Chapter 1: Introduction to Indian Constitution
Comprehensive guide to Indian Constitution’s historical background, structure, and key features
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5 Topics
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3 hours 45 min
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UPSC & PSC Aligned
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15 MCQs
Chapter Overview
This chapter covers the fundamental aspects of the Indian Constitution, including its historical background, structure, and key features. You’ll learn about the Constituent Assembly, the making of the Constitution, and the basic principles that govern India’s political system. This is essential for understanding all subsequent chapters and is heavily tested in UPSC and State PSC exams.
Key Points to Remember
- ? Constitution adopted on 26 January 1950
- ? Longest written constitution in the world
- ? Drafted by Constituent Assembly (1946-1949)
- ? Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of Drafting Committee
- ? Contains 395 Articles and 8 Schedules (originally)
Topics in This Chapter
Topic 1.1: Historical Background of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution didn’t emerge overnight. It’s a product of centuries of struggle, sacrifice, and vision of freedom fighters and constitutional experts. Understanding this background is crucial for UPSC and State PSC exams.
Key Historical Events:
- British Rule and Early Constitutional Developments (1757-1947):
- East India Company Era (1757-1858): Started as trading company, gradually became political power
- British Raj Period (1858-1947): Crown took direct control after 1857 Revolt
- Indian Councils Act, 1861: First step towards Indian participation in governance
- Government of India Act, 1919: Dyarchy system introduced
- Government of India Act, 1935: Most important pre-independence constitutional document
- Independence Movement and Constitutional Aspirations:
- Indian National Congress (1885): Demanded constitutional reforms
- Nehru Report (1928): First draft of Indian Constitution by Indian leaders
- Karachi Resolution (1931): Outlined fundamental rights and duties
- Path to Independence:
- Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): British sent Cabinet Mission to discuss transfer of power
- Independence and Partition (1947): India gained independence on August 15, 1947
Important Dates to Remember:
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 1757 | Battle of Plassey – British dominance begins |
| 1858 | Indian Rebellion – Crown takes control |
| 1885 | Indian National Congress founded |
| 1919 | Government of India Act – Dyarchy introduced |
| 1935 | Government of India Act – Most comprehensive pre-independence act |
| 1946 | Constituent Assembly formed |
| 1947 | Independence (August 15) |
| 1950 | Constitution adopted (January 26) |
Topic 1.2: Constituent Assembly & Drafting Process
What is Constituent Assembly?
A Constituent Assembly is a body of representatives elected to draft a constitution for a country. It’s a sovereign body that has the power to make fundamental laws.
Composition of Indian Constituent Assembly:
- Total Members: 389 (later 299 after partition)
- Elected Members: 292 (from British India)
- Nominated Members: 97 (from Indian States)
- After Partition: 299 members (reduced due to Pakistan’s separation)
Important Members of Constituent Assembly:
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956): Chairman of Drafting Committee, Architect of Indian Constitution, Social reformer and champion of Dalit rights
- Jawaharlal Nehru: First Prime Minister, Played crucial role in constitutional debates
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Deputy Chairman of Constituent Assembly, Advocate of strong central government
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad: President of Constituent Assembly, First President of India
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Muslim representative, Advocated for secular constitution
Drafting Process (4 Phases):
- Phase 1: Formation and Objectives (December 1946 – January 1947)
- Assembly met for first time on December 9, 1946
- Adopted Objectives Resolution (January 22, 1947)
- Phase 2: Committee Work (1947-1948)
- Drafting Committee formed with Dr. Ambedkar as Chairman
- Various committees formed for different aspects
- Phase 3: Debates and Discussions (1948-1949)
- Assembly debated each article extensively
- Over 2000 amendments proposed
- Phase 4: Final Adoption (November 1949 – January 1950)
- Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949
- Came into effect on January 26, 1950
Duration and Effort:
- Total Duration: 2 years, 11 months, 18 days
- Total Sittings: 165
- Total Hours: 1,141 hours
- Total Pages: 395 Articles (originally)
- Total Schedules: 8 (originally)
- Amendments Proposed: 2,473
Topic 1.3: Structure & Features of Constitution
Structure of Indian Constitution:
- Preamble: Introductory statement defining objectives and principles
- Parts: Originally 22, now 25 parts covering different aspects
- Articles: 395 articles (originally), now 470+ articles
- Schedules: 8 schedules (originally), now 12 schedules
Key Parts of Constitution:
- Part I: The Union and Its Territory (Articles 1-4)
- Part II: Citizenship (Articles 5-11)
- Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)
- Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)
- Part IVA: Fundamental Duties (Articles 51A)
- Part V: The Union (Articles 52-151)
- Part VI: The States (Articles 152-237)
- Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions (Articles 352-360)
- Part XX: Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)
Schedules of Constitution:
- First Schedule: States and Union Territories
- Second Schedule: Salaries and allowances of officials
- Third Schedule: Forms of oaths
- Fourth Schedule: Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha
- Fifth Schedule: Administration of Scheduled Areas
- Sixth Schedule: Administration of Tribal Areas
- Seventh Schedule: Division of powers (Union, State, Concurrent)
- Eighth Schedule: Official languages
Topic 1.4: Salient Features of Indian Constitution
1. Sovereignty
Definition: Power of the state to govern itself without external interference.
