Hinglish

Writing the Constitution of India

Class 7 Social Science · Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 10.2

Learn

While India struggled for freedom, leaders had to plan how a large, diverse country would govern itself. What government should we have? Who should vote? How should disputes be decided? A Constituent Assembly was formed, first meeting on 9 December 1946, with members elected by provincial assemblies. It began with 389 members, reduced to 299 after Partition, including 15 women, representing India's many regions, professions and communities. Dr. Rajendra Prasad chaired it.

The first draft was prepared by a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, social reformer and independent India's first Law minister. After almost three years of debate, the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, Republic Day. It is also a work of art: calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada wrote it by hand, and Nandalal Bose and his team illustrated its pages with scenes from Mohenjo-daro, a gurukula, the epics, Nālandā and the freedom movement.

Explore: the story of the Constitution.

  1. Put the events in order.

Explore: place it on the timeline.

  1. The Constitution came into effect in 1950. Put the marker there.
  2. Fundamental Duties were added in 1976. Put the marker there.

Remember

  • The Constituent Assembly (from December 1946; 299 members after Partition, 15 women) wrote the Constitution.
  • Dr. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee; it was adopted on 26 Nov 1949 and took effect on 26 Jan 1950.

Quick check

Who chaired the Drafting Committee?

  1. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
  2. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
  3. Prem Behari Narain Raizada
  4. Nandalal Bose
Answer

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Dr. Rajendra Prasad chaired the whole Constituent Assembly.

Think about it

Why was it important for the Constituent Assembly to have members from many backgrounds?

One answer

So that the needs and views of all regions, communities, women and professions were heard, and the Constitution would be accepted by everyone as their own.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.