From Ancient times to Independence: The Story of the Indian Constitution

Summary

The script narrates the ancient Indian fable of King Raja Bhoja and the throne of King Vikramaditya, symbolizing humility and worthiness. It delves into India's rich history of democratic institutions and legal systems, predating Western concepts, with references to Vedic assemblies and ancient texts like the Arthashastra. The narrative transitions to modern India, highlighting its diverse Constitution, drafted in 1949, drawing inspiration from global principles and adapted to India's unique needs, reflecting the nation's deep-rooted democratic values.

Takeaways

• 👑 The story of King Raja Bhoja and the throne of King Vikramaditya symbolizes humility and the worthiness to lead, highlighting ancient Indian values.
• 📚 The script introduces 'Vikram and the Vampire' or 'Vetala Panchvimshati', a collection of stories with moral questions, dating back to the 11th century.
• 🏛 The existence of ancient Indian republics and democratic institutions is emphasized, challenging the notion that these concepts are purely Western imports.
• 📜 Ancient texts like the 'Arthashastra' by Chanakya and 'Dharma Shastra' provide evidence of early legal systems and governance in India.
• 🌏 The script mentions Greek historical accounts acknowledging the presence of republics in ancient India, indicating a global recognition of these early democratic forms.
• 📖 The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1949, is highlighted as a monumental achievement, especially considering the diversity and large population of India at the time.
• 🖋️ The Constitution was handwritten by Prem Behari Narayan Raizada, reflecting the dedication and artistry involved in its creation.
• 🌐 The Constitution drew inspiration from various countries, incorporating principles like single citizenship, the cabinet system, and fundamental rights, making it a unique amalgamation of global ideas.
• 🎨 The Constitution's pages were decorated with artwork depicting significant moments in Indian history, showcasing the country's cultural heritage.
• 📈 The Constitution has been amended 100 times, reflecting India's evolving needs and the document's adaptability.
• 🌟 The script concludes by celebrating the enduring legacy of India's ancient laws and democratic traditions, and the continuing relevance of its Constitution.

Q & A

Who was King Raja Bhoja and what was his connection to King Vikramaditya's throne?

King Raja Bhoja was a historical figure who found a throne that belonged to King Vikramaditya. The throne was made of gold with 32 wooden statues. Whenever Raja Bhoja tried to sit on the throne, one of the statues would come to life and tell a story, asking if he was worthy of sitting on the throne. His humility in admitting his unworthiness eventually earned him the right to sit on the throne.

What is the significance of the 32 tales told by the statues to King Raja Bhoja?

The 32 tales told by the statues to King Raja Bhoja are a collection of stories that served as a test of his worthiness to sit on the throne. Each tale ended with a question about his worthiness, reflecting on the virtues and qualities of a ruler.

What is the connection between the story of King Raja Bhoja and the concept of a constitution?

The story of King Raja Bhoja and his interaction with the throne is used as a metaphor to introduce the concept of a constitution. The tale serves as a reminder that ancient India had its own forms of governance and laws, similar to modern constitutions.

What does the term 'Vikramorvasiyam' mean and what is its relevance to the script?

The term 'Vikramorvasiyam' translates to 'The Play of Vikrama' and refers to a collection of 32 tales from the 11th century. In the script, it is mentioned as a fable that was not just a storybook but also a book of guidelines or laws, highlighting the existence of legal systems in ancient India.

How did ancient Indian texts and institutions reflect the concept of democracy?

Ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda and institutions such as Central assemblies with the Samiti and Sabha, similar to the upper and lower Houses of Parliament today, reflected the concept of democracy. The Mahabharata also refers to 'ganaraja,' meaning the rule of the Republic, indicating the existence of democratic principles in ancient India.

What is the significance of the Arthasastra in the context of ancient Indian legal systems?

The Arthasastra, believed to have been written in the 4th Century BC by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), is considered one of the oldest books of laws in India. It covered various aspects of governance and defined the seven elements of a state, showcasing the sophistication of legal systems in ancient India.

What is the Brihaspati Sutra and how does it relate to modern legal systems?

The Brihaspati Sutra, written around 600 BC, discusses the hierarchy of courts in ancient India, which is strikingly similar to modern legal systems. It outlines a system of justice involving family arbitrators, judges, the Chief Justice, and the king's court, with checks and balances on the king's power.

How did the drafting of the Indian Constitution in 1949 compare to the drafting of other constitutions?

The drafting of the Indian Constitution was a monumental task given the country's diversity and high illiteracy rates. It was the world's largest constitution at the time, with 145,000 words, and has since been amended 100 times, growing in size and complexity.

