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POLITY FOR SSC EXAMS 2025 | MAKING OF CONSTITUTION | FRB 2.0 BY PARMAR SIR
PARMAR SSC
Overview
This video explains the historical process and key events leading to the formation of the Indian Constitution. It details the demand for a Constituent Assembly, the various British offers and missions (August Offer, Cripps Mission, Cabinet Mission), and their eventual acceptance or rejection based on India's goal of Purna Swaraj. The video outlines the composition and election process for the Constituent Assembly, its major and minor committees, the roles of key figures like Nehru, Patel, and Ambedkar, and the significant dates and timelines involved in drafting and adopting the Constitution. It also touches upon the symbolic importance of certain dates and the unique aspects of the Indian Constitution, such as its length and handwritten nature.
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Chapters
- The demand for a Constituent Assembly to draft India's constitution began in 1934 with M.N. Roy.
- The Indian National Congress officially demanded a Constituent Assembly in 1935.
- British offers like the August Offer (1940) were made under pressure to involve Indians in World War II, but initially failed to meet India's aspirations.
Understanding the origins of the demand highlights the long-standing desire for self-determination and the political context in which the constitution-making process began.
M.N. Roy first proposed the idea of a Constituent Assembly in 1934.
- The August Offer (1940) and Cripps Mission (1942) were rejected by Congress because they offered Dominion status, not complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
- Dominion status meant India would have self-governance but remain nominally under the British Crown.
- The Cabinet Mission (1946) was accepted because its provisions, particularly the grouping of provinces, were interpreted by the Muslim League as a potential pathway to Pakistan, though it didn't explicitly create one. However, Nehru's later statement that grouping wasn't compulsory led to the Muslim League's rejection and the call for Direct Action Day.
This section explains the critical negotiations and compromises that shaped the path towards independence and the eventual structure of the Indian state.
The Cripps Mission was rejected because it offered Dominion status, while Congress had already declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal.
- The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a total of 389 seats: 296 from British India (elected) and 93 from Princely States (nominated).
- Elections for British Indian seats were indirect, with members of provincial assemblies electing the Constituent Assembly members, similar to Rajya Sabha elections today.
- Seats were allocated among three communities: Muslim, Sikh, and General, with one seat per 10 lakh people.
- Elections in July-August 1946 resulted in Congress winning 208 seats, the Muslim League 73, and Independents 15.
This details the foundational structure of the body responsible for creating the constitution, including how its members were chosen and represented.
Members of provincial assemblies elected the representatives to the Constituent Assembly, mirroring the indirect election process for India's Rajya Sabha.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the most crucial committee: the Drafting Committee.
- Jawaharlal Nehru chaired committees related to Union Powers, Union Constitution, and States.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was instrumental in integrating princely states and headed the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly, while Sachchidanand Sinha was the temporary President.
Identifying key individuals and their roles clarifies the leadership and functional divisions within the constitution-making body.
Sardar Patel's role in merging princely states earned him the title 'Father of Indian Unity'.
- The Constituent Assembly held its first meeting on December 9, 1946, and Jawaharlal Nehru presented the Objective Resolution on December 13, 1946.
- The Constitution took 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days to complete, costing approximately 64 lakh rupees.
- The final draft was adopted on November 26, 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day), containing 395 articles, 8 schedules, and 22 parts.
- The Constitution came into full effect on January 26, 1950 (Republic Day), though some provisions were implemented earlier on November 26, 1949.
This outlines the timeline and significant milestones in the creation and formalization of the Indian Constitution.
The Objective Resolution, presented by Nehru, laid down the vision and goals for the constitution.
- The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world and was handwritten.
- Nandalal Bose and Beohar Ram Manohar Sinha decorated the original manuscript, while Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada calligraphed it in English, and Vasant Krishna Vaidya in Hindi.
- The Constituent Assembly also performed legislative functions, with G.V. Mavalankar serving as the Speaker when it convened for law-making.
- On January 24, 1950, the national anthem and national song were adopted, and the constitution was signed by 284 members, including 15 women.
These details highlight the artistic and functional duality of the constitution-making process and the assembly's broader responsibilities.
The original constitution was beautifully decorated by Nandalal Bose and calligraphed by Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada.
Key takeaways
- The formation of the Indian Constitution was a multi-year process driven by Indian aspirations for independence, navigating complex negotiations with the British.
- Rejection of early British proposals like the August Offer and Cripps Mission was due to their failure to offer complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
- The Cabinet Mission Plan, though initially accepted, faced challenges due to differing interpretations regarding provincial grouping and the demand for Pakistan.
- The Constituent Assembly's composition was based on indirect elections and community representation, reflecting the political landscape of the time.
- Key leaders like Ambedkar, Nehru, and Patel played pivotal roles in chairing crucial committees and shaping the constitutional framework.
- The Indian Constitution is unique for its length, handwritten nature, and the dual role of the Constituent Assembly as both a constitution-making body and a provisional legislature.
- The adoption date of November 26, 1949, and the enforcement date of January 26, 1950, hold significant symbolic and historical importance.
Key terms
Constituent AssemblyM.N. RoyAugust OfferCripps MissionCabinet Mission PlanPurna SwarajDominion StatusDrafting CommitteeObjective ResolutionB.R. AmbedkarSardar Vallabhbhai PatelDr. Rajendra PrasadSachchidanand SinhaConstitution DayRepublic Day
Test your understanding
- What were the main reasons for the rejection of the August Offer and the Cripps Mission by the Indian National Congress?
- How did the Cabinet Mission Plan's provisions, particularly regarding provincial grouping, lead to controversy and affect its acceptance?
- Describe the process by which members were elected to the Constituent Assembly and how seats were allocated.
- What was the significance of the Objective Resolution presented by Jawaharlal Nehru?
- Why is the Indian Constitution considered unique in terms of its length and its handwritten nature, and who were the key individuals involved in its artistic creation?