1. What is a Constitution?
A Constitution is the supreme law of a country. It:
- Creates the basic structure of government.
- Defines powers and functions of different organs (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
- Specifies the rights and duties of citizens.
- Sets the basic rules of political game – who will govern, how they will govern, and within what limits.
हिंदी: संविधान = देश का मूल कानून।
यही तय करता है कि सरकार कैसे बनेगी, उसकी शक्ति क्या होगी और नागरिकों के अधिकार–कर्तव्य क्या होंगे।
2. Why Do We Need a Constitution?
We need a Constitution to:
- Prevent misuse of power.
- Protect rights and freedom of citizens.
- Define how disputes between people and government will be settled.
- Ensure that government works in an organized and predictable way.
- Express the values and ideals (justice, liberty, equality, fraternity) of the people.
हिंदी: संविधान के बिना सरकार मनमानी कर सकती है।
संविधान एक लिमिट लगाता है – जो सरकार और नागरिक दोनों को follow करनी पड़ती है।
3. Historical Background (Very Short NDA View)
To understand the Indian Constitution, remember three key points:
- India was under British rule for a long time.
- Many British laws (like the Government of India Act, 1919 & 1935) influenced our system.
- Indian leaders gradually demanded self-rule, leading to the creation of a Constituent Assembly.
हिंदी:
1935 का कानून (Government of India Act 1935) = भारतीय संविधान का एक बड़ा “source” माना जाता है।
NDA में यह fact सीधे पूछा जा सकता है।
4. The Making of the Indian Constitution
Constituent Assembly – body that drafted our Constitution.
- Formed in 1946.
- Members were indirectly elected.
- First meeting: 9 December 1946.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad – President of the Constituent Assembly.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Chairman, Drafting Committee (called “Architect of Indian Constitution”).
- Time taken to complete the Constitution: about 2 years 11 months 18 days.
- Adopted on: 26 November 1949.
- Came into force on: 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day).
हिंदी Key Points:
• संविधान सभा (Constituent Assembly) – 1946
• अध्यक्ष – डॉ. राजेन्द्र प्रसाद
• Drafting Committee प्रमुख – डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर
• अपनाया गया – 26 Nov 1949
• लागू हुआ – 26 Jan 1950 (Republic Day)
5. Sources of the Indian Constitution (Simple)
Our Constitution borrowed ideas from many countries:
- UK – Parliamentary system, Rule of Law.
- USA – Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary.
- Ireland – Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
- Canada – Federal system with strong Centre.
- USSR (former) – Fundamental Duties (later added).
- France – Ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity.
हिंदी: भारतीय संविधान “कॉपी–पेस्ट” नहीं है, बल्कि अलग–अलग देशों की अच्छी–अच्छी बातें लेकर एक अपना मॉडल बनाया गया है।
6. Key Features (Preview)
We will study details in later chapters, but remember some keywords:
- Written Constitution – one single document.
- World’s lengthiest (among major countries).
- Federal structure with strong Centre.
- Parliamentary form of government.
- Secular, Democratic, Republic.
- Independent Judiciary.
हिंदी: लिखित, लम्बा, संघीय + मज़बूत केन्द्र, संसदीय प्रणाली, धर्मनिरपेक्ष, लोकतांत्रिक, गणराज्य – ये शब्द बार–बार revise करें।
📘 Practice Questions (NDA Style)
1. Who is known as the "Architect of the Indian Constitution"?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar c) Sardar Patel d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. The Constituent Assembly first met in:
a) 1935 b) 1942 c) 1946 d) 1950
3. The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
a) 15 August 1947 b) 26 January 1950 c) 26 November 1949 d) 9 December 1946
4. The Indian Constitution came into force on:
a) 15 August 1947 b) 26 January 1950 c) 26 November 1949 d) 2 October 1950
5. From which country did India mainly borrow the idea of Fundamental Rights?
a) UK b) USA c) Ireland d) Canada
a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar c) Sardar Patel d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. The Constituent Assembly first met in:
a) 1935 b) 1942 c) 1946 d) 1950
3. The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
a) 15 August 1947 b) 26 January 1950 c) 26 November 1949 d) 9 December 1946
4. The Indian Constitution came into force on:
a) 15 August 1947 b) 26 January 1950 c) 26 November 1949 d) 2 October 1950
5. From which country did India mainly borrow the idea of Fundamental Rights?
a) UK b) USA c) Ireland d) Canada
Answers:
1 – b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
2 – c) 1946
3 – c) 26 November 1949
4 – b) 26 January 1950
5 – b) USA
1 – b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
2 – c) 1946
3 – c) 26 November 1949
4 – b) 26 January 1950
5 – b) USA
Quick Recap | सार
Now you should be able to:
- Recall the most important ideas of this topic.
- Solve typical NDA-style questions from this chapter.
- Spot and avoid common traps used in competitive exams.
Self-check: 3–4 random questions उठा कर देखिए – अगर आसानी से हो रहे हैं, तो chapter strong है।
Common Exam Mistakes | आम गलतियाँ
- Concept ठीक से clear न करना और सीधे रटने की कोशिश करना।
- Question पूरी तरह पढ़े बिना answer mark कर देना।
- Figures, dates, या formulas को last step में verify न करना।
NDA में smart strategy यह है कि आसान वाले सवाल पहले, doubtful बाद में – और silly mistakes से बचना सबसे ज़रूरी है।