What was unique about the original copies of the Indian Constitution?

The original copies of the Indian Constitution were handwritten by a calligrapher named Prem Bihari Narayan Raza. The pages were bound in black leather, embossed with gold patterns, and decorated by artists from Shantiniketan, making it a piece of art.

How did the Indian Constitution incorporate ideas from around the world?

The Indian Constitution was a result of curating ideas from at least 10 different countries, tailoring them to India's needs, and building consensus among a diverse group. It included principles from Britain, the U.S., Australia, Ireland, Canada, Russia, and France, among others.

What is the significance of the Indian Constitution's length and complexity today?

While the Indian Constitution's length and complexity are often criticized, its creation and endurance over time are a testament to the effort to accommodate India's vast diversity and the need for a comprehensive legal framework to govern the nation.

Outlines

00:00

👑 The Tale of King Raja Bhoj and the Ancient Indian Republic

The first paragraph narrates a historical fable about King Raja Bhoj and his encounter with a throne belonging to King Vikramaditya, which was guarded by 32 statues. Each time the king attempted to sit on the throne, a statue would come to life and tell a story of King Vikramaditya, ending with a question about the king's worthiness. The humility of Raja Bhoj impressed the statues, who then allowed him to sit on the throne. This story, from the 11th century, is known as 'Vikramorvashi,' which means '32 tales of the throne,' and it serves as a metaphor for the existence of laws and constitutions in ancient India. The paragraph also discusses the concept of democracy in ancient India, with references to the Vedic period and texts like the Rigveda, and the influence of Indian democratic principles on ancient Greece, as noted by Greek historian Diodorus Siculus. The paragraph concludes with a mention of the 'Arthashastra,' a book of laws from the 4th Century BC, and the 'Dharma Shastra,' from around 600 BC, which outline the principles of governance and justice in ancient India.

05:02

📜 Crafting the Indian Constitution: A Miracle of Diversity and Unity

The second paragraph delves into the creation of the Indian Constitution, a monumental task undertaken by the Constituent Assembly, which included 389 members from diverse parts of India. The drafting process took three years, resulting in a constitution that was handwritten by Prem Behari Narayan Raizada, a calligrapher who sought to leave his mark on history. The constitution was not only a legal document but also a work of art, with pages bound in black leather and embossed with gold patterns, decorated by artists from Shantiniketan. The constitution incorporated elements from Indian history and various sources, including principles from Britain, the U.S., Australia, Ireland, Canada, Russia, and France. The paragraph highlights the extraordinary effort to curate global ideas and tailor them to India's needs, creating a consensus in a diverse group. Despite criticisms regarding its length and complexity, the constitution has stood the test of time and is a testament to India's rich history of law and governance.

Keywords

💡Raja Bhoj

Raja Bhoj is a central figure in the video, representing a king known for his humility and wisdom. The story of Raja Bhoj is used to illustrate the importance of worthiness and humility in leadership. His repeated refusal to sit on the throne until deemed worthy symbolizes the moral and ethical standards expected of a ruler.

💡Vikramaditya

Vikramaditya is the legendary king whose throne Raja Bhoj aspires to sit on. The throne is a symbol of great power and responsibility, and the stories told by the statues emphasize the glory and righteousness of Vikramaditya’s rule. This reference underscores the idea that ancient Indian kingship was not just about power but also about moral integrity.

💡32 Wooden Statues

The 32 wooden statues are symbolic figures that come to life each time Raja Bhoj attempts to sit on the throne. They represent the guardians of the throne’s legacy and serve as moral gatekeepers, questioning Raja Bhoj's worthiness. The statues' stories convey lessons of justice, governance, and humility, reflecting the high ethical standards expected of rulers.

💡Democracy in Ancient India

The video highlights that concepts of democracy existed in ancient India, contrary to the common belief that democracy is a modern or Western construct. It mentions historical records and texts like the Mahabharata and accounts from Greek historians that describe democratic practices, illustrating India's rich legacy of self-governance and collective decision-making.

💡Arthashastra

The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to Chanakya. The video mentions this text to show that sophisticated systems of governance and law existed in ancient India. The Arthashastra's discussion of state elements and governance principles reflects the advanced understanding of political science in that era.

💡Constitution of India

The Indian Constitution is described as a monumental achievement, crafted after India's independence. It is the world’s largest written constitution, incorporating principles from various global sources to cater to India's diversity. The video emphasizes the Constitution's significance as a unifying document that embodies India's democratic values and legal traditions.

