Introduction to the Constitution of India
The Constitution of India is a landmark document that serves as the supreme law of the Republic of India. Drafted over a period of several years, it was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th January 1950 and came into force on the same day. The creation and finalization of this document involved many key figures and processes. This article delves into the work of some of the most significant people and the unique contribution of Prem Behari Narain Raizada, the calligrapher who handwrote the original Constitution.
The Constituent Assembly and Its Leadership
The Constituent Assembly of India, led by Babu Rajendra Prasad as its president, played a crucial role in the formulation of the Constitution. One of the most prominent figures in this process was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Constitution." Ambedkar chaired the drafting committee, which was responsible for preparing the initial draft of the Constitution. Ambedkar presented the Draft Constitution to the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1948. The Constitution was then adopted and came into effect on January 26, 1950.
The First Draft and the Committee of Detail
Before presenting his final version, Dr. Ambedkar's committee of eight members, including among others, B.R. Ambedkar himself, first drafted the Constitution. The initial draft, which presented the major provisions of the Constitution, was written by the Committee of Detail. This committee was chaired by John Rutledge and comprised members such as Edmund Randolph, Oliver Ellsworth, James Wilson, and Nathaniel Gorham. Their task was to present a consolidated version of the Constitution, refining the initial propositions and ensuring they were coherent.
Prem Behari Narain Raizada, the Calligrapher
The original manuscript of the Constitution, which was officially adopted and began to be used by the government, required not just legal precision but also a touch of artistry. For this task, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru chose Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a noted Indian calligrapher. Raizada was instrumental in hand-writing the Constitution, a labor-intensive process that took six months to complete. Starting in 1949, he meticulously inscribed the Constitution in both English and Hindi with an elegant flow of italic script, accompanied by beautiful calligraphy and decorative elements.
Raizada's contribution was not just about the beauty of the text but also about the historical and cultural significance. He learned calligraphy from his grandfather, who was a renowned scholar of Persian and English. The original manuscript of the Constitution, which consists of 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble, is now housed in special helium-filled cases in the Parliament's library. It remains a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans involved in its creation.
Legacy and Recognition
While Dr. Ambedkar's leadership and the hard work of the Constituent Assembly laid the groundwork for the Constitution, the personal touch added by Raizada ensured that the document not only met its legal criteria but also had an aesthetically pleasing and culturally rich appearance. The Constitution of India stands as a testament to the collective effort of many individuals, each contributing their unique expertise and dedication to bring about a nation's foundational document.
Conclusion
The Constitution of India is a result of collaboration, with figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Prem Behari Narain Raizada playing pivotal roles. Their contributions, from the drafting phase to the artful handwriting, have ensured that the document is not just a set of laws but a significant piece of literature. The history behind the creation of this document underscores the importance of both legal precision and artistic expression in the formation of a nation's supreme law.