https://bit.ly/33EZ4co (last visited Oct. 1, 2020).

Khosla , supra note 6, at 150.

Bhatia, The Transformative Constitution: A Radical Biography in Nine Acts,   supra note 5 ; Kalpana Kannabiran, Tools of Justice: Non-Discrimination and the Indian Constitution (2012). Significantly, India Const . art. 15 not only provides a nondiscrimination clause and protects special measures for women, children, and classes with certain social and educational markers, but also specifically casts a horizontal responsibility of non-discrimination upon fellow citizens by throwing open schools, wells, shops, temples, and private establishments that had been sites of caste exclusion. The Constitution also provided for the rights of linguistic and religious minorities, while specifically granting freedom to groups that had been unfree, by abolishing untouchability, human trafficking, and forced labor.

On the changing idea of minorities, see Anupama Rao , The Caste Question: Dalits and the Politics of Modern India (2009); Faisal Devji, Muslim Zion: Pakistan as a Political Idea (2013). O n politics within the assembly, see Upendra Baxi, The Little Done, The Vast Undone: Some Reflections on Reading Granville Austin’s The Indian Constitution , 9 J. Indian L. Inst. 323 (1967).

Iqbal Ansari, The Politics of Constitution Making in India , in Minority Identities and the Nation State 113 (D. L. Sheth & Gurpreet Mahajan eds., 1999); Shefal Jhai, Rights Versus Representation: Defending Minority Interests in the Constituent Assembly , Econ. & Pol. Weekly 1579 (2003); Shefali Jha, Representation and its Epiphanies: A Reading of Constituent Assembly Debates , Econ. & Pol. Weekly 4357 (2004); Rochana Bajpai, The Conceptual Vocabularies of Secularism and Minority Rights in India , 7 J. Pol. Ideologies 179 (2002); Shabnum Tejani, The Necessary Conditions for Democracy: BR Ambedkar on Nationalism, Minorities and Pakistan , Econ. & Pol. Weekly 111 (2013).

Aditya Nigam, A Text Without Author: Locating Constituent Assembly as Event , Econ. & Pol. Weekly 2107 (2004).

Shani , supra note 8, at 176.

As Shani has shown elsewhere, Indian Muslims faced a more difficult time establishing citizenship and documents. See Ornit Shani, Conceptions of Citizenship in India and the “Muslim Question , ” 44 Mod. Asian Stud. 145 (2010). On the documentary burdens on Indian Muslims of partition, see Vazira Zamindar, The Long Partition: Refugees, Boundaries, Citizenship (2007).

For an illustration on how litigation by petty bureaucrats opened up possibilities for other groups, see Rohit De, A Republic of Petty Bureaucrats: Upendra Baxi and the Pathologies of Civil Service Jurisprudence , 9 Jindal Global L. Rev . 335 (2018).

Sandipto Dasgupta argues that the length and complexity of the Indian constitution are the result of an elite desire for legalism and procedural certainty to contain popular politics in the future, particularly over questions of property. See Sandipto Dasgupta, “A Language Which Is Foreign to Us”: Continuities and Anxieties in the Making of the Indian Constitution , 34 Comp. Stud. S. Asia, Afr. & Middle E. 228 (2014).

Dipesh Chakrabarty, “In the Name of Politics”: Democracy and the Power of the Multitude in India , 19 Pub. Culture 35 (2007).

Hannah Arendt, The Human Condition 34 (1958).

John Dunne, Setting the People Free: The Story of Democracy (2d ed. 2018) (I am grateful to Tejas Parashar for the reference).

Kalyani Ramnath, “We The People”: Seamless Webs and Social Revolution in India’s Constituent Assembly Debates , 32 S. Asia Res. 57 (2012).

Upendra Baxi, Outline of a Theory of Practice of Indian Constitutionalism , in Politics and Ethics of the Indian Constitution Politics and Ethics of the Indian Constitution 92, 92–118 (Rajeev Bhargava ed., 2008).

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  • Constitutional Development Of India

Constitutional Development of India

Constitutional Development of India is a detailed analysis of how the Constitution of India has evolved from the past to the current. This article helps one to briefly understand the Development of Indian Constitution starting from Regulating Act of 1773 till the time when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam .

Constitutional Development of India – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here

The origin and growth of the Indian Constitution have its roots in Indian history during the British period. From 1773 onwards, various Acts were passed by the British Government for the governance of India. None of them, however, satisfied Indian aspirations mainly because they were imposed by the alien rulers.

The period of historical British Constitutional experiments in India can be divided into two phases:

  • Phase 1- Constitutional experiment during the rule of the East India Company (1773-1857)
  • Phase 2 – Constitutional experiments under the British Crown (1857-1947)

Constitutional Development – East India Company Rule (1773 – 1857)

From 1757 to 1857, 5 major laws were created to regulate the functioning of British East India Company and to help them rule over India. The details of these 5 Acts are mentioned below.

Regulating Act of 1773

The process of Centralization in India was initiated through the Regulating Act of 1773.

  • This is the first Act passed by the British Parliament to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
  • As per this Act, the Governor of Bengal was made the Governor-General.
  • Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India.
  • This Act made Governors of Bombay and Madras subordinate to the Governor of Bengal.
  • The Governor-General was given the power to make rules and regulations.
  • The Governor-General was assisted by a Council of 4 members.
  • The number of Directors in the Company was fixed at 4.
  • The Governor-General had to follow the orders of the Directors of the Company.
  • Revenue of the company should be reported by The Court of Directors, who were the governing body of the company
  • A Supreme Court was established at Calcutta in 1774, as per the provisions of Regulating Act 1773.
  • The Supreme Court had a Chief Justice and 3 Assistant Judges.

Pitts India Act of 1784

In the Constitutional history of India, this Act brought in many significant changes.

  • As per this Act of 1784, the territories of East India Company was called as the “British Possessions in India”
  • As per this Act, a joint Government of British India run by the Crown and Company was established. The government had the ultimate power and authority.
  • A Court of Directors was formed for Commercial Operations and 6 member Board of Control were appointed for Political affairs as per provisions of Pitts India Act 1784.
  • Governor General’s Council was reduced from 4 members to 3 members.
  • Governors Councils were established in Bombay and Madras.

Charter Act of 1813

  • It brought an end to the monopoly of East India Company, over trade with India.
  • Trade with India was opened for all British Citizens with the exception of Tea Trade.

Learn more about the  Charter Act of 1813 in the given link.

Charter Act of 1833

  • Governor-General of Bengal became the Governor-General of India.
  • Lord William Bentick was the 1st Governor-General of India.
  • East India Company ended as a mere administrative body, it was no longer a commercial body.
  • The Governor-General was given full control over revenue, civil and military.
  • Charter Act of 1833 was the final step in the Process of Centralization in India, a process that began with the Regulating Act of 1773.

