Prepared By T.Srinivas Reddy,S.A S.S ZPHS Appajipeta,(M)&(D):Nalgonda.Cellno :9494443332.
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Telangana Social Studies Teachers' Forum
10
Prepared By T.Srinivas Reddy,S.A S.S ZPHS Appajipeta,(M)&(D):Nalgonda.Cellno :9494443332.
10.15.THE MAKING OF INDEPENDENT INDIA’S CONSTITUTION
Period - 1
|
Revisiting Indian Constitution
CONSTITUTION
Mind Map
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Key words/Key concepts
The Making of Independent
India's Constitution
How political change, social reform, and the vision of leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar shaped the framing of the Constitution
Political Changes During the Last Years of British Rule
After 1936, Mahatma Gandhi reduced his direct participation in politics, focusing on his ashram, though he continued to guide the national movement.
Elections held in 1936–37 and 1946 gave people the opportunity to elect their representatives.
Members elected in the 1946 elections later became members of the Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution.
CONCEPT
The Constitution was framed by leaders who had the support of the people through elections, making it a democratic document.
Insert image
(elections / ballot / Gandhi)
Growth of Different Political Ideologies
Several political streams emerged in India during this period
Congress
Unified Indian nationalism, bringing together people from different sections of society.
Hindu Mahasabha & Muslim League
Religious nationalism — using religion as the basis of politics.
Communist Party
Peasant nationalism, organizing farmers against British rule and princely states.
Self-Respect & Non-Brahmin Movements
Ramaswamy Naikar & Bhaskar Rao Jadhav worked against social inequality.
Depressed Classes Movement
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded equality and justice for Scheduled Castes.
The Constitution had to consider the aspirations of many political and social groups, not just one organization.
The Rise of the
Depressed Classes
Movement
The movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar strengthened the demand for justice for the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes). Their problems became part of the national political agenda instead of remaining only a social issue.
Key Developments
1932
M.C. Rajah–B.S. Munje Pact
Supported the system of joint electorates with Hindus.
1932
Poona Pact
Dr. Ambedkar signed this agreement with Mahatma Gandhi under pressure from the British Government — the issue of the Depressed Classes became a national concern.
The Constitution later reflected this concern by giving importance to social justice and equality.
Social Reform Became Part of the Freedom Movement
Many organizations in Punjab, Bengal, and other regions worked for social reform. Temple Entry Movements and visits to the residential areas of untouchables became part of the national movement.
The freedom struggle was therefore not limited to ending British rule. It also aimed at integrating the lower sections of society into national life.
Political freedom and social equality became inseparable goals.
Insert image
(Temple Entry Movement /
social reform activity)
Ambedkar Emerged as a National Leader
In 1942, Dr. Ambedkar founded the All India Scheduled Caste Federation to represent Scheduled Castes. Several leaders supported this movement, showing that the caste issue had become a national issue. The British Government recognized Dr. Ambedkar as the legitimate representative of the Scheduled Castes.
“
India was a “constellation of nations” — Scheduled Castes had their own identity while continuing dialogue with national leaders.
— Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Allahabad Conference, 1942
Ambedkar combined the struggle for social justice with participation in national politics.
Insert image of
Dr. Ambedkar / Scheduled
Caste Federation
Ambedkar's National Approach
By 1945, Dr. Ambedkar declared the Constitution should be "framed by Indians for Indians with voluntary consent of Indians." He also stated that the Scheduled Castes supported India’s freedom but opposed domination by any single social group.
He divided society into two classes:
Servile Classes
Those historically subjected to social and economic domination.
Governing Classes
Those historically holding social, economic and political power.
The future Constitution should guarantee freedom as well as equality for all sections of society.
Insert image or chart
(social classes / Ambedkar
speech, 1945)
Formation of the Constituent Assembly
The British Government agreed to establish a Constituent Assembly
July
1946
Formed
296
Total Members
208
Congress Seats
Jawaharlal Nehru described the Congress as the "mirror of the nation."
Prominent Members
Jawaharlal Nehru
Sardar Patel
Rajendra Prasad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar
N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Assembly represented different regions, leaders, and legal experts in drafting the Constitution.
Insert image
(Constituent Assembly
session, 1946)
8
Why Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Was Chosen
He was considered the most suitable person to head the Drafting Committee because he was:
A Historian
An Economist
A Legal Expert
Scholar of World Constitutions
A Social Justice Ideologue
A National Leader
Although he initially lost the election, he later entered the Constituent Assembly from Bengal and then from Bombay.
His knowledge, experience, and commitment to social justice made him the ideal person to lead the drafting process.
