Historical Background of the Constitution of India

Before Independence in 1947, India was ruled by Britishers in 11 states, and the other remaining states were under the power of mighty Mughal kings. The princely states merged with Indian influential leaders from various states to capitalize on the same legal systems in India because, India was still a suppressor in adopting its fledged legal strategies with freedom. 

The historical background of the constitution of India is the most highlighted portion for examiners to ask questions on several competitive exams. In this article, you will also know when was the constitution of India adopted? And what is the constitution of India?

Regulating Act, 1773

• In 1773, the British Parliament passed a regulatory act to deal with the East India Company’s concerns. Warren Hastings, the Governor of Bengal, was named Governor-General of Bengal.
• An Executive Council was formed, consisting of a Governor-General and four other members.
• The government was centralised by establishing the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay subservient to the Bengal Presidency.
• Calcutta inaugurated the Supreme Court as the Apex Court in 1774.
• This ordinance made it illegal for East India Company officers to engage in private trade or accept presents from Indians.

Pitt’s India Act, 1784

• Pitt’s India Act divided the East India Company’s commercial and governmental functions. The Board of Control was in charge of political issues, while the Court of Directors was in charge of business activity.
• Pitt’s Act brought differentiation in between the commercial and political functions of the company. The commercial activities were controlled by the Court of Directors, and the political activities were governed by the Board of Control.
• Only three members can join the Governor General’s Council. The British government got complete control and possessions in Indian affairs.
• “British possession in India.” was the company’s possessions for India.

Charter Act, 1833

• The Governor-General of Bengal, Lord William Bentinck, was appointed Governor-General of India.
• The Bombay Presidencies lost their legislative powers as a result of this ordinance.
• The company’s business activities were halted as a result of this act, and it was converted into an administrative entity.

Government of India Act, 1858

• The East India company’s rule came to an end after the 1857 revolt, and the British territories in India were handed over to the British Crown immediately.
• The Secretary of State for India was established as a result of this statute. The secretary was aided by a Council of India, which consisted of 15 members.
• He was in charge of India’s administration, and the Viceroy was his agent. Lord Canning was the Governor-General and Viceroy at the same time.

Indian Councils Act, 1861

• Indians were also guaranteed a place on the Viceroy’s council. Three Indians had been elected to the Legislative Council.
• The Indians were also given opportunities for non-official membership in the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
• The Portfolio system was recognised by this act.
• The Decentralisation Act began with the restoration of legislative powers to the presidencies of Madras and Bombay.

Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909

• For the first time in India, national elections to provincial legislatures were implemented as a result of this act.
• The Imperial Legislative Council was formed when the Central Legislative Council was abolished.
• The number of members of the legislative council was expanded from 16 to 60.
• The concept of a separate communal electorate was approved by this statute.
• For the first time, an Indian was appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council. Satyendra Prasad Sinha was appointed as a Law Member and the Viceroy’s Executive Council’s first member.

Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919

• The central subjects were seperated from the provincial subjects by this reform.
• The provincial topics were separated into two categories under the dyarchy system: transferred and reserved. The Governor was not accountable to the Legislative Council on restricted matters.
• For the first time, the Act established bicameralism at the federal level.
• There are 140 members of the Legislative Assembly and 60 members of the Legislative Council.
• The Act also stipulated that three of the Viceroy’s Executive Council’s six members (excluding the Commander-in-Chief) must be Indians.
• The Public Service Commission was established as a result of this bill.

Government of India Act, 1935

• Britishers and the princely provisions were asked to lay the foundation of an all-India federation. 
• The subjects were split between the central government and the provinces. The Federal List was in charge of the Centre, the Provincial List was in charge of the Provinces, and there was a Concurrent List that catered to both.
• Provinces were given more authority, and bicameral legislatures were established in six of the eleven provinces.
• The Indian Council was abolished, and a federal court was constituted.

• The RBI was established as a result of this act.
• This Act was in effect till the new Indian Constitution took its place.

Indian Independence Act, 1947

• India Idependence Act declared India to be an independent and sovereign nation.
• Several accountable governments have been setup across India.
• The Viceroy of India and the Governors of the provinces were designated as the Constitutional Officers (normal heads).
• It gave the Constituent Assembly dual powers (Constituent and Legislative) and declared the dominion legislature a sovereign entity.

Conclusion

From the standpoint view of both history and political subjects asked in the IAS Exam, the concept of ‘Historical Background of Indian Constitution,’ or ‘History of Indian Constitution,’ is crucial. As a result, applicants should be well-versed on the Indian Constitution’s historical and political growth. You finally got to know when was the constitution of India adopted?, and what is constitution of India? By reading this article.