Evolution of Constitutional Visions in Pre-Independence India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Modern Indian History (Constitutional Development), Indian Polity (Making of the Constitution, Historical Underpinnings).
Mains:
GS Paper 1 (Modern Indian History): The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country; different ideological strands.
GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance): Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Key Highlights from the News
Before the 1950 Indian Constitution came into effect, different ideas existed about India's republican future.
Between 1895 and 1948, five major constitutional drafts were put forward, reflecting various ideologies such as Liberalism, Gandhian decentralization, and Radical Socialism.
The Constitution of India Bill, 1895