Objectives of the Constituent Assembly
1
Independence & Freedom
To achieve independence and freedom for India.
→
2
Social Revolution
To bring about social revolution by ending all forms of oppression.
→
3
Socio-Economic Revolution
Suggested by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan — scientific agriculture, industrial development, and economic planning.
The Assembly finally accepted:
✓
A modern industrial economy
✓
A British-style parliamentary system
✓
One Constitution
✓
One National Flag
The Constitution aimed to build a united, democratic, and socially progressive India.
Insert image
(national flag / Assembly
in session)
Objectives Resolution and Social Justice
After the Constituent Assembly was formed, Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objectives Resolution.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Social justice, especially for the Depressed Classes, by ensuring their social, economic, and political upliftment.
The Constitution also accepted:
Religious tolerance
Equality of all religions
The Objectives Resolution became the guiding vision for the Constitution — emphasizing social justice, equality, religious tolerance, and national unity.
Insert image
(Nehru moving the
Objectives Resolution, 1946)
Let’s Recap
Evaluation / Homework
Period - 2
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15.1 Objectives Resolution
15.2.The Making of Indian Constitution
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Key words/Key concepts
SECTION 15.1
The Objectives Resolution
The foundation of the Indian Constitution
The Objectives Resolution defined the basic character and guiding principles of the Constitution.
Jawaharlal Nehru prepared the Resolution based on the experiences of the national movement and the needs of different groups in India.
It acted as the blueprint for the Constitution — identifying the needs of various sections of society to build India as one nation.
Insert image: Nehru moving the Objectives Resolution
SECTION 15.2
Why Was a New Constitution Needed?
India was under British colonial rule. When the British decided to grant freedom, India needed a new system of government.
To enable the people of India to govern themselves
To set long-term national goals
A free country requires a Constitution to establish its system of governance.
Insert image: India's independence, 1947
THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
Formation of the Constituent Assembly
Formed in 1946 to prepare India's Constitution. Members were not directly elected by the people — they were indirectly elected by members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
The Cabinet Mission (1946) allotted seats to:
292
Members from
British Provinces
93
Members from
Princely States
The Assembly represented different parts of India through an indirect election process.
Insert image: Constituent Assembly in session
Representation of Different Communities
The Cabinet Mission ensured representation of major communities according to their population — Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others.
26
Members from Scheduled Castes
15
Women members
The Assembly attempted to include different communities and social groups while framing the Constitution.
Insert image: Members of the Constituent Assembly
Political Representation & Partition
The Indian National Congress became the largest party, winning 69% of the seats. The Muslim League secured most of the seats reserved for Muslims.
14 AUGUST 1947
After Partition, members from Pakistan formed a separate Constituent Assembly for Pakistan.
Political changes during Partition affected the composition of the Constituent Assembly.
Insert image/map: Partition of India, 1947
Limitations of the Constituent Assembly
Not fully representative
It was not elected through Universal Adult Franchise
Only about 10% of the population had voting rights in provincial elections
Representatives of Princely States were selected through consultation rather than elections
This arrangement reflected the political circumstances of the time:
India was approaching Independence
Political tensions were increasing
Many Princely States had not yet agreed to join the Union
Insert image: Provincial election ballot / voting, 1946
Participation Despite Limitations
Although not completely representative, the Constituent Assembly made real efforts to include public opinion.
Considered different viewpoints
Publicized its discussions
Accepted suggestions through letters, newspapers, and other means
The Constitution was prepared through consultation and public participation, as far as possible.
8
13 DECEMBER 1946
Jawaharlal Nehru's Vision
In his speech, Nehru stated that the Assembly should:
1
Think about all the people of India
2
Work for the welfare of the entire nation
3
Rise above party interests
4
Prepare a Constitution worthy of India
Insert image: Nehru addressing the Constituent Assembly
THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
The Drafting Committee
Chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Drafting Committee was responsible for turning the Assembly's discussions into India's final Constitution.
To prepare the final draft
To consider all viewpoints expressed during discussions
Important constitutional issues were debated in detail before the final draft was prepared — converting discussion into law.
Insert image: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with the Draft Constitution
Adoption of the Constitution
26 NOV 1949
Constitution adopted
by the Constituent Assembly
26 JAN 1950
Constitution comes
into force
Two dates mark the end of constitution-making and the start of constitutional governance.