💡BR Ambedkar

BR Ambedkar, a key figure in drafting the Indian Constitution, is mentioned to highlight his role in shaping the legal and social framework of modern India. His speeches, as referenced in the video, stress the challenge of creating unity in a diverse nation and underscore the importance of the Constitution in achieving this goal.

💡Samiti and Sabha

These were ancient Indian assemblies mentioned in the Rigveda, representing early forms of governance. The Samiti included the whole tribe, while the Sabha consisted of distinguished members, akin to modern-day parliamentary houses. Their mention in the video illustrates the deep-rooted democratic traditions in Indian society long before Western influence.

💡Manusmriti

The Manusmriti is an ancient legal text referenced in the video to show the historical depth of legal and moral codes in India. It outlines the stages of legal processes, from filing a complaint to delivering a judgment, resembling modern court procedures. This reference helps contextualize the evolution of legal systems in India.

💡Greek Historian Diador Siculus

Diador Siculus, a Greek historian, is mentioned to provide an external validation of India's ancient republics. His accounts of Alexander's invasion of India and the republican structures he encountered highlight the existence of organized and democratic governance in India even before the advent of Western democracy.

Highlights

The story of King Raja bhoj and his encounter with the throne of King Vikramaditya, symbolizing the humility and worthiness to rule.

The fable 'Vikramorvashi' from the 11th century, which serves as a book of guidelines and laws.

The existence of ancient Indian constitutions and democratic institutions, predating Western concepts.

The Vedic period's Central assemblies, resembling modern Parliament's upper and lower Houses.

The Mahabharata's reference to 'ganaraja', indicating the rule of the Republic in ancient India.

Greek historian Diadorus Siculus' account of republics in ancient India challenging Alexander's Army.

The 'Arthashastra', believed to be the oldest book of laws in India, written in the 4th Century BC by Chanakya.

The 'Dharma Shastra' detailing the stages of a lawsuit, similar to modern court proceedings.

The 'Brihaspati Spriti' discussing the hierarchy of courts in ancient India, akin to today's legal systems.

The role of judges and counselors in ancient India, as described by Katyayana, emphasizing justice over pleasing the king.

India's colonization and the subsequent drafting of a new constitution after gaining freedom.

The drafting of India's Constitution in 1949, a significant achievement given the country's diversity and illiteracy rates.

The Constitution's length, with 145,000 words, compared to the U.S. Constitution's 4,400 words.

The Constitution's amendments, growing in size and complexity over time to accommodate India's diversity.

The Constituent Assembly, the diverse group responsible for drafting the Constitution.

Prem Bihari Narayan Razada, the calligrapher who handwrote the original copies of the Constitution.

The artistic decoration of the Constitution's pages, depicting stories from Indian history.

The sourcing of laws and principles from various countries to tailor India's Constitution.

The criticism and context of India's Constitution, highlighting its endurance and relevance.

The historical continuity of democratic principles and legal systems in India, predating Western influences.

