Evolution of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is the ultimate law of India. It provides the framework defining fundamental principles of politics, creates the structure, procedures, powers and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and the duties of citizens. The Indian constitution is a lengthy document consisting of 448 articles in 22 parts and 12 schedules. It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, which was elected by the people of India in 1946 to write a new constitution for independent India. The Constitution was promulgated on 26 November 1949 by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India.

History of Indian Constitution

The formation of a Constitution is an amalgam of politics. The Indian  Constitution is the topmost and supreme law of India. Ial and cultural forces, the needs of present-day society coupled with its vision for the future. It aims at reconciling the conflicting interests and aspirations of diverse sections in order to maintain harmony in society. The framework provided by our Constitution has been effective in accommodating and managing these contradictions. The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world, containing 448 articles in 22 parts, 12 schedules and 97 amendments.

The Constituent Assembly which was constituted on August 14, 1947, to draft the Constitution of free India was a unique body consisting of representatives from all sections of Indian society – men and women, landlords and peasants, capitalists and workers, Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. It represented the unanimous will of all Indians to build an independent, democratic and secular India. The Assembly was presided over by Dr Rajendra Prasad who later became the first President of free India.

Evolution of Indian Constitution:

The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world and underwent a number of changes in order to reflect the changing needs of the country. The first version was drafted in 1835 by William Bentinck, but it never came into force. The original Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and has been amended over a hundred times.

The Constitution of India is based on the British Westminster system and has three branches – the executive, judiciary and legislature. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

India was originally ruled by the East India Company, and a number of laws were passed to control their actions. 

The Regulating Act (1773)

The Regulating Act (1773), established a committee headed by Warren Hastings to manage company affairs. It also gave the Supreme Court jurisdiction over all British subjects in India.

The Pitt’s India Act of 1784

The Pitt’s India Act of 1784, established the Board of Control and Secret Committee to manage company affairs.

The Charter Acts (1813, 1833)

The Charter Acts (1813, 1833), provided for a governor-general with all legislative powers in Bengal. It also abolished the requirement of the Company to receive British Parliamentary approval for all its actions.

The Charter Act 1853

The Charter Act 1853, ended the Company’s monopoly and opened up India to private enterprise.

The Government of India Act 1858

The Government of India Act 1858, ended company rule and vested all legislative powers in a viceroy assisted by an Executive Council and Legislative Council at the centre. It also provided for provincial legislative councils with official majorities to be presided over by lieutenant governors or chief commissioners

The Indian Councils Act 1861

The Indian Councils Act 1861, enlarged the Legislative Councils in the presidencies of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. It also allowed for non-official members to be elected to the Councils.

The India Council Act of 1892

The India Council Act of 1892, enlarged the Legislative Councils in the presidencies at Calcutta, Madras and Bombay. It also provided for one-third of the members to be elected by municipalities and district boards.

Indian Councils Act of 1909

Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Minto-Morley Reforms. It enlarged the Legislative Councils in all provinces and provided for one-third of the members to be elected by universities, district boards and municipalities. Certain categories of Indians were also given seats in the Councils.

Government of India Act of 1919

The Government of India Act 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. It divided British India into provinces and princely states and provided for a system of dyarchy. The governor-general was replaced by a viceroy, who would act on the advice of the ministers in the provinces.

The Government of India Act 1935

The Government of India Act 1935, provided for a central government with executive and legislative councils and a bicameral legislature. It also provided for provincial legislatures with elected majorities and the introduction of responsible government in the provinces.

Indian Independence Act of 1947

The Indian Independence Act of 1947, ended British rule in India and split it into two dominions – India and Pakistan.

It took a long time for India to have its own constitution. The British rule in India lasted nearly 200 years, and the reforms introduced by them were aimed at gradually transferring power to the Indians. 

After this evolution of Indian constitutions came into the hands of Indians. You can refer to the evolution of the Indian constitution pdf. Students who have to appear in exams in Hindi  must refer to the evolution of the Indian constitution in Hindi

Conclusion 

The Indian Constitution is a living document that has evolved over the years to reflect the changing needs of society. It is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our lawmakers and citizens that we have a strong, functional Constitution that guarantees the rights and freedoms of all Indians. We hope this guide provides you with a better understanding of India’s Constitution and how it impacts your everyday life.