Charter Act of 1853

  • Civil Service Examination was introduced. It was a competitive examination for recruitment into the civil services.
  • Executive and Legislative functions of the Governor-General were separated.
  • This Act provided for the addition of 6 new members to the Legislative Council, 4 members were appointed by Provisional Governments of Bengal, Bombay, Madras and Agra.
  • As per provisions of Charter Act of 1853 Governor General’s Legislative Council came to be known as the Central Legislative Council. 
  • The Central Legislative Council started functioning as a Mini-Parliament. It adopted the same procedures of the British Parliament.

Constitutional Development – Rule under the British Crown (1857-1947)

This begins the 2nd phase of the Constitutional development under the British Crown.

Government of India Act of 1858

  • Government of India Act of 1858 passed by British Parliament, brought an end to the rule of East India Company. The powers were transferred to the British Crown.
  • The Secretary of State for India was given the powers and duties of the former Court of Directors. He Controlled the Indian Administration through the Viceroy of India.
  • The Secretary of State for India was assisted by the Council of India. This Council had 15 members. The Council was an advisory body.
  • Governor-General of India was made the Viceroy of India.
  • Lord Canning was the 1st Viceroy of India.

Indian Council Act of 1861

  • Indians were nominated as non-official members for the 1st time in the Legislative Council of Viceroy.
  • Legislative Councils were established in Provinces and Centre.
  • Legislative powers of the Provinces of Bombay and Madras were restored.
  • Legislative Councils were started in the Provinces of Punjab, North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP), Bengal.

For more information on the  Indian Council Act of 1861 , visit the given link.

Indian Council Act of 1892

  • The size of the Legislative Council was increased.
  • The Legislative Council was given more power, they had the power to deliberate on the Budget and could pose questions to the Executive.
  • Indirect elections were introduced for the 1st time.
  • The Principal of Representation was introduced as per provisions given in the  Indian Council Act of 1892.

Indian Councils Act, 1909 –  Morley Minto Reforms

  • Indian Councils Act of 1909 is commonly known as Morley Minto Reforms.
  • For the 1st time, Direct elections were introduced for the Legislative Councils.
  • The Central Legislative Council was renamed as the Imperial Legislative Council.
  • The Communal representation system was introduced by giving separate electorate. It was a system where seats were reserved only for Muslims and only Muslims would be polled.
  • For the first time, Indians were appointed to the Executive Council of Viceroy. Satyendra Sinha was the law member.

Aspirants can learn more about Morley Minto Reforms in the given link.

Government of India Act, 1919 – Montagu Chelmsford Reforms

  • Government of India Act, 1919 was also known as the Montagu Chelmsford reforms.
  • Bicameralism was introduced for the 1st time.
  • Provincial and Central Subjects were separated.
  • Dyarchy, a scheme of Dual Governance was introduced in the Provincial Subjects, it was divided into Reserved and Transferred. The transferred list included agriculture, health, education, and supervision of the local government. The Transferred list was given to the Government of Ministers answerable to Provincial Council. The reserved list included communications, foreign affairs, defence; this transferred list was under the control of Viceroy.
  • Out of 6 members in Viceroy’s Executive Council, 3 of them were Indians.
  • The Act provided provisions for the establishment of the Public Service Commission in India for the first time.
  • Communal Representation extended to Christians, Anglo-Indians, Sikhs.
  • The franchise was given to a limited population which was based on people who had taxable income, had property and paid land revenue of Rs 3000.
  • Montagu Chelmsford Reforms made provision for setting up a statutory commission at the end of 10 years to look into the working of the Government.

Government of India Act 1935

This was the longest and last constitutional measure introduced by British India. It was the result of multiple round table conferences and a report by the Simon Commission.

  • Bicameralism was introduced in 6 Provinces (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Assam, Bihar, United Provinces) out of 11 provinces.
  • The Legislature in the provinces were enlarged.
  • As per the Act, the powers were divided into Federal List, Provincial List and Concurrent List. 
  • Provincial autonomy was introduced in the Provinces by abolishing the Dyarchy.
  • There was provision for the adoption of Dyarchy at the Centre.
  • Provided provisions for establishing Federal Court, Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • There was provision for the establishment of All India Federation consisting of Provinces and the Princely States as units.
  • Due to the length of Government of India Act 1935 , it was divided into 2 separate Acts.

Cripps Mission – 1942

In 1942 Cripps Mission was sent to India under the leadership of Sir Stafford Cripps. Some of the proposals given by the Cripps Mission are given below.

  • Dominion status would be given to India, after the 2nd World War.
  • Once the Second World War ends, an elected body would be set up in India for framing of Indian Constitution.
  • The even the Indian States would participate in the Constitution-making body.
  • Almost all the Parties and sections in India rejected the proposals given by the Cripps Mission.

Cabinet Mission – 1946

Some of the main proposals of the Cabinet Mission plan was

  • The Indian States and British Provinces would combine to form Union of India
  • A Constituent Assembly would be established consisting of 389 members.
  • 14 members from Major political parties would form an interim government 
  • A representative body would be formed named as the Constituent Assembly.
  • Until the Constitution was framed, the Constituent Assembly would act as the Dominion Legislature.
  • Until the Constitution was framed, India would be administered as per the Government of India Act, 1935.

Candidates can learn more about Cabinet Mission 1946 in the given link.

Mountbatten Plan – Indian Independence Act – 1947

  • British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan with effect from 15th August 1947.
  • Conferred complete legislative authority to the Constituent Assembly.
  • Established Governments in both Provinces and States.

For more information on Mountbatten Plan – Indian Independence Act 1947 , visit the given link.

Key Timelines – Constitution of Independent India

  • The Constitution of India was drawn up by the Constituent Assembly. Constituent Assembly took almost 3 years to complete the task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India.
  •   Constituent Assembly met for the first time on Dec. 9, 1946. 
  • On 14th August 1947; there was a proposal for the creation of committees.
  • The Drafting Committee was established on 29th August 1947 and the Constituent Assembly starts the process of writing the Constitution 
  •  Dr Rajendra Prasad as the President prepared the Draft of the new constitution of Independent India in February 1948. 
  • The Constitution was adopted on Nov. 26, 1949 
  • The Constitution came into effect on Jan. 26,1950, making India a Republic. 
  • On that day, the Assembly ceased to exist, transforming itself into the Provisional Parliament of India until a new Parliament was constituted in 1952.
  • It is the longest written constitution in the world containing 395 Articles and 12 Schedules.

Aspirants can get an overview of the Constitution of India in the given link.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2024 .

Frequently Asked Questions on Constitutional Development in India

Q 1. when was the constitution of india developed, q 2. what is meant by the development of the constitution.

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Constitution of India Essay

The constitution of India became effective on 26 th  January 1950; though it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 th November 1949. It was written by a drafting committee headed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It is the longest written constitution that defines the power, procedures and responsibilities of the government institutions of India and gives detailed account of the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens of our country.