Let’s Recap
Evaluation / Homework
Period - 3
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15.2.1 Reading Constituent Assembly Debates
15.3 Parliamentary system
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Key words/Key concepts
The Constituent Assembly
Debates
Reading the making of the Indian Constitution — from the Draft
Constitution to the Parliamentary System of Government.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introducing the Draft Constitution
Constituent Assembly, 4 November 1948
🖼
Portrait: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
15.2.1
Presentation of
the Draft
Constitution
🖼
Constituent Assembly in session
4 November 1948
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introduced the Draft Constitution in the Constituent Assembly and requested that it be taken up for discussion.
The Drafting Committee prepared the Constitution according to the decisions taken by the Constituent Assembly.
The Draft Constitution was not prepared by one person. It was based on the collective decisions of the Constituent Assembly.
Role of the Drafting Committee
The Drafting Committee worked according to the reports submitted by different committees appointed by the Constituent Assembly.
1
Union Powers Committee
2
Union Constitution Committee
3
Provincial Constitution Committee
4
Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal Areas
The Constituent Assembly also instructed the Drafting Committee to follow certain provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.
A Detailed Constitution
Dr. Ambedkar stated that the Draft Constitution was one of the largest Constitutions in the world.
395
ARTICLES
8
SCHEDULES
The Constitution was made comprehensive so that it could deal with many aspects of governing a diverse country like India.
🖼
Public Participation
The Draft Constitution was kept before the public for eight months. Friends, critics, and opponents were given sufficient time to study the Draft and express their opinions.
8
MONTHS
of public review before finalisation
Friends
Critics
Opponents
All were given sufficient time to study and respond
🖼
Photo: Public discussion / newspapers
Although the Constituent Assembly was not elected through universal adult franchise, public opinion was invited before finalising the Constitution.
“
We the People of India…
Opening words of the Constitution of India
QUESTION TO REFLECT ON
Did the Constituent Assembly truly represent all the people of India? Should ordinary people also participate in making a Constitution?
🖼
Image: Preamble of the Constitution
The Constitution belongs to the people of India and is intended to represent the entire nation.
15.3
Parliamentary System
How India chose its form of government, and how the President's role differs from that of a Presidential head of state.
India Chose the Parliamentary System
Dr. Ambedkar explained that India did not adopt the Presidential System like the United States. Instead, India adopted the Parliamentary System.
✕
Presidential System
(like the USA)
✓
Parliamentary System
(adopted by India)
The Indian Constitution follows the Parliamentary form of Government.
🖼
Image: Parliament of India building
Position of the President of India
Although India has a President, his position is different from that of the President of the United States.
Head of the State
Not the Head of the Executive
Represents the nation
Symbol of the nation
Does not rule the country directly
The President performs constitutional and ceremonial functions.
🖼
First President of India
15. The Constituent Assembly Debates
Indian vs. American President
UNITED STATES
The President is the real executive head.
He is not bound by the advice of Secretaries.
He can dismiss Secretaries whenever he wants.
INDIA
The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
He cannot act against their advice.
He cannot dismiss Ministers as long as they enjoy the confidence of Parliament.
Similarity with the British System
Dr. Ambedkar explained that the powers of the Indian President are more similar to those of the British King than to those of the American President.
Like the British King, the Indian President is the constitutional head, while Ministers exercise executive authority.
India adopted the British model of Parliamentary Government with a constitutional head of state.
🖼
Image: British monarch / Buckingham Palace
Let’s Recap
Evaluation / Homework
Period - 4
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15.4 Federalism
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Key words/Key concepts
CHAPTER 15.4
Federalism
How the Constitution of India balances a strong Union with self-governing States — in the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar • Chairman, Drafting Committee
Portrait / Constitution image
15.4 Federalism
What Is Federalism?
Dr. Ambedkar identifies two basic forms of government found around the world.
U
Unitary Constitution
F
Federal Constitution
A Federal Constitution divides powers between the Union and the States, letting both function within their own areas.
India Has a Dual Polity
The Draft Constitution established two levels of government, each exercising powers the Constitution itself assigns.
1
Union Government
Sits at the Centre; exercises powers assigned to it by the Constitution.
2
State Governments
Operate within the States; exercise their own constitutionally assigned powers.
Union / State govt image
A Familiar Federal Model
Dr. Ambedkar notes that India's federal system resembles that of the United States.
India–USA federalism graphic
Both countries share:
A Central Government
State Governments with their own powers
In neither country are States mere administrative units of the Centre — nor is the Union simply an association of States.
India adopted the idea of dual government similar to the American federal system.
Single Citizenship
A key difference from the United States: India has only ONE citizenship.
