Constitution of India 

The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is a remarkable document that lays the foundation for the governance of the world’s largest democracy. As we delve deeper into the lesser-known aspects of this extensive constitution, we uncover fascinating and intriguing facts that highlight its uniqueness and historical significance. Here are some interesting facts about the Constitution of India in 2023:

1. Lengthy and Comprehensive Document

The Constitution of India stands as one of the most comprehensive and detailed constitutions globally. With a total of 448 articles, 12 schedules, and 5 appendices, it covers a wide range of topics, making it an all-encompassing guide for governing the nation.

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2. Handwritten Original Copy

The original copy of the Constitution of India was meticulously handwritten by a talented calligrapher named Prem Behari Narain Raizada. It took him approximately six months to complete this labor of love, and each page was adorned with beautiful illustrations, adding an artistic touch to the document.

3. Inspirations from Around the World

The framers of the Constitution of India drew inspiration from various other constitutions worldwide while crafting this unique document. Elements from the constitutions of countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Ireland were carefully adapted to suit India’s diverse and complex needs.

4. Directive Principles of State Policy

One of the distinctive features of the Indian Constitution is the Directive Principles of State Policy. Borrowed from the Irish Constitution, these principles lay down social and economic goals for the government to pursue, aiming to promote the welfare of the people.

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5. Multi-lingual Constitution

To accommodate India’s linguistic diversity and promote inclusivity, the original version of the Constitution was written in Hindi and English. Additionally, the Constitution has been officially translated into 22 languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

6. Historic Commencement

January 26, 1950, holds a special place in Indian history as it marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect, and India officially became a sovereign, democratic republic. This day is celebrated annually as Republic Day, symbolizing the birth of the nation.

7. Partial Enactment

Interestingly, while the majority of the Constitution was brought into effect on January 26, 1950, some provisions were implemented on different dates. For instance, provisions related to citizenship were enforced on November 26, 1949.

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8. Evolution of the Preamble

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution has undergone amendments over time to reflect the evolving aspirations of the nation. The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added the words “socialist,” “secular,” and “integrity” to the Preamble, reflecting the values and principles cherished by the Indian society.

9. Guardian of Fundamental Rights

The Constitution of India is hailed as the guardian of fundamental rights. It enshrines a comprehensive list of fundamental rights that guarantee various freedoms and protections to the citizens of India, ensuring the preservation of democracy and justice.

Constitution of India: Interesting Unknown Facts 2023

The Constitution of India holds numerous intriguing and lesser-known facts that pique curiosity and fascination. Let’s delve into these captivating unknown aspects of our constitution:

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• The Constitution of India, considered one of the world’s longest and most comprehensive constitutions, was drafted by the Constituent Assembly. Originally consisting of 389 members, the assembly’s size reduced to 299 after India’s partition. Over a span of three years, the assembly conducted eleven sessions over 165 days to draft the Constitution.
• On December 9, 1946, the Constituent Assembly held its first session. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is widely recognized as the Father of India’s Constitution for his significant contributions to its drafting.
• The Constitution of India became legally binding on November 26, 1949. The date of January 26 holds special significance as it was chosen in 1930 to declare Purna Swaraj, or complete freedom.
• On January 24, 1950, during the assembly’s final session, each member signed the Constitution twice – once in Hindi and once in English.
• Prem Behari, with the artistic touch of Shantiniketan painters like Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose, handwrote the original Constitution in flowing Italic style.
• The idea of the constitution was first suggested by M.N. Roy in 1934.
• The Indian Constitution comprises a Preamble, 22 parts with 448 articles, 12 schedules, 5 appendices, and has undergone 115 amendments in its current form.
• Upon India becoming a republic on January 26, 1950, the National Emblem was chosen to symbolize the country’s sovereignty.
• The “Objectives Resolution,” introduced by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, was later adopted as the Preamble on January 22, 1947.
• Three exclusive copies of the Indian Constitution are preserved at the Central Library of the Parliament in special helium-filled cases measuring 22 inches long and 16 inches broad.
• The original Constitution was written in Hindi and English, with each member of the Constituent Assembly signing both copies.
• The Indian Constitution is often referred to as a “bag of borrowings” because it incorporates provisions from the constitutions of various other countries, including the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and more.
• The final text of the Indian Constitution took an extensive duration of two years, eleven months, and eighteen days to complete, contributing to its status as the world’s longest Constitution.
• Before reaching its final form, the draft of the Constitution underwent numerous changes, with as many as 2000 amendments being proposed.