The original Indian Constitution is hand written, calligraphed and also the lengthiest Constitution in the world. The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India drafted by the Constituent Assembly, superior even to the Parliament, as it cannot over rides it. With the Constitution coming into effect, India’s status from “Dominion of India” was changed to the “Republic of India”.

Long and Short Essay on Constitution of India in English

Here are long and short essay on Constitution of India to help you with the topic in your exam.

After going through the Constitution of India essay you will know about the features of Constitution, who was in the drafting committee of the constitution, which other constitutions is the Indian constitution inspired from, how long does it took to draft the Constitution, and other facts of the Constitution of India.

You can use these essays in your school’s essay writing competition, debate competition or other similar events.

Short Essay on Constitution of India (200 words)

The Constitution of India was drafted under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution. It took almost three years to draft the Constitution. Various socio-political and economic aspects of the society were taken into consideration while drafting the Constitution. The drafting committee also referred to the Constitutions of various other counties including Britain, France and Japan to seek valuable inputs.

The Constitution of India includes the Fundamental Rights and Duties of the citizens, the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Federal Structure of the Government of India. Every policy, right and duty has been explained at length in the Indian Constitution thereby making it the longest written Constitution in the world.

More than 2000 amendments had to be made in the Constitution of India in order to get it approved. It was adopted on 26th November 1949 and was enforced completely on 26 th January 1950. This was the day when our country began to be known as the Republic of India. 26 th January is since then celebrated as the Republic Day. The Indian National Flag is hoisted at various places across the country and the National Anthem is sung to rejoice the day. National Constitution Day, a special day dedicated particularly to the Indian Constitution, came into being in 2015.

Essay on Importance of Constitution of India (300 words)

Introduction

The Constitution of India is known to be the supreme document that gives a detailed account of what the citizens of India can and cannot do. It has set a standard that needs to be followed to ensure law and order in the society and also to help it develop and prosper.

Constitution Defines the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens

The fundamental rights and duties of the Indian citizens have clearly been defined in the Constitution of the country. The Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens include the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, Right against Exploitation, Right to Constitutional Remedies. These are the basic rights that all the citizens of the country are entitled to irrespective of their caste, colour, creed or religion.

Some of the fundamental duties of an Indian citizen are to respect the constitution, honour the national flag and national anthem, protect the unity, preserve the heritage of the country, protect the integrity and sovereignty of India, promote the spirit of brotherhood, have compassion for living creatures, strive for excellence, protect public property and contribute his/ her bit in maintaining peace. These are also mentioned at length in the Indian Constitution.

Constitution Defines the Structure and Working of the Government

The structure and working of the government is also stated at length in the Constitution of India. The Constitution mentions that India has a parliamentary system of government. This system is present at the centre as well as in the states. The Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers have the power to take all the major decisions. The President of India, on the other hand, has nominal powers.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar along with his team of six members who were a part of the drafting committee came up with the Constitution of India. The Constitution was approved after several amendments. Many amendments have also been done after the enforcement of the Constitution.

Essay on Formation of Constitution of India (400 words)

The Constitution of India came into form on 26 th November 1949. A special committee was formed to draft the Constitution that gives a detailed account of the practices that are deemed lawful and those deemed unlawful and are punishable. The Constitution was enforced on 26 th January 1950. With the enforcement of the Constitution, our country came to be known as the Republic of India.

Special Drafting Committee for the Constitution of India

The task of drafting the Constitution of India was that of great responsibility. The Constituent Assembly set up a special drafting committee to further this work. There were seven members in the drafting committee. These included prominent Indian leaders namely, B.R. Ambedkar, B.L. Mitter, K.M. Munshi, N. Gopalaswami Ayengar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, DP and Mohammad Saadullah. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar headed the drafting committee. Ambedkar is referred to as the Father of the Indian Constitution. This is because it was under his guidance and supervision that this big draft came into form.

Indian Constitution – Inspired by Constitutions of Other Countries

The constitution of India drew inspiration from the constitutions of various other countries. Many of the concepts and acts included in our constitution are borrowed from the constitutions of countries such as France, Germany, Japan, Australia, USA, Britain, Ireland, Russia and South Africa.

The drafting committee of the Indian Constitution also referred to the Government of India Act 1858, the Government of India Act 1919 and 1935 and the Indian Independence Act 1947 to get an idea about the acts and features to be included in the Constitution. These previous acts helped the committee understand the condition and requirement of the citizens of the country. Our Constitution is thus often referred to as the bag of borrowings. It consisted of as many as 395 articles, 22 parts and 8 schedules at the time of its enactment. It was handwritten and calligraphed.

After putting in immense efforts when the drafting committee presented the final draft of the Constitution of India, it was suggested to make several amendments. The committee sat together to make more than 2000 amendments to get the Constitution approved. The members conducted several discussions to make appropriate amendments for getting the approval. 284 members of the Constituent Assembly of India signed the Constitution to give their approval on the same. This was done two days before the enforcement of the constitution.

The Constitution of India is a massive piece of writing that includes a detailed account of the dos and don’ts for the Indian system. It has undergone around 100 amendments since it came into form.

Essay on Constitution of India (500 words)

Constitution of India – The Supreme Power of Country

The Constitution of India is rightly said to be the supreme power of the country. The laws, codes, rights and duties mentioned in the Indian Constitution need to be followed strictly by the citizens of the country. The decisions made in the parliament and Supreme Court of India are all based on the laws and codes defined in the Constitution of India. Parliament of India does not have the power to override the constitution.

Dr. B. R Ambedkar – The Chief Architect of Indian Constitution

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar headed the drafting committee formed to write the Constitution of India. He was the chairman of this committee. He contributed immensely in the formation of the Constitution by giving several valuable inputs and thus came to be known as the chief architect of the Constitution of India. There were six other members in the drafting committee which was formed by the Constituent Assembly of India. These members worked under the guidance of Dr. Ambedkar.

Constitution of India Replaced Government of India Act

The Government of India Act, 1935 acted as the fundamental governing document of India until the formation of the Constitution of India. The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India in November 1949. Many of the articles of the Constitution came into force at that time. The Constitution was effectively enforced on 26 th January 1950 which came to be known as the Indian Republic Day. The remaining articles became effective on this date. Our country which was until then called the Dominion of the British Crown thereafter came to be known as the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India.

Special Days to Celebrate the Constitution of India

Republic Day

The formation and enforcement of Indian Constitution is celebrated at a grand scale on the Republic Day each year. Republic Day is a national holiday in the country. A massive event is organized at India Gate, New Delhi on Republic Day to honour the Constitution of the country. The constitutional head of India, i.e., its president hoists national flag at Rajpath. The Prime Minister and President of India and several Chief Ministers of different states of the country are present at the event. Parades by school kids and armed forces are held on Rajpath. School children also perform dances and other cultural acts. Parade of beautiful tableau displaying the culture of various Indian states is also held during the event.