ONE
citizenship for every
person across India
Citizen / national identity image
Why Too Much Diversity Is a Problem
If State laws differ too much, it creates confusion, administrative problems, and difficulty for citizens moving between States.
M
Marriage
D
Divorce
I
Inheritance
C
Contracts
C
Crimes
B
Banking
C
Commerce
Too much legal diversity can weaken national unity and inconvenience citizens.
Three Ways to Preserve Unity
The Draft Constitution balances federalism with national unity through three mechanisms.
1
Single Judiciary
One integrated system — Supreme Court and High Courts — hearing appeals from any court in the country.
2
Uniform Fundamental Laws
Key civil & criminal codes stay the same nationwide; Central law prevails in conflicts.
3
All India Civil Service
IAS, IPS and other services recruited nationally, with common standards and pay.
1 · Single Judiciary
India does not split its courts between Centre and States — it has one integrated judicial system.
The Supreme Court can hear appeals from any court in the country — giving uniform interpretation and protection of the law.
2 · Uniformity in Fundamental Laws
Important civil and criminal laws are kept uniform across the whole country.
Civil Procedure Code
Indian Penal Code
Criminal Procedure Code
Evidence Act
Transfer of Property Act
Marriage & Divorce Laws
Inheritance Laws
Law book / gavel image
Many of these subjects sit on the Concurrent List, where both Centre and States legislate — if their laws conflict, the Central law prevails.
3 · All India Civil Service
Alongside their own Civil Services, States share a common All India Civil Service for key administrative posts.
✓
Recruitment on an All India basis
✓
Common qualifications
✓
Uniform pay scales
✓
Appointment to key posts nationwide
Key examples: IAS · IPS
Civil servant / administration image
Distribution of Legislative Powers
The Constitution divides law-making powers into three lists.
Union List
Only the Union Government can make laws.
State List
Only the State Governments can make laws.
Concurrent List
Both the Union and the States can make laws. If a State law conflicts with a Central law here, the Central law is valid.
This balance of powers keeps federalism intact while protecting national unity.
Let’s Recap
Evaluation / Homework
Period - 5
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15.5.Examples of critiquing in Constituent Assembly debates
15.5.1 Examples of Debate on Fundamental Rights
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Key words/Key concepts
15.5
Examples of Critiquing in
Constituent Assembly Debates
Criticism of the Draft Constitution
🖼
Photo: Constituent Assembly in session
1
Criticism by Maulana Hasrat Mohani
Argued that the Draft Constitution was largely based on the Government of India Act, 1935.
He reminded the Assembly that:
An independent India's Constitution, some felt, should be completely different from colonial laws.
🖼
Photo: Maulana Hasrat Mohani
2
Criticism by D.S. Seth
A socialist leader, D.S. Seth expressed several objections to the Draft Constitution:
1
Did not adopt ideas from more recent Constitutions, such as that of the Soviet Union
2
Ignored the importance of Indian villages
3
Members of the Assembly were not elected through Universal Adult Franchise
Concept: The Constitution should reflect Indian village life and broader democratic participation.
🖼
Photo: D.S. Seth addressing the Assembly
Decentralisation of Power
D.S. Seth believed India should become a Union of small autonomous republics, rather than a highly centralized country.
He referred to Mahatma Gandhi's view that:
A balance should exist between national unity and local self-government.
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Photo/illustration: Mahatma Gandhi
Debate on Fundamental Rights
The Right to Equality — and the Abolition of Untouchability
🖼
Illustration: scales of equality
3
View of Pramatha Ranjan Thakur
According to him:
“Unless the caste system is abolished, untouchability cannot be completely removed.”
Removing the root cause is more important than addressing only its effects.
4
View of S.C. Banerjee
S.C. Banerjee explained that the word "untouchability" had different meanings, used in different situations such as:
Sharing water
Temple entry
Inter-caste dining
Inter-caste marriage
He felt the Constitution should clearly define the term, and agreed caste distinction is the root cause of untouchability.
5
View of Rohini Kumar Chaudhury
Suggested defining untouchability as: any discrimination based on —
Religion
Caste
Lawful Occupation
Untouchability should be understood as discrimination against people.
🖼
Photo: Rohini Kumar Chaudhury
6
View of K.M. Munshi
Opposed Chaudhry's definition, arguing it was too broad.
According to him, it could wrongly classify discrimination based on the following as "untouchability":
Place of Birth
Sex
Caste
Definitions in the Constitution should be precise and limited.
🖼
Photo: K.M. Munshi
7
View of Dhirendra Nath Datta
Believed that some definition was necessary. He explained that:
Therefore, a common definition was needed for uniform justice.
