Samvidhaan - Episode 1/10

Summary

The script narrates the intricate journey of drafting India's Constitution, symbolizing the nation's identity and unity in diversity. It traces the efforts from the 1857 War of Independence to the Constituent Assembly's formation, highlighting key figures like Nehru and Gandhi. The document's creation was not just legislative but a vision for a new society, overcoming communal divides and political standoffs, ultimately shaping India's democratic framework.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Constitution of India is a highly significant document, symbolizing the nation's identity and serving as a guide for self-improvement.
• 🌐 The Indian subcontinent's diversity in languages, religions, and cultures defies narrow definitions of a nation, highlighting the need for inclusive governance.
• 🛠️ The creation of the Constitution was a transformative process, breaking away from old norms and envisioning a new society and nation.
• 🎨 The Constitution's design was influenced by Indian history, mythology, and legend, with contributions from artists like Nandalal Bose and calligraphers like Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
• 📚 The drafting process was extensive, taking three years and involving the collective effort and imagination of the Constituent Assembly.
• 🔥 The 1857 War of Independence sparked early attempts to draft a constitution, setting the stage for India's quest for self-governance.
• 📖 The 'Nehru Report' in 1928 and subsequent efforts by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru laid the groundwork for India's Constitution, emphasizing the importance of self-rule.
• ⚖️ The Government of India Act of 1935 fell short of Indian demands and contributed to tensions between political factions, highlighting the urgency for a homegrown Constitution.
• 🤝 The Cabinet Mission's efforts in 1946, though initially unsuccessful, eventually led to the formation of an interim government and the convening of India's first Constituent Assembly.
• 🚨 Direct Action Day on 16th August 1946 resulted in widespread violence, underscoring the need for a unified and stable government to prevent further unrest.
• 🏛️ The Constituent Assembly's first session on 9th December 1946 marked a historic milestone, with elected members from various regions working towards shaping India's future Constitution, despite the absence of key figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jinnah.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Constitution of India in the context of the nation's identity?

The Constitution of India is a symbol of the nation, representing its identity and serving as a mirror that reflects who the people are and how they can improve themselves. It embodies the vision of a new nation and society, breaking away from old norms.

How does the script describe the challenge of defining a 'nation' in the context of India's diversity?

The script highlights that traditional definitions of a nation based on a single race, religion, language, or law do not apply to India due to its immense diversity in languages, religions, cultures, and races. India's nationhood transcends these narrow definitions.

What role did Nandalal Bose and other artists play in the creation of the Constitution of India?

Nandalal Bose, a famous painter from Shantiniketan, along with several other artists, used Indian history, mythology, and legend to design and decorate the Constitution of India. Prem Behari Narain Raizada's calligraphy adorned the text, adding to the artistic beauty of the document.

What was the 'Nehru Report' or 'Swaraj Samvidhaan' and who prepared it?

The 'Nehru Report' or 'Swaraj Samvidhaan' was a report prepared by Pandit Motilal Nehru in 1928. It was an early attempt to outline a constitution for a free India, reflecting the growing demand for self-governance during the freedom movement.

How did the British Government's 1935 Act impact the relationship between the Congress and the Muslim League?

The 1935 Government of India Act fell short of the Indian demand for self-rule and increased tensions between the Congress and the Muslim League. It was seen as an attempt by the British to prolong their rule rather than genuinely addressing the aspirations for independence.

What was the purpose of the Cabinet Mission and what was its outcome?

The Cabinet Mission, a group of three cabinet ministers from His Majesty's government, arrived in India to prepare the framework for a draft constitution and accommodate the demands of the Muslim League. However, the mission was largely unsuccessful, leading to increased communal tensions and a failure to reach a consensus on the structure of the Constituent Assembly.

What was the significance of the Direct Action Day called by Jinnah on 16th August 1946?

The Direct Action Day called by Jinnah on 16th August 1946 marked a dark day in Indian history, with armed gangs causing havoc in Calcutta, leading to widespread violence, murder, and arson. This event highlighted the deep communal divisions and the urgency for a unified approach to nation-building.

Why did the Muslim League decide to boycott the Constituent Assembly?

The Muslim League, led by Jinnah, boycotted the Constituent Assembly because they disagreed with the idea of a single Constituent Assembly for the entire nation. They believed in the need for separate assemblies for different regions, particularly those with Muslim majorities.

What was the 'Aims and Objectives Resolution' presented by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to the Constituent Assembly?

The 'Aims and Objectives Resolution' presented by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 13th December 1946 laid the foundation for the Constitution of India. It outlined the principles and goals for the new nation, including independence, unity, sovereignty, equality, and fundamental rights for all citizens.

How did Mahatma Gandhi's absence impact the Constituent Assembly, and what guidance did he offer?

Although Mahatma Gandhi was not physically present in the Constituent Assembly, his spirit and ideals were deeply felt. He offered a talisman to the members, urging them to consider the impact of their decisions on the poorest and weakest members of society, ensuring that the Constitution would lead to 'Swaraj' for all.

What challenges did the Constituent Assembly face in the process of drafting the Constitution?

The Constituent Assembly faced numerous challenges, including questioning the validity of the Assembly itself, the absence of key figures like Jinnah and Gandhi, and the need to navigate deep-rooted communal divisions and political disagreements to create a Constitution that would unify the diverse nation.