Several small events are organized at different offices and schools throughout the country to commemorate the Indian Constitution. Painting, essay and music competitions are held in schools and colleges. Patriotic songs are sung and speeches about the Constitution of India are delivered.

National Constitution Day

In the year 2015, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave the suggestion to dedicate an exclusive day to our constitution. Since the Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 th November 1949, this date was chosen to honour the constitution. 26 th November is being celebrated as the National Constitution Day since 2015.

Many small and big events are organized in schools, colleges and government institutions across India on this day. The importance of the Indian Constitution is emphasized during these events. Patriotic songs are sung and cultural activities are organized to celebrate the day.

The Constitution of India has been prepared with precision considering the interest of the common man as well as the overall interest of the country. It is a gift for the citizens of our country.

Long Essay on Constitution of India (600 words)

Enforced on 26 th January 1950, the Constitution of India was prepared by a committee consisting of seven members headed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It guides the citizens of India, the country’s government bodies and other authorities to act in the right manner. It has played a significant role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the country.

Salient Features of the Constitution of India

Here are the top salient features of the constitution of India:

Longest Written Constitution

The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world. It took almost three years to write this detailed constitution. It has a preamble, 448 articles, 25 groups, 12 schedules and 5 appendices. It is much lengthier than the US Constitution that includes only 7 Articles.

Amalgamation of Rigidity and Flexibility

The Constitution of India is a mix of rigidity and flexibility. While it is the supreme power that needs to be followed diligently to maintain law and order in the country, the citizens can appeal to amend the provisions they deem outdated or stern. While certain provisions can be amended with some difficulty others are easy to amend. As many as 103 amendments have been done in the Constitution of our country since its enforcement.

The Preamble

The well drafted Preamble of the Indian Constitution gives a detailed account of the philosophy of the constitution. It states that India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic. It is a welfare state which puts its people first. It believes in equality, freedom and justice for its people. While democratic socialism was followed right from the beginning, the term Socialism was added only in 1976.

India – A Secular State

The Constitution has declared India a secular state. India does not give special status to any religion. It provides its citizens complete freedom to choose their religion. It condemns religious groups instigating people in the name of religion.

India – A Republic

The Constitution declares India to be a Republic. The country is not ruled by a nominated head or monarch. It has an elected head called the President. The President, elected indirectly by the people of the country, comes to power for a period of 5 years.

India – A Mix of Federalism and Unitarianism

The Constitution describes India as a federal structure with many unitary features. It is referred to as a Quasi-Federation or a Unitarian Federation. Just like a federation, India has divided power among the centre and states. It has a dual administration system. It has a written, supreme constitution that needs to be followed religiously. It includes an independent judiciary embedded with the power to decide centre-state disputes. At the same time it has unitary features such as a strong common constitution, common election commission and emergency provisions to name a few.

Fundamental Duties of Citizens

The Constitution of India clearly states the fundamental duties of its citizens. Some of these are to upload and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, respect the national flag and the national anthem, preserve the rich heritage of the country, protect the natural environment, safeguard public property and treat everyone equally.

Directive Principles of the State Policy

The Directive Principles of the State Policy are also mentioned in the Constitution of India. These principles are basically the guidelines provided to the state to further socio-economic development aims via its policies.

The Constitution of India serves as a guiding light for its citizens. Everything is well-defined in the Indian Constitution. It has helped India attain the status of a Republic. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and the members of the drafting committee of the Indian constitution have indeed done a commendable job for which they will always be remembered.

Related Information:

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Speech on National Constitution Day

Constitution Day

Essay on National Constitution Day

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Essay on Constitution of India for Students and Children in 1000 Words

May 7, 2021 by ReadingJunction 1 Comment

Essay on Constitution of India for Students and Children in 1000 Words

In this article, you will read about Constitution of India, its background, Constituent Assembly, Membership, Drafting, Structure.

Table of Contents

Essay on Constitution of India (1000 Words)

The supreme law of India is known as the Constitution of India. The framework of demarcating fundamental political code laid down in the documents, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of state institutions. It sets out fundamental rights , directive principles, and, therefore, the responsibilities of citizens.

It’s the longest written constitution of any country on earth. The chief architect of the IConstitution of India considered as B. R. Ambedkar , who was chairman of the drafting committee.

Constitutional supremacy imparted into the Indian Constitution, not parliamentary sovereignty since it had been created by a constituent assembly instead of Parliament and was adopted by its people with a declaration in its preamble.

The Constitution B. R. Ambedkar cannot override by the Parliament and Constitution of India on the 2015 India postage. It was embraced by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and has become effective on 26 January 1950.

The Constitution replaced the Govt. of India Act, 1935, because the country’s fundamental governing document, and therefore the Dominion of India, became the Republic of India. The framers repealed prior acts of the British Parliament in Article 395 to make sure constitutional autochthony. On 26 January, India celebrates its constitution acceptance day as Republic Day.

Background of Indian Constitution

British ruled from 1857 to 1947 most of the Indian subcontinent. From 1947 to 1950, equivalent legislation continued to implement as India was a dominion of England for three years, as each princely state was encouraged by V. P. Menon and Sardar Patel to sign the articles of assimilation with India.

Therefore, the British government continued to be liable for the external security of the country. Constitution of India repealed the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and Government of India Act, 1935, when it became valid on 26 January 1950.

India stopped to be a dominion of the British Crown and have become a sovereign democratic republic with the Constitution. Articles 5, 6, 7, 9, 8, 60, 324, 367, 366, 379, 388, 394, 391, 393, 392, and 380 of the Constitution came into force on 26 November 1949, and therefore on 26 January 1950, the remaining articles became effective.

Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly, which was elected by members elected by the provincial assemblies, drafted the Constitution. The 299-member assembly (which reduced from 389 after the partition of India) drafted the Constitution, which took almost three years, holding eleven sessions over 165 days.

B. R. Ambedkar had studied the constitutions of about 60 countries as a wise constitutional expert; he was a thoughtful legal expert. Ambedkar recognized because of the “Father of the Constitution of India.” Within the constitution assembly, a member of the drafting committee, T. T. Krishnamachari, said: “Mr. President, Sir, I’m one among those within the House who have listened to Dr. Ambedkar carefully.

I’m conscious of the quantity of labor and enthusiasm that he has delivered to bear on the work of drafting this Constitution. At an equivalent time, I realize that quantity of attention that was necessary for the aim of drafting a constitution so important to us at this moment has not been given to it by the Drafting Committee.

The home is perhaps aware that of the seven members nominated by you, one had resigned from the House and was replaced. One died and wasn’t replaced. Another one was away in America, and his place filled up, and another person was involved in State matters, and there was a void to its extent.

