The Drafting Committee: Architects of the Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India, a monumental document shaping the governance of the world's largest democracy, was not drafted overnight. A pivotal body, the Drafting Committee, was entrusted with the immense responsibility of preparing a draft constitution based on the decisions and resolutions of the Constituent Assembly. Understanding its composition, functions, and the challenges it faced is crucial for mastering Indian Polity for competitive exams like the UPSC.
Formation and Composition
The Constituent Assembly, formed to draft the Constitution, appointed the Drafting Committee on August 29, 1947. Its primary task was to scrutinize the draft constitution prepared by the Constitutional Advisor, Sir B.N. Rau, and present a revised draft. The committee was initially composed of seven members, but due to various reasons, its strength fluctuated.
| Member | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Chairman; Chief architect and principal drafter |
| N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar | Provided valuable insights and drafting assistance |
| Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar | Legal luminary, contributed significantly to constitutional principles |
| K.M. Munshi | Prominent lawyer and statesman, offered legal and political perspectives |
| Syed Mohammad Saadulla | Former Prime Minister of Assam, provided regional representation |
| B.L. Mitter | Initially a member, resigned due to health reasons and was replaced |
| D.P. Khaitan | Initially a member, passed away during the drafting process and was replaced |
After B.L. Mitter's resignation, T.T. Krishnamachari was appointed. Following D.P. Khaitan's death, T.T. Krishnamachari took over his place, and later, Dr. Ambedkar reconstituted the committee with himself, N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, K.M. Munshi, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, and N. Madhava Rau (who replaced B.L. Mitter).
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The Drafting Committee's mandate was extensive and critical. It was responsible for:
- Examining and revising the draft constitution prepared by the Constitutional Advisor.
- Incorporating the decisions made by the Constituent Assembly on various provisions.
- Preparing the final draft of the Constitution, ensuring clarity, coherence, and legal soundness.
- Presenting the draft to the Constituent Assembly for discussion and adoption.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Drafting Process and Challenges
The committee met for 114 days, meticulously deliberating on every article. Dr. Ambedkar, with his profound legal acumen and understanding of constitutionalism, played a central role in shaping the document. The committee faced numerous challenges, including diverse opinions from assembly members, the complexity of integrating various constitutional models, and the sheer volume of work. They had to balance federal and unitary features, fundamental rights with directive principles, and ensure a robust framework for a newly independent nation.
The Drafting Committee's work was iterative and collaborative.
The committee reviewed numerous drafts, debated various clauses, and incorporated feedback from the Constituent Assembly. This iterative process ensured that the final constitution was comprehensive and reflected the aspirations of the Indian people.
The Drafting Committee presented its first draft of the Constitution in February 1948. This was followed by a period of public discussion and feedback. The committee then considered the suggestions and presented a revised draft in October 1948. The Constituent Assembly debated this draft for several months, article by article, before finally adopting it on November 26, 1949. The committee's ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints and refine the text through multiple iterations was key to its success.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is often hailed as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution' for his indispensable role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and his tireless efforts in shaping its final form.
Significance for Competitive Exams
For aspirants preparing for exams like the UPSC Civil Services, understanding the Drafting Committee is vital. Questions often revolve around its members, their contributions, the timeline of its work, and the key principles it incorporated. Knowing the context of its formation and the challenges it overcame provides a deeper appreciation for the Indian Constitution's foundational elements.
To prepare a draft constitution based on the decisions of the Constituent Assembly.
Learning Resources
An in-depth explanation of the Drafting Committee's formation, members, and its crucial role in constitution-making.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Constituent Assembly, including the formation and work of its committees like the Drafting Committee.
Details the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the other members of the Drafting Committee in shaping the Indian Constitution.
A video explaining the historical context and process of the Indian Constitution's making, highlighting the Drafting Committee's efforts. (Note: This is a placeholder URL; a real video on this topic would be ideal.)
A detailed breakdown of the Drafting Committee's composition, its meetings, and the significant contributions of its members.
A blog post focusing on the constitutional development in India, with a specific section dedicated to the Drafting Committee's role and impact.
Official source providing the text of the Constitution of India and historical context surrounding its creation.
Access to the official records of the Constituent Assembly debates, which offer insights into the discussions and decisions related to the Drafting Committee's work.
A comprehensive guide for UPSC aspirants on the making of the Indian Constitution, including a detailed look at the Drafting Committee.
An article that delves into the specific tasks and challenges faced by the Drafting Committee during the preparation of the Indian Constitution.