Historical perspective of the Constitution of India
1. Why History Matters
Understanding historical evolution shows why Constitution contains specific provisions (e.g., federalism due to British provinces, FR due to colonial repression).
2. Timeline (exam must-know — memorize 7 milestones)
| Year/Event | Significance |
|---|---|
| 1773 Regulating Act, 1784 Pitt's India Act | Early British parliamentary control over East India Company |
| 1858 Queen's Proclamation, Govt of India Act 1858 | Direct Crown rule after 1857 revolt (British India) |
| 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms, 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford, 1935 Govt of India Act | Gradual devolution, 1935 Act is blueprint for 1950 Constitution (federalism, lists, judiciary) — 321 Sections, 10 Schedules |
| 1946 Cabinet Mission, Constituent Assembly formed | Assembly elected indirectly (members from provincial assemblies) — 389 members initially (292 Provinces, 93 Princely States, 4 Commissioners) → 299 after Partition |
| 9 Dec 1946 — First meeting, Sachchidananda Sinha interim president, then Dr. Rajendra Prasad permanent | 13 Dec 1946 Objectives Resolution by Nehru → Preamble basis |
| 29 Aug 1947 — Drafting Committee, Chairman Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (7 members: Ambedkar, N. Gopalaswami, Alladi Krishnaswami, K.M. Munshi, Md. Saadullah, B.L. Mitter (replaced), D.P. Khaitan (died)) | Drafting over 2 years |
| 26 Nov 1949 — Adoption, 26 Jan 1950 — Commencement | To mark 1930 Purna Swaraj resolution (26 Jan) |
3. Total Effort
Constituent Assembly met 11 sessions, 165 days, 114 days for draft consideration over 2 years, 11 months, 18 days (9 Dec 1946 to 26 Nov 1949). B.N. Rau prepared initial draft; Prem Behari Narain Raizada calligrapher; Shantiniketan artists decorated.
4. Sources Borrowed (often asked with history)
- 1935 Act → federal structure, Governor, Judiciary, Lists.
- UK → parliamentary system, rule of law, cabinet.
- USA → FR, judicial review, impeachment.
- Canada → federalism with strong Centre.
- Weimar → Emergency provisions.
5. Exam Points
- List 5–7 milestones (1935 Act, Cabinet Mission, Drafting Committee, 26 Nov/26 Jan) — 5-7 marks, very frequent (almost certain).
- Mention 1935 Act as blueprint — 3-5 marks, frequent.
- Give Constituent Assembly strength (389→299), duration (2y11m18d), members (Ambedkar chairman, Prasad president) — 5-7 marks, very frequent.
- Adopted 26 Nov 1949, enforced 26 Jan 1950 reason — 3-5 marks, frequent.