One or two people were distant from Delhi, and maybe reasons of health didn’t permit them to attend. The burden of drafting this Constitution ultimately fell on Dr. Ambedkar and that I haven’t any hesitation that we are grateful to him for having achieved this task during a manner which is undoubtedly commendable.”

Membership in Constitution of India

B. R. Ambedkar, C. Rajagopalachari Sanjay Phakey, Vallabhbhai Patel , Jawaharlal Nehru , Rajendra Prasad, Sandipkumar Patel, KanaiyalalManeklal Munshi, Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, Abul Kalam Azad, Nalini Ranjan Ghosh, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, and Balwantrai Mehta were vital figures within the assembly, which had over 30 representatives of the scheduled classes.

The Anglo-Indian community represented by Frank Anthony and, therefore, the H. P. Modi. Harendra Coomar Mookerjee represented the Parsis community, a Christian assembly vice-president, chaired the minorities committee, and represented non-Anglo-Indian Christians. Ari Bahadur Gurung represented the Gorkha community.

Judges, like Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, K. M. Munshi, Benegal Narsing Rau, and Ganesh Mavalankar, were members of the assembly. Female members included Sarojini Naidu, Durgabai Deshmukh Hansa Mehta, Amrit Kaur, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. Sachchidananda Sinha, who was the first two-day president of the assembly; Rajendra Prasad was later elected president. The group met for the first time on 9 December 1946.

Drafting of Constitution of India

In the International Court of Justice, an official Benegal Narsing Rau who became the primary Indian judge & was president of the UNSC appointed in 1946 as the assembly’s constitutional adviser. The Constitution’s general structure was his responsible; Rau prepared its initial draft in February 1948. Committees were proposed at the 14 August 1947 meeting of the assembly.

The selection considered, debated, and amended by the eight-person drafting committee, appointed by B. R. Ambedkar, who was in the chair on 29 August 1947 with A revised draft constitution prepared by the committee and presented to the assembly on 4 November 1947.

While deliberating the revised draft constitution, the meeting moved, discussed, and disposed of 2,473 amendments out of a complete of seven, 635. The meeting held eleven sessions in 165 days before adopting the Constitution.

The Constitution embraced on 26 November 1949, which was signed by 284 members. The day is widely known as National Law Day or Constitution Day; the day chosen to widespread the significance of the Constitution and to spread thoughts and concepts of Ambedkar.

A bespectacled Nehru is bending over an outsized book, Jawaharlal Nehru signing the Constitution at the assembly’s final session convened on 24 January 1950. Two copies of the Constitution were signed by each member, one in Hindi and, therefore, the other in English. In the original Constitution, each page is hand-written, decorated by artists from Shantiniketan, including Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose.

Its calligrapher was Prem Behari Narain Raizada. In Dehradun, the Constitution was published and photo lithographed by the Survey of India. Production of the first Constitution took nearly five years.

On 26 January 1950, which was two days later, it became the law of India. The approximate cost of the Constituent Assembly was ₹6.3 crore (₹63 million). The Constitution has had quite 100 amendments since it had enacted.

Structure of Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is the world’s lengthiest for an autonomous nation. At its legislation, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and eight schedules. At about 145,000 words, it’s the second-longest active Constitution – after the Constitution of Alabama – within the world.

The Constitution features a preamble and 448 articles, which are grouped into 25 parts. With 12 schedules and five appendices, it’s been amended 103 times; the newest amendment became effective on 14 January 2019.

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Essay on Preamble Of Indian Constitution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Preamble Of Indian Constitution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Preamble Of Indian Constitution

Introduction to the preamble.

The Preamble is like the introduction to the Indian Constitution. It tells us about the values and principles of the country. It is like a promise to its people to give them justice, liberty, equality, and to promote brotherhood.

Goals of the Preamble

The Preamble sets goals for India. It wants to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has the same rights. It also wants to keep the country united and maintain peace among all its people.

Words in the Preamble

The Preamble starts with “We, the people of India,” showing that the power of the government comes from the citizens. It talks about making India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

Importance of the Preamble

The Preamble is important because it guides the people who make laws in India. It helps them remember the core values of the Constitution when they make decisions or create new laws.

Also check:

  • Speech on Preamble Of Indian Constitution

250 Words Essay on Preamble Of Indian Constitution

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is like an introduction to a book. It tells us about the values, principles, and goals of our country. It is the opening statement of the Constitution and gives us a brief idea of what the rest of the document is about.

What the Preamble Says

The Preamble declares India as a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.” This means that India is free to make its own decisions, supports social equality, respects all religions equally, believes in fair and equal voting rights, and is run by the people for the people. It also aims to secure justice, liberty, equality, and to promote fraternity among all citizens.

The Goals of the Preamble

The Preamble sets the direction for the country. It aims to make sure that every person gets fair treatment, has the freedom to speak, think, and worship as they like, and is treated equally before the law. It also wants to make sure that people from different backgrounds feel like they belong to the same big family.

Significance of the Preamble

The Preamble is very important because it guides the people who make laws and the courts that explain these laws. It also helps the citizens understand the essence of the Constitution and the rights and duties it gives them.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is like a guiding light. It sets the path for the nation to follow and helps everyone understand the core values that India stands for. It is not just an introduction but the soul of the Constitution, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of its people.

500 Words Essay on Preamble Of Indian Constitution

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is like an introduction to a book. It tells us what the book is about. In the same way, the Preamble gives us a glimpse of what the Constitution contains. It shares the ideals and goals of the country. The Constitution is the most important set of rules for India, and the Preamble is like its guiding light.

Words and Their Meaning

The Preamble starts with the words “We, the people of India.” This means all the rules in the Constitution come from the citizens of India. It says that India will be a “Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.” Sovereign means no other country can tell India what to do. Socialist means the wealth of the country should be shared fairly among its people. Secular means the government will treat all religions equally. Democratic means the people have the power to choose their leaders. Republic means the head of the country is not a king or queen but someone elected by the people.

The Preamble sets four main goals: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Justice means everyone should be treated fairly by the law. Liberty means everyone has the freedom to speak, believe, and think what they want. Equality means everyone should have the same chance to succeed in life, no matter where they come from. Fraternity means we should all treat each other like brothers and sisters, and make sure everyone feels like they belong to India.

The Preamble is important because it tells the government how to use its power. It reminds the government that it should work to make life better for all its people. It also tells the people that they have rights and should live together peacefully.

Changes to the Preamble

The Preamble was changed once. In 1976, three new words were added: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity. Integrity means that the country should be united and strong, with no parts wanting to break away.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is a short but powerful text. It shows the dreams and promises of India as a country. It tells us that India belongs to its people, and it is up to everyone to make sure the country is fair, free, equal, and friendly. The Preamble is not just an introduction to the Constitution; it is a promise of what India strives to be.

