Making of the Constitution
~10 min read
- Constituent Assembly: Formed in Dec 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan. Total 389 members (later 299 after partition). President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
- Drafting Committee: Set up 29 Aug 1947, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with 7 members. Produced first draft Feb 1948.
- Key dates: Adopted 26 Nov 1949 (Constitution Day). Came into force 26 Jan 1950 (Republic Day). Total time: 2 yrs 11 mo 18 days. Original text: 395 articles + 8 schedules.
The Indian Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly between 1946 and 1949. NDA tests the timeline, key personalities, and the procedural steps — particularly the role of the Drafting Committee and the importance of the Objectives Resolution.
Background and Demand
- 1922 — Gandhi: "Swaraj will not be a gift from British, India must write its own constitution".
- 1928 — Motilal Nehru Committee Report drafts a constitutional outline.
- 1934 — M.N. Roy first proposes a Constituent Assembly.
- 1942 — Cripps Mission accepts the idea in principle.
- 1946 — Cabinet Mission Plan provides the mechanism.
The Constituent Assembly
- Composition: 389 members initially (292 from British India provinces, 4 from chief commissioner's provinces, 93 from princely states). After partition (Aug 1947): 299 members.
- Elections: Indirect — provincial assemblies elected members via single transferable vote. Communal seats allocated by Cabinet Mission Plan.
- First sitting: 9 December 1946 in the Central Hall of Parliament House. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the temporary chairman.
- President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (elected 11 Dec 1946).
- Vice-Presidents: H.C. Mookherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari.
- Constitutional Adviser: Sir B.N. Rau.
- Total sittings: 11 sessions, 165 days.
Key Committees
| Committee | Chairman |
|---|---|
| Drafting Committee | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (7 members; set up 29 Aug 1947) |
| Union Powers Committee | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Union Constitution Committee | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Provincial Constitution Committee | Sardar Patel |
| Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities & Tribal Areas | Sardar Patel |
| Rules of Procedure Committee | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| Steering Committee | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
Objectives Resolution and Adoption
Objectives Resolution (13 Dec 1946) moved by Nehru — became the basis of the Preamble. Set out India as an independent sovereign republic with social, economic and political justice for all.
Final adoption:
- 26 November 1949 — Constitution adopted (now Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas).
- 26 January 1950 — Constitution came into force (Republic Day). Date chosen to commemorate Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930.
- Original text: 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. Hindi and English bilingual.
Sources of the Constitution
| Source | Features borrowed |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Federal structure, judiciary, public service commissions, emergency provisions — about 250 articles |
| British Constitution | Parliamentary government, single citizenship, rule of law, writs, bicameral legislature |
| US Constitution | Fundamental Rights, judicial review, independent judiciary, impeachment, removal of judges |
| Irish Constitution | Directive Principles, nomination to Rajya Sabha, election of President |
| Canada | Federation with strong centre, residuary powers in centre, appointment of governors |
| Australia | Concurrent list, joint sitting of two houses, freedom of trade |
| USSR | Fundamental Duties, planning, social/economic justice |
| Weimar Germany | Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency |
| South Africa | Amendment procedure, election of Rajya Sabha members |
| France | Republic, ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity |
| Japan | Procedure established by law (Article 21) |
NDA PYQ Examples
Q: The Constituent Assembly first met on:
(a) 26 Nov 1946 (b) 9 Dec 1946 (c) 26 Jan 1947 (d) 15 Aug 1947
Answer: (b) 9 December 1946.
Q: Who chaired the Drafting Committee?
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (b) Jawaharlal Nehru (c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (d) Sardar Patel
Answer: (c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Q: India's Constitution was adopted on:
(a) 15 Aug 1947 (b) 26 Nov 1949 (c) 26 Jan 1950 (d) 2 Oct 1949
Answer: (b) 26 November 1949 — Constitution Day.
Q: Total time taken to frame the Indian Constitution:
(a) 2 years 11 months 18 days (b) 1 year 6 months (c) 4 years (d) 3 years
Answer: (a) 2 yrs 11 months 18 days.
Drill Making of the Constitution for NDA
NDA-pattern items on Making of the Constitution with answer keys and explanations.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently Asked Questions
Why was 26 January chosen for the Constitution to come into force?
To honour the Purna Swaraj declaration of 26 January 1930 by the Indian National Congress, when complete independence was first declared as the goal.
Who is the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — for his role as Chairman of the Drafting Committee. Other key contributors: Nehru (Objectives Resolution), Sardar Patel (integration), B.N. Rau (Constitutional Adviser).
How many members signed the final Constitution?
284 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the final document on 24 January 1950.
What is the Objectives Resolution?
Moved by Nehru on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947, it laid down the fundamental aims of the Constitution — sovereign, democratic republic, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity. Became the basis of the Preamble.
Was the Constituent Assembly elected directly?
No — members were elected indirectly by provincial assemblies via single transferable vote. Princely states' representatives were nominated by the rulers.