- India is a sovereign nation
- No external power can dictate Indian laws
- Parliament is supreme in legislative matters
- Preamble declares India as “Sovereign Democratic Republic”
2. Secularism
Definition: State does not favor any particular religion.
- No state religion
- Freedom to practice any religion
- Equal treatment of all religions
- Separation of religion and state
3. Democracy
Definition: Government by the people, for the people, and of the people.
- Representative democracy adopted
- Universal Adult Suffrage (every citizen above 18 can vote)
- Regular elections
- Multiple political parties
4. Federalism
Definition: Division of power between central and state governments.
- Union Government (Central)
- State Governments
- Union Territories
- Concurrent List (both can legislate)
5. Parliamentary System
Definition: Executive is responsible to the legislature.
- President is Head of State
- Prime Minister is Head of Government
- Council of Ministers
- Responsible to Parliament
6. Fundamental Rights
Definition: Basic rights guaranteed to all citizens.
- Right to Equality (Article 14-18)
- Right to Freedom (Article 19-22)
- Right Against Exploitation (Article 23-24)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25-28)
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Article 29-30)
7. Directive Principles of State Policy
Definition: Guidelines for the state to follow while making policies.
- Not enforceable in courts
- Moral and political obligations
- Guide for legislation
- Reflect socialist ideals
8. Fundamental Duties
Definition: Obligations of citizens towards the state and society.
- Added: 42nd Amendment (1976)
- Respect Constitution and national symbols
- Defend the country
- Promote harmony and brotherhood
Topic 1.5: Comparison with Other Constitutions
Comparison with US Constitution:
| Feature | US Constitution | Indian Constitution |
|---|
| Length | 4,400 words (shortest) | 146,385 words (longest) |
| Amendments | Difficult to amend (27 amendments) | Easier to amend (105+ amendments) |
| Head of State | President is both head of state and government | President is head of state, PM is head of government |
| Federalism | Dual federalism (clear separation) | Cooperative federalism (overlapping powers) |
Comparison with British Constitution:
- Written vs. Unwritten: UK has unwritten constitution, India has written and codified
- Sovereignty: UK Parliament is sovereign, India Constitution is sovereign
- Fundamental Rights: UK has no written fundamental rights, India has comprehensive rights
- Federalism: UK is unitary system, India is federal system
Unique Features of Indian Constitution:
- Longest written constitution
- Comprehensive fundamental rights
- Directive Principles of State Policy (unique feature)
- Fundamental Duties
- Extensive emergency provisions
- Strong judicial review
- Secular and democratic
- Federal with strong center
- Parliamentary system
- Universal adult suffrage from beginning
Practice Questions
- Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- How long did it take to draft the Indian Constitution?
Answer: 2 years, 11 months, 18 days
- How many members were in the Constituent Assembly after partition?
Answer: 299 members
- Which constitution is the longest written constitution in the world?
Answer: Indian Constitution
- From which country’s constitution was the Preamble borrowed?
Answer: United States
- From which country’s constitution were Directive Principles borrowed?
Answer: Ireland
- What is the date when Indian Constitution came into effect?
Answer: January 26, 1950
- How many articles does the Indian Constitution have originally?
Answer: 395 articles
- What is the nature of Indian Constitution?
Answer: Sovereign, secular, democratic, federal, parliamentary
- Which feature makes Indian Constitution unique?
Answer: Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
Related Resources
Note: This comprehensive study material is designed for UPSC and State PSC exam aspirants. All information is based on official sources and standard exam references.