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Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Complete Details_1.1

Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Complete Details

Indian Constitution is one of the most comprehensive and well-drafted constitutions in the world. Check here List of Salient Features of Indian Constitution for UPSC exam.

Salient Features of Constitution of India

Table of Contents

Salient Features of Indian Constitution

Salient Features of Constitution of India:  The  Indian Constitution  opens with a preamble. The Constitution’s aims, goals, and fundamental precepts are outlined in the Preamble. These goals, which follow from the  Preamble , have directly and indirectly influenced the Constitution’s key elements.

According to the nation’s requirements, our Constitution has incorporated the best elements of most major international constitutions. Despite including elements from nearly every Constitution in the world, India’s Constitution stands out from those of other nations due to a number of key characteristics.

List of Salient Features of Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land and lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and the duties of citizens. Here’s the complete List of Salient Features of Constitution of India :

  • Lengthiest Written Constitution
  • Drawn from Various Sources
  • Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
  • Federal System with Unitary Bias
  • Parliamentary Form of Government
  • Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy
  • Rule of Law
  • Integrated and Independent Judiciary
  • Fundamental Rights
  • Directive Principles of State Policy
  • Fundamental Duties
  • Indian Secularism
  • Universal Adult Franchise
  • Single Citizenship
  • Independent Bodies
  • Emergency Provisions
  • Three-tier Government
  • Co-operative Societies

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Discuss Salient Features of Indian Constitution

Here’s a detailed description of the Salient Features of Indian Constitution:

1. Lengthiest Written Constitution

There are two types of constitutions: written (like the American Constitution) and unwritten (like the British Constitution). The Indian Constitution holds the title of being the world’s longest and most comprehensive constitution to date. In other words, of all the written constitutions in the world, the Indian Constitution is the longest. It is an extremely thorough, intricate, and extensive document.

2. Drawn from Various Sources

The majority of the provisions of the Indian Constitution were taken from other nations’ constitutions as well as from the Government of India Act of 1935 (about 250 of the Act’s provisions were included in the Constitution). Dr. B. R. Ambedkar proclaimed with pride that the Indian Constitution was drafted after “ransacking all known Constitutions of the world.”

The Government of India Act of 1935 served as the foundation for a substantial portion of the Constitution’s structural provisions. The Irish and American Constitutions, respectively, served as models for the philosophical sections of the Constitution (the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy). The British Constitution served as a major inspiration for the political portion of the American Constitution, including the notion of Cabinet administration and the relationships between the executive and legislative.

3. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

There are two types of constitutions: stiff and flexible. A rigid constitution, like the American Constitution, is one that must be amended through a certain process. A flexible constitution, like the British Constitution for instance, is one that can be changed in the same way that regular laws are produced. The Indian Constitution is a special illustration of how rigidity and flexibility may coexist. A constitution’s amendment process determines whether it is rigid or flexible.

4. Federal System with Unitary Bias

A federal structure of governance is established under the Indian Constitution. Every characteristic of a federation is present, including two governments, a division of powers, a written constitution, the supremacy of the Constitution, its rigour, an independent judiciary, and bicameralism. K C Wheare has alternately defined the Indian Constitution as “federal in form but unitary in spirit” and “quasi-federal”.

5. Parliamentary Form of Government

The British Parliamentary System of Government has been chosen by the Indian Constitution above the American Presidential System of Government. The presidential system is founded on the notion of the separation of powers between the two organs, whereas the parliamentary system is based on the idea of cooperation and coordination between the legislative and executive organs. The Westminster model of governance, responsible government, and cabinet government are other names for the parliamentary system.

The parliamentary system is established by the Constitution both at the Center and in the States. It is known as a “Prime Ministerial Government” since the prime minister’s position has grown so important in parliamentary systems.

6. Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy

The British Parliament is linked to the theory of parliamentary sovereignty, while the American Supreme Court is linked to the doctrine of judicial supremacy. The Indian Supreme Court has less judicial review authority than the US Supreme Court, much as how the Indian parliamentary system varies from the British one. This is so that it can be contrasted with the Indian Constitution’s “ procedure established by law ” and the American Constitution’s guarantee of “due process of law” ( Article 21 ).

7. Rule of Law

This axiom states that men are not infallible and that hence people are ruled by law rather than men. The statement is essential to a democracy. The notion that the rule of law is supreme in a democracy is more significant. The main component of law is custom, which is nothing more than the ordinary people’s ingrained behaviors and beliefs over a lengthy period of time. Rule of law, in the end, refers to the supremacy of the collective knowledge of the people.

8. Integrated and Independent Judiciary

A single, integrated judicial system exists in India. The Indian Constitution also establishes an independent judiciary by preventing the legislature and government from having any influence over it. The Supreme Court of the legal system is known as the Supreme Court.

The state-level High Courts are superior courts to the Supreme Court. District courts and other lower courts fall within the high court’s hierarchy of subordinate courts. As the highest court of appeal, the protector of people’s basic rights, and steward of the Constitution, the Supreme Court is a federal court. As a result, the Constitution contains a number of safeguards that guarantee its independence.

9. Fundamental Rights

Six Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to all citizens of India under Part III of the constitution. One of the key components of the Indian Constitution is the guarantee of fundamental rights. The fundamental tenet of the Constitution is that everyone has a right to certain freedoms as a fellow human being and that the exercise of those freedoms is independent of the majority or minority opinion. Such rights cannot be revoked by a majority. The purpose of the fundamental rights is to further the notion of democratic democracy.

10. Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy is a “new aspect,” in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s words, of the Indian Constitution. They are listed in the Constitution’s Part IV. For the sake of ensuring social and economic justice for our citizens, the Directive Principles were incorporated into our Constitution.

According to Directive Principles, money will not be concentrated in the hands of a small number of people under India’s welfare state. They are inherently not justiciable. The Indian Constitution is established on the foundations of the balance between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles, the Supreme Court ruled in the Minerva Mills case (1980).

11. Fundamental Duties

The fundamental obligations of citizens were not outlined in the original constitution. The Swaran Singh Committee’s suggestion led to the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 , which introduced Fundamental Duties to our Constitution. It outlines a list of ten Fundamental Duties that all Indian people must uphold. One more essential obligation was later added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. While the duties are expectations placed on every citizen, the rights are offered to the people as guarantees.

12. Indian Secularism

India’s Constitution upholds a secular government. As a result, it does not support a specific religion as the state’s official religion in India. The idea seeks to create a secular state. This does not imply that the Indian government is hostile to religion. The Indian constitution exemplifies secularism, which is the practice of treating all religions equally or providing equal protection for all of them.

13. Universal Adult Franchise

One person, one vote is the foundation upon which Indian democracy is based. Elections are open to all Indian citizens who are 18 years old or older, regardless of caste, sex, colour, religion, or status. The mechanism of the universal adult franchise set forth in the Indian Constitution establishes political equality in India.

