A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION'S DRAFTING: FROM COLONIAL LEGACY TO CONSTITUTIONAL SOVEREIGNTY

Abstract

The drafting of the Indian Constitution marked a crucial phase in India’s transition from colonial rule to an independent democratic republic. Rooted in a legal framework shaped by British laws from the 1600 East India Company Charter to the Government of India Act, 1935 it combined historical influences with thoughtful innovations and modifications. The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan with 389 members (later reduced to 299 after Partition), reflected diverse ideologies and regions. Led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Drafting Committee studied over 60 global constitutions to craft a document suited to India’s unique social and cultural fabric. Key milestones included the Objective Resolution, which later became the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, and the inclusion of fundamental rights, federalism, and judicial review. Adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, the Constitution enshrined justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. This longest written Constitution stands as a testament to India’s commitment to democracy and inclusive governance. In this article, we are going to discuss about the historical analysis of the drafting of Indian Constitution.