Transcripts

tonight I want to tell you a story

once upon a time there was a king yes

it's that kind of a story The King was

called Raja bhoj he found a throne a

throne that belonged to King

vikramaditya it was made of gold with 32

wooden statues the king Raja bhoj wanted

to sit on the throne but he couldn't

every time he tried a statue came to

life one of those 32 statues that came

to life and it stopped the king from

sitting the statue then asked him to

listen to a story a story of the glory

of King vikramaditya every time there

was a different story but every story

ended with the same question are you

worthy enough to sit on the throne of

the great king vikramaditya and every

time Raja bhoj had the same answer no

I'm not worthy of sitting on this throne

this happened repeatedly the statues

were impressed they liked the humility

of Raja board so they blessed him they

let him sit on the throne of King

vikramaditya this is a fable from the

11th century it is called

means throne but this is 32 the title

means 32 tales of the throne

and this wasn't just a storybook this

was a book of guidelines a book of laws

if you like

why am I telling you about this today

because as we celebrate our Republic Day

the day our constitution came into force

it is important to know that books of

laws or constitutions existed in ancient

India

and while we may think that a

constitution or a republic is a modern

construct a modern concept imported from

the West something like this existed in

ancient India

our history in fact is full of such

stories and texts centuries ago the

concept of democracy existed in India

Prime Minister Modi has called India the

mother of democracies

foreign

modern India's 74th Republic Day I want

to talk about books of laws and

constitutions from our ancient past as

far back as The Vedic period

they had institutions like Central

assemblies to check the powers of the

King books like the rigved

talk about them

these assemblies are two houses the

samiti representing the whole tribe and

the Sabha with distinguished members a

bit like the upper and lower Houses of

Parliament today

the Mahabharata refers to ganaraja

meaning the rule of the Republic

now we usually think of Greece as the

birthplace of modern democracy but even

Greek records talk about republics in

ancient India

Greek historian diador siculus has a

very interesting account he wrote about

Alexander's invasion of India 326 BC

secular said Northwest India had

republics that challenged Alexander's

Army perhaps the oldest book of laws in

India is the earth shastra believed to

have been written in the 4th Century BC

the author was cortilia also known as

chanakya he wrote about all aspects of

governance and defined The Seven

Elements of a state then there was a

Dharma shastra written around 600 BC

According to some accounts it talks

about the four different stages of a

lawsuit you file a complaint the

defendant responds the jury deliberates

and finally the judge speaks a lot like

a modern day court hearing India was

practicing all of this centuries ago

then we have the brihaspati spriti it

talks about the hierarchy of course

amazingly similar to modern day legal

systems at the lowest level was the

family arbitrator stage two a court with

a judge stage three the court with the

Chief Justice and right at the top the

king's court and the King was not the

sole decision maker he had counselors

and judges their role is best described

by katyayana a Sanskrit scholar

mathematician and priest this is what he

said if the king wants to inflict upon

the litigants and illegal or unrighteous

decision it is the duty of the judge to

warn the king and prevent him

when the judge realizes that the King

has deviated from equity and Justice his

duty is not to please the king

for this is no occasion for soft speech

if the judge fails in his duty he is

guilty all of this was practiced in

India ages ago in the centuries that

followed India was colonized and after

it won Freedom it wrote a new book of

laws a constitution the year was 1949

and it was nothing short of a miracle

for a country as diverse as ours with 88

of the population illiterate it was a

very big deal to write a constitution

and that too the world's largest 145

000 words for perspective the U.S

Constitution has 4 400 words the Indian

one has one lakh 45

000.

and this was just the first version it

has been amended 100 times it has grown

bigger each time the book is divided

into articles and schedules articles

spell out a law schedules give

supplementary information a bit like an

appendix in a book

so why is our law books so big

because we have a big diverse country

our difficulty is

how to make

the heterogeneous mess

that we have today

take your decision in common

and margin a Cooperative way

on that road

which is bound to lead us to Unity this

was BR ambedkar addressing the

constituent assembly what is the

constituent assembly the people who

drafted the Constitution and let me say

this again this was an extraordinary

experiment today diversity is a

corporate buzzword India aced it more

than 70 years ago this group that wrote

the Constitution had 389 members from

all parts of India then partition

happened some went to Pakistan 299 were

left they took three years to write the

book The Original copies were not typed

or printed they were handwritten by a

calligrapher called Prem bihari Narayan

razada he wrote in English in Hindi and

he did it for free

what he wanted was his place in history

he wanted his name on each page of

India's Constitution and his

grandfather's name on the last page

the book he created was a piece of art

the pages were Bound in black leather

embossed with patterns of gold each page

was decorated by artists from Shanti

niketan led by a man called nandlal Bose

they depicted stories from Indian

history like the Indus Valley

Civilization the struggle for

Independence The Vedic period a scene

from the Mahabharata showing a

discussion between Arjun and Lord

Krishna

the section on fundamental rights has a

sketch of Lord Ram Sita and lakshman

returning from the Battle of Lanka all

of this is in our constitution

it features Emperor Ashok talking about

Buddhism Lakshmi by Akbar maratha ruler

shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh the tensei

guru the laws in the book came from

different sources from at least 10

different countries principles like

single citizenship the cabinet

parliamentary system they came from

Britain fundamental rights impeachment

independent Judiciary came from the U.S

concurrent list from Australia directive

principals from Ireland federalism from

Canada fundamental duties from Russia

then USSR and concepts of Liberty

equality and fraternity came from France

imagine undertaking a task like this

curating ideas from around the globe

tailoring them to the needs of India and

building consensus in such a diverse

group

I say it again it was a miracle of sorts

seven decades have passed the world has

changed India has changed it has made

long strides today our constitution is

criticized for its length and for how

complicated the text is

well some criticisms are valid but when

you look at the context

how this text came into being and how it

stood the test of time you're owed by

the story of this book and when you

rewind further you realize that our

present Constitution is not our first

we've had books of laws and republics

and Democratic institutions long before

we started looking West for inspiration