14. Single Citizenship

As is the case in the USA, citizens of federal states typically have dual citizenship. There is just one citizenship in India. It implies that every Indian is a citizen of India, regardless of where they were born or where they currently reside. He or she may be a resident of a Constituent State like Jharkhand, Uttaranchal, or Chhattisgarh, but they are not a citizen of that state; instead, they are a citizen of India. All Indian citizens have equal access to employment opportunities throughout the nation and to all of India’s rights.

15. Independent Bodies

The Indian Constitution establishes a number of independent entities in addition to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal and state governments. The Constitution views them as the cornerstones of India’s democratic system of government.

16. Emergency Provisions

The authors of the Constitution anticipated that there might be circumstances in which the government could not function as it does in normal circumstances. The Constitution elaborates on emergency provisions to deal with such circumstances. During a crisis, the state governments take complete control of the federal government, which gains absolute authority.

17. Three-Tier Government

The Indian Constitution originally called for a dual polity and included clauses describing the structure and authority of the Centre and the States. Later, a third level of governance (local government), which is absent from all other international constitutions, was added by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992).

By adding a new Part IX and a new Schedule 11 to the Constitution, the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 gave the panchayats (rural local governments) formal status. Similar to this, the 74th Amendment Act of 1992 provided urban local governments (municipalities) official recognition by introducing a new Part IX-A and Schedule 12 to the Constitution.

18. Co-operative Societies

The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 granted cooperative societies a constitutional status and provided for their protection. It gives the Parliament the authority to create the necessary laws regarding multi-state cooperative societies, and it gives state legislatures the authority to do the same for other cooperative societies.

Check here: Important Articles of Indian Constitution

Criticism of Salient Features of Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is one of the most comprehensive and well-drafted constitutions in the world. However, it is not without its critics. Some of the salient features of the Constitution that have been criticized include:

  • Length and complexity:  The Indian Constitution is one of the longest constitutions in the world, with over 450 articles. This can make it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand and comprehend the Constitution.
  • Rigidity and flexibility:  The Constitution is both rigid and flexible. On the one hand, it is difficult to amend the Constitution, as amendments require a special majority in both houses of Parliament. On the other hand, the Constitution has been amended over 100 times, which suggests that it is not flexible enough to meet the changing needs of the country.
  • Federalism with a unitary bias:  The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with power divided between the central government and the state governments. However, the Constitution gives the central government more power than the state governments. This has led to accusations that the Constitution is unitary in nature.
  • Parliamentary form of government:  India has a parliamentary form of government, in which the executive branch is responsible to the legislature. This system of government has been criticized for being too unstable and for leading to frequent changes in government.
  • Fundamental rights:  The Indian Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens of India. However, these rights have been criticized for being too restrictive and for not providing adequate protection to citizens.
  • Directive Principles of State Policy:  The Constitution lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) which are guidelines for the government to follow in order to achieve social justice and economic development. However, the DPSPs are not enforceable in a court of law and have been criticized for being toothless.
  • Emergency provisions:  The Constitution includes emergency provisions that allow the central government to suspend fundamental rights and impose direct rule on the states during times of emergency. These provisions have been criticized for being too broad and for being used by the government to suppress dissent.

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Salient Features of Constitution of India UPSC

The preamble introduces the Indian Constitution. The Constitution’s goals, objectives, and guiding principles are described in the Preamble . The Preamble’s objectives have directly and indirectly influenced the fundamental elements of the Constitution. Our Constitution has incorporated the best features of the majority of the main constitutions in the world in accordance with national demands. Despite drawing inspiration from almost every other constitution in the world, India’s constitution has many unique features that make it stand out from other nations.

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Salient Features of Indian Constitution FAQs

What are the 10 features of indian constitution.

• Lengthiest Written Constitution • Drawn from Various Sources • Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility • Federal System with Unitary Bias • Parliamentary Form of Government • Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy • Rule of Law • Integrated and Independent Judiciary • Fundamental Rights • Directive Principles of State Policy

What are the salient features of Indian constitution?

It has elements of a federation, such as a codified, supreme constitution, a three-tiered system of government (central, state, and local), a division of powers, bicameralism, and an independent judiciary.

What are the salient features of preamble?

The Preamble's characteristics include stating the authority from which the Constitution draws its authority, reaffirming the nation's commitment to securing justice, liberty, and equality, outlining the Constitution's goals, and mentioning the area that the Constitution shall apply to.

What do you mean by Judicial Supremacy?

Judicial supremacy is a notion that grants the highest authority to a country's judiciary. In such a country, whatever directives and laws are enacted by the legal system, particularly the top judicial court, are supreme.

Who is the father of the Indian Constitution?

The father of the Indian Constitution is regarded as Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.

What is the difference between sovereignty and independence?

Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself without any external interference. Independence is the state of being free and not subject to the control of another country.

What is the separation of powers?

The separation of powers is the division of government power into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces the laws, and the judiciary interprets the laws.

What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to strike down any law that it finds to be unconstitutional.

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Fundamental Rights Essay

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Essay on Fundamental Rights

The history of Fundamental Rights (which were lawfully enforceable) probably starts from the Magna Carta, which was a list of Rights extracted from King John by the people of England in 1214 AD. The most significant advancement in the history of Fundamental Rights occurred when through the first 10 amendments, the USA incorporated certain Fundamental Rights into its constitution in the form of the "Bill of Rights." In this Essay on Fundamental Rights, we shall talk about the various Rights provided to Indian citizens and what they stand for.

Long Fundamental Rights Essay in English  

Fundamental Rights were borrowed from the constitution of the United States of America.

The constituent assembly of India adopted the constitution of India on 26th November 1949, which came into effect on 26th January 1950. It contains 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 12 Schedules. Part III (Articles 12 to 35) of the Constitution of India consists of Rights which are essential for the overall development of individuals, are also termed as Fundamental Rights. Fundamental Rights are universal, that is, they apply to all the citizens of India irrespective of their race, birthplace, Religion, caste, gender or gender identity. Earlier there were seven Fundamental Rights, but later on the ‘Right to Property’ was abolished. Currently, we have six Fundamental Rights.

Right to Equality

The Right to EQuality is guaranteed by the constitution of India through articles 14 to 18 (of which article 14 is the most important). Right to EQuality refers to everyone being equal in the eyes of the law. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, caste, creed etc by providing equal opportunity for employment. The article also abolishes untouchability and titles.

Right to Freedom

Articles 19 to 22 guarantee the Right to Freedom in the constitution of India. It guarantees all Indian citizens with Freedom of speech and expression; Freedom to assemble peacefully; Freedom for forming cooperative societies or unions or companies; Freedom to move freely in India; Freedom to reside or settle anywhere in India and the Freedom to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business of their choice. Although the government has the right to impose certain restrictions on these Freedoms in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Right to Information has been given the status of a Fundamental right in 2005, under article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution.

