Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Evolution of Indian Constitution

“The Indian Constitution is the result of historical developments, legal influences, and visionary leadership that laid the foundation of democratic governance in India.”

Historical Background

The Indian Constitution did not emerge overnight. It is a product of historical evolution shaped by various Acts passed during British rule.

  • Regulating Act of 1773: First step towards central administration in India.
  • Pitt’s India Act of 1784: Established dual control of British Government and East India Company.
  • Charter Acts (1813, 1833, 1853): Laid foundation of legislative reforms.
  • Government of India Act 1858: Ended Company rule and transferred power to the Crown.

Key Milestones Leading to the Constitution

  • Indian Councils Act 1861 & 1892: Introduced legislative councils.
  • Morley-Minto Reforms 1909: Introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
  • Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms 1919: Introduced dyarchy in provinces.
  • Government of India Act 1935: Blueprint of Indian Constitution – federal structure, provincial autonomy.
  • Indian Independence Act 1947: Gave India and Pakistan independence; ended British rule.

Influences on the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution borrowed various features from world constitutions:

  • UK: Parliamentary system, rule of law
  • USA: Fundamental Rights, independence of judiciary
  • USSR: Fundamental Duties, five-year plans
  • Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy
  • Canada: Federalism with a strong center

Role of Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft the Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2017: Who is known as the Father of Indian Constitution?
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
  • SSC CGL 2019: From which country was the idea of Fundamental Rights taken?
  • USA
  • RRB NTPC 2020: When was the Constitution of India adopted?
  • 26th November 1949
Did You Know? The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.

Conclusion

The evolution of the Indian Constitution is a journey through centuries of colonial rule, struggle for freedom, and the aspiration for justice, liberty, and equality. It stands as a living document reflecting India's democratic values and vision for inclusive governance.

StartPreparation