Framing the Constitution: The Beginning of a New Era
1. Introduction: A New Beginning
The framing of the Indian Constitution marked the beginning of a new era in Indian history. After nearly 200 years of British colonial rule, India achieved independence on 15 August 1947. The country faced enormous challenges such as Partition, communal violence, refugee problems, princely states, and economic backwardness. In this difficult situation, the leaders of independent India decided to frame a written Constitution to guide the nation.
The Constitution was meant to establish democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and unity in a diverse country.
2. Why India Needed a Constitution
India needed a Constitution for the following reasons:
To define the structure of government
To limit the powers of the rulers
To protect the fundamental rights of citizens
To ensure unity in diversity
To replace colonial laws with Indian ideals
To create a sovereign, democratic republic
A Constitution would provide a clear framework for governance and ensure that power rested with the people.
3. Formation of the Constituent Assembly
(a) Establishment
The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
It was a representative body to draft India’s Constitution.
(b) Composition
Total members: 389
292 from British Indian provinces
93 from princely states
4 from Chief Commissioners’ provinces
After Partition, membership was reduced to 299.
(c) Important Leaders
Dr. Rajendra Prasad – President of the Constituent Assembly
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Chairman of the Drafting Committee
Jawaharlal Nehru
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
K. M. Munshi
Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
4. Objectives Resolution
On 13 December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly.
Main Ideas of the Objectives Resolution:
India would be a sovereign state
Power would belong to the people of India
Citizens would be guaranteed:
Justice (social, economic, political)
Liberty (thought, expression, belief)
Equality (status and opportunity)
Protection of minorities and backward classes
Maintenance of unity and integrity of India
This resolution later became the Preamble of the Constitution.
5. Role of the Constituent Assembly
The Constituent Assembly played a historic role:
Drafted the Constitution through debates and discussions
Represented diverse opinions and regions
Worked for 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days
Held 11 sessions
Carefully examined constitutions of other countries (UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, etc.)
The Constitution was not imposed but democratically debated.
6. The Drafting Committee
Formed on 29 August 1947
Chairman: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Other members included:
N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar
Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
K. M. Munshi
Mohammad Saadullah
Role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Known as the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution
Ensured social justice, especially for Dalits and backward classes
Emphasized constitutional morality
Played a key role in Fundamental Rights and safeguards
7. Major Features of the Indian Constitution
Written and lengthy Constitution
Federal system with a strong Centre
Parliamentary democracy
Fundamental Rights
Directive Principles of State Policy
Universal Adult Franchise
Independent Judiciary
Single citizenship
Secular state
These features reflected India’s historical experiences and future aspirations.
8. Debates and Discussions
The Constituent Assembly debates showed:
Respect for democracy and dissent
Deep concern for national unity
Efforts to balance central authority and states’ rights
Serious discussion on:
Language
Minority rights
Reservation
Centre–State relations
Every clause was discussed in detail before being accepted.
9. Adoption of the Constitution
The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949
It came into effect on 26 January 1950
26 January was chosen to honour the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930
India became a Republic on this day.
10. Significance: Beginning of a New Era
The framing of the Constitution marked:
End of colonial rule
Beginning of democratic governance
Establishment of rule of law
Hope for social and economic justice
Foundation for a modern, united India
It transformed subjects of an empire into citizens of a republic.
11. Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is not just a legal document but a living document. It reflects the dreams, struggles, and wisdom of India’s freedom fighters and leaders. The framing of the Constitution truly marked the beginning of a new era—an era of democracy, equality, and justice
A. One-Word / One-Line Answers
Chairman of the Drafting Committee – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Date of first meeting of Constituent Assembly – 9 December 1946
Total members of Constituent Assembly – 389
Members after partition – 299
Father of Indian Constitution – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Objective Resolution presented by – Jawaharlal Nehru
Date of adoption of Constitution – 26 November 1949
Date of enforcement of Constitution – 26 January 1950
Time taken to frame Constitution – 2 years 11 months 18 days
Sovereignty of people mentioned in – Preamble
Head of Constituent Assembly – Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights headed by – Sardar Patel
Source of Fundamental Rights – USA
Source of Parliamentary system – Britain
Written Constitution of India is – Lengthiest
B. Very Short Answer Questions
Q1. What was the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
The Constituent Assembly was a representative body formed to draft the Constitution of independent India.
Q2. Who presented the Objective Resolution?
Answer:
The Objective Resolution was presented by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946.
Q3. Why is 26 January celebrated as Republic Day?
Answer:
Because the Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, making India a Republic.
Q4. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?
Answer:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
Q5. How long did it take to frame the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days.
C. Short Answer Questions
Q6. Explain the importance of the Objective Resolution.
Answer:
The Objective Resolution laid down the ideals of the Constitution such as sovereignty, democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It became the basis of the Preamble.
Q7. Describe the composition of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer:
The Constituent Assembly had members elected indirectly by provincial legislatures. Initially it had 389 members, which were reduced to 299 after partition.
Q8. Why is the Indian Constitution called a borrowed Constitution?
Answer:
Because many features like Fundamental Rights, Parliamentary system, and Directive Principles were borrowed from other countries’ constitutions.
D. Long Answer Questions
Q9. Discuss the role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in framing the Constitution.
Answer:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar played a crucial role as Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He drafted important provisions related to Fundamental Rights, social justice, and equality. His vision ensured safeguards for minorities and weaker sections, making the Constitution inclusive and democratic.
Q10. Why is the framing of the Constitution called the beginning of a new era?
Answer:
The Constitution marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of democratic governance. It guaranteed fundamental rights, equality before law, and justice, thus ushering India into a new era of independence and self-rule.
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