The Constitution of India stands as a testament to the wisdom, foresight, and collective vision of its framers. These interesting and lesser-known facts about the Constitution of India highlight its complexity, uniqueness, and its role as the guiding force behind the world’s largest democracy. As we commemorate the Constitution’s role in shaping India’s past, present, and future, it remains an invaluable cornerstone of the nation’s identity and governance.

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Sources of Constitution of India

The Indian Constitution, one of the lengthiest and most comprehensive constitutions in the world, was adopted on 26th January 1950. It draws inspiration from various sources, both domestic and international. The major sources of the Indian Constitution are as follows:

1. Government of India Act, 1935: The Government of India Act, 1935, served as a fundamental source of the Indian Constitution. It established the framework and administrative structure for governance during British colonial rule in India. Many provisions of the Indian Constitution, especially those related to federalism, provincial autonomy, and the distribution of powers between the central and state governments, were influenced by this Act.
2. Indian Independence Movement: The freedom struggle of India, spanning several decades and led by prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, and others, had a profound influence on the shaping of the Indian Constitution. The principles of democracy, secularism, social justice, and fundamental rights were largely influenced by the aspirations and demands of the Indian people during the independence movement.
3. Constituent Assembly Debates: The Indian Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly of India, which was convened in December 1946. The debates, discussions, and deliberations that took place during the assembly’s sessions significantly shaped the final document.
4. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, had a significant impact on the inclusion of fundamental rights and human rights provisions in the Indian Constitution. The concept of human rights, liberty, equality, and dignity were incorporated into the constitution, reflecting India’s commitment to international norms.
5. Constitutions of Other Countries: The framers of the Indian Constitution also drew inspiration from various constitutions of other countries. For example, the concept of the Directive Principles of State Policy was influenced by the Irish Constitution, while the parliamentary system of governance was borrowed from the United Kingdom.
6. Various Committees and Reports: Several committees and reports played a role in shaping the provisions of the Indian Constitution. The most notable of these is the report of the Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee, which was chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and contributed to the inclusion of fundamental rights in the Constitution.
7. Legal Experts and Scholars: Renowned legal experts and scholars, such as B.R. Ambedkar, Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, and B.N. Rau, played a vital role in providing expertise and guidance in drafting the Indian Constitution.

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The Indian Constitution represents a unique blend of ideas from various sources and continues to be the guiding document for the governance of India, ensuring its democratic and pluralistic character.

Things Borrowed from Other Countries in Constitution of India

The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, draws inspiration from various sources, including historical Indian texts, British constitutional practices, and concepts from other countries’ constitutions. Here are some notable examples of things borrowed from other countries in the Indian Constitution:

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1. Parliamentary System: India adopted the parliamentary system of government from the United Kingdom. The President of India, who is the head of state, is largely a ceremonial figure, while the Prime Minister, the head of government, wields executive powers.
2. Fundamental Rights: The concept of Fundamental Rights is influenced by the United States’ Bill of Rights. These rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution and provide various civil liberties and freedoms to Indian citizens.
3. Directive Principles of State Policy: The Directive Principles of State Policy are borrowed from the Irish Constitution. These principles are guidelines for the government to follow while formulating policies for social, economic, and political justice.
4. Federal Structure: India’s federal structure of government, with a division of powers between the central government and the states, is influenced by the Canadian constitution.
5. Rule of Law: The principle of the rule of law is derived from British constitutional traditions. It implies that all individuals, including government authorities, are subject to the law and no one is above it.
6. Independence of Judiciary: The concept of an independent judiciary is adopted from various countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, to ensure the separation of powers and maintain judicial impartiality.
7. Emergency Provisions: The emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution, such as the President’s Rule and the imposition of a state of emergency, are influenced by the Weimar Constitution of Germany.
8. Election of the President: The system of electing the President of India through an electoral college is inspired by Germany.
9. Amendment Procedures: The amendment procedures of the Indian Constitution are influenced by South Africa, where certain amendments require a special majority and separate ratification by state legislatures.
10. Nomination of Members to Rajya Sabha: The idea of nominating members to the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, is borrowed from the Irish Senate.

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It’s important to note that while India drew inspiration from various sources, its Constitution is a unique document that reflects the specific historical, social, and political context of the country. The framers of the Constitution of India adapted and modified these borrowed concepts to suit the needs of the Indian society and create a framework for a democratic and inclusive nation.

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