Clear legal definitions help courts apply the law uniformly.
🖼
Photo: Dhirendra Nath Datta
Final Decision of the Constituent Assembly
The Constitution abolished untouchability but left its detailed legal definition to future legislation.
🖼
Photo: Signing of the Constitution
Let’s Recap
Evaluation / Homework
WORKSHEET-1- PRACTICE
15-20 Minutes
Period - 6
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15.6.Constitution and ‘social engineering’
15.7 The Constitution Today
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Key words/Key concepts
15.6
Constitution and
'Social Engineering'
How India's Constitution was built as an instrument of social change — equality, justice, and the story of reservations, directive principles, minority rights, and constitutional amendment.
Why Was Social Engineering Necessary?
The makers of the Constitution understood that Indian society carried deep, long-standing problems.
Inequality
Injustice
Deprivation
Economic exploitation
under British rule
Therefore, the Constitution was designed not only to establish a government, but also to bring social change and development.
“ Jawaharlal Nehru described the Constituent Assembly as building a new social and political order for India. ”
🖼
Photo: Jawaharlal Nehru addressing
the Constituent Assembly
Constitution as an Instrument
of Social Change
🖼
Image: Symbol of equality —
scales of justice / Ashoka Chakra
The Constitution contains several provisions to remove social inequalities — most notably, the abolition of untouchability.
The Constitution aims to build a society based on:
1
Equality
2
Justice
3
Social Progress
The Constitution encourages social reform by eliminating discrimination and promoting equal rights.
Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Equality alone was not enough to undo centuries of discrimination against SCs and STs — so the Constitution makers introduced special protective measures.
Reservation of Seats
in State and Union legislatures
Reservation in Jobs
in the public sector / government employment
Concept: Reservations protect and promote the interests of historically disadvantaged communities.
🖼
Photo: B. R. Ambedkar,
Chairman of the Drafting Committee
Directive Principles of State Policy
A set of guiding principles for the government — not enforceable by courts, but fundamental to governance.
🖼
Illustration: Government policy
for welfare & development
Social Welfare
Development
Public Policy
These principles guide governments in working for the welfare and development of society.
Protection of Minority Rights
The Constitution makers were influenced by the suffering of the Jewish minority in Nazi Germany, and sought to ensure minorities in India never feel marginalised.
Key protection granted:
Religious minorities have the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.
Such institutions may also receive government financial assistance.
Concept: The Constitution protects minority rights to promote equality, security, and inclusion.
🖼
Photo: A minority-run educational
institution / school building
15.7
The Constitution Today
A living document — built to be amended as society changes, while its core principles endure.
🖼
Image: Parliament of India
Procedure for Constitutional Amendment
1
Initiated in Parliament
Amendments can only begin in Parliament.
▶
2
Two-thirds Majority
Approval needed from 2/3 of members present & voting in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
▶
3
State Ratification
Some amendments also require approval by State Legislatures.
▶
4
President's Assent
Finally, the President must give approval.
A special procedure ensures every constitutional amendment reflects careful, deliberate decision-making.
Major Constitutional Changes During the 1970s
One major amendment added two words to the Preamble:
SECULAR
SOCIALIST
These ideas were already reflected in values such as Equality, Liberty, and Justice — the amendment made them explicit in the Preamble.
The Preamble was strengthened by explicitly stating the principles of secularism and socialism.
🖼
Image: The Preamble to the
Constitution of India (as amended, 1976)
Kesavananda Bharati Case
A landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court ruled that:
Even Parliament cannot alter or destroy the basic features of the Constitution.
Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, but it cannot change its basic structure.
🖼
Image: Supreme Court of India building
Basic Features of the Constitution
Elements of the Basic Structure identified by the Supreme Court — the foundation that no amendment can destroy.
Supremacy of the Constitution
Sovereignty of India
Fundamental Rights
Democratic form of Government
Secular character
Federal character
Welfare State
These basic features form the foundation of the Constitution and cannot be destroyed through amendments.
A Constitution for Social Change
From reservations to directive principles, minority rights to a flexible amendment process protected by the Basic Structure doctrine — the Constitution remains India's living instrument of equality and justice.
🖼
Image: The Indian tricolour /
Constitution of India, cover page
Let’s Recap
Evaluation / Homework
WORKSHEET-2- PRACTICE
15-20 Minutes
REVISION WORKSHEET
15-20 Minutes
Improve Your Learning
Period-7
|
Thank You
Prepared By T.Srinivas Reddy,S.A S.S ZPHS Appajipeta,(M)&(D):Nalgonda.Cellno :9494443332.