Right Against Exploitation

Articles 23 and 24 guarantees the right against Exploitation and focuses mainly on two provisions. The first being the abolition of human trafficking and Begar (Forced Labour) and secondly, the abolition of employment of children under the age of 14 in jobs with a risky environment like factories, mines etc.

Right to Freedom of Religion

Articles 25 to 28 provide religious Freedom to all Indian citizens. The main objective of this right is to sustain secularism in our country. It assures that all Religions are equal in the eyes of the state and none of them is given preference over the other. It allows the citizens to preach, practise, and propagate the Religion of their choice. It also provides religious communities to set up charitable institutions.

Cultural and Educational Rights

Articles 29 and 30 provide every Indian citizen with Rights to education and cultures. It assures that every citizen gets equal opportunities in terms of education while giving minority communities the right to admission in colleges and universities without any discrimination. It also gives minority communities the right to establish Educational institutions to preserve and develop their culture.

Right to Constitutional Remedies

Articles 32 to 35 empowers all Indian citizens to move to the court of law whenever they are denied their Fundamental Rights. Article 32 is also termed as the citizens right to protect and defend the constitution as it allows the citizens to enforce the constitution through the judiciary.

The main objective of Right to Constitutional Remedies is to enforce Fundamental Rights.

Short Fundamental Rights Essay in English

Fundamental Rights are considered the Rights that are integral to the advancement of the human race. All other Rights are derived as direct consequences or application of their principles from such Rights. Among philosophers, it is an accepted belief that these Rights are nothing but "natural human Rights" that distinguish between humans and animals. So, these have played a rather important role in bringing humans all the way from the Stone Age to the present. It was regarded that such Rights were beyond the complexities of politics. The constitution's protection meant that these Rights could not be put to the vote and were not dependent on politicians or the majority's whims.

Why do we Need Fundamental Rights?

Such Rights are a safeguard for citizens against the government as it is necessary to have the rule of law and not a government or a person. These Rights do not dare to be transgressed by authority as they are explicitly given to the people by the Constitution. The courts are fully required to uphold these Rights and the government is answerable to the courts. After living in subjugation for so long, people have forgotten what liberty means. These Rights offer people the hope and belief that their growth will not be halted. They're free from the rulers' whims. These Rights are, in that sense, the first fruits of the long struggle for Freedom and bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Even in Gulf countries or Communist countries, citizens are free. How is our liberty, then, different from theirs? A clear measure of how free we are in the list of Fundamental Rights. For example, every Indian citizen is free to practice a Religion of his choice, but that is not the case in Gulf countries. Our right to speech and expression enables us to criticize the government freely.

In conclusion, we can say that the Indian constitution was framed after a thorough analysis of all the constitutions in the world, and successfully incorporates all the good things existing in them.

Though the above content provided information about Fundamental Rights, it also gave you an outline of how an Essay should be written. 

The Essay on Fundamental Rights contained some information about the topic and talked about long and short Essays.

Students might find it difficult to understand how they shall proceed whenever asked to write on any topic. 

Since writing is a free form of expression and requires limited skills, there are no rules to it. But, in these times, when everything is advancing, you're expected to be able to deliver the best content. 

To equip them with the relevant points, there are some tips listed below. 

Go through them and master the skill of writing, thereafter! 

Read and Understand the Prompt Before you can start writing, it is important for you to understand the prompt that you're offered. Without comprehending what you've asked to do, your content would never be impactful. The best way to understand it is to dissect it into parts. You might also consider making a small flowchart that clearly defines the flow of ideas in your head. Students shall understand that it is better to spend the first few minutes planning and organising things than to present an unorganised and unclear content. This in no way means that you have to adopt a formulaic approach to it but just try to deliver the best that they can. 

Plan the Flow The next important thing for you to do is pen down the flow of points, as specific as the alphabet. Each point should have a ‘what next’ factor attached to it and that is how you can expect yourself to deliver higher Quality content. The importance of working in a planned and organised way is not unknown to any of us and that is what can help us move ahead with the ideas in our heads. Preparing a web with all the details is a great way to do it. 

Make a Rough Draft Brainstorming and organising all that you have inside your head related to a particular topic is a good way before you deliver. Students are advised to prepare a small, concise, rough draft of their topics. Drafts are often regarded as crappy stuff but the truth is that it makes you analyse and rethink whatever you've thought till then. And there's where the new flow of ideas comes from. Make sure that your content is answering and giving the information of the prompt. 

Follow a Simple Format Students often think that complicating the format or using too many fancy words in a piece of content impresses the reader and that fetches you more marks. However, it doesn't work this way. For good content, words must be easy to understand and they should always have a relatability factor attached so that it becomes easier for the audience to connect and understand whatever you are trying to convey. 

Proofread your Content Last but not least, the most important step to do before finalising the content is to proofread it. When we try to pen down things, we often make mistakes. However, reading it once again allows you to study it again and check for mistakes. In case that you've missed anything important, you can further review and add that piece of information too. It may take a little more time of yours but the results would be worth it.

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FAQs on Fundamental Rights Essay

1. What do we Conclude from this Essay on Fundamental Rights?

We can conclude that the Fundamental Rights embodied in the Indian Constitution act as a guarantee that as long as they live in Indian democracy, all Indian citizens can and will lead their lives in peace. Such civil liberties prevail over any other law of the land. Fundamental rights protect the citizen’s freedom, rights and liberties from any state invasion, and prevent the establishment of authoritarian and dictatorial rule in the country. They are very essential for the all-round progress of the people and the nation.

2. Which is the most important Fundamental Right?

The most important fundamental right is considered to be the Right to Constitutional Remedies because it ensures the protection of our fundamental rights. In the event of a violation of their fundamental rights, it helps citizens move to court. It also finds that the government does not violate or disrespect citizens' fundamental rights.

3. Can I use and cite resources while writing an Essay? 

Of course, you can. In fact, resources make the content more interesting and engaging. Another advantage of using them is that it promotes research. However, you shall make sure the content should be rephrased and not plagiarized. For better clarity and understanding, you can go through some of the sample Essays available online. But, remember, the more you write, the more you learn. Hence, you need to practice writing on as many topics as possible and that way, you can upraise your skills.

4. How should an Essay be written? What should be its format? 

The best way to write it is using a simpler format. It shall start with an introduction, have the body in between and should necessarily end with a conclusion. Make sure that whatever ideas you are putting forth to your readers should make absolute sense. Students can consider checking the prompts given on the website of Vedantu and practice writing about them to get better at it. 

5. Can the body of the Essay be divided into small paragraphs? 

Absolutely! In fact, it is the best way to present any piece of content. It makes your work look more organised and neat. Apart from this, if we consider the viewpoint of humans, they would prefer reading short paragraphs rather than big stories and that’s how you shall proceed. To understand it better, review the sample Essays available on the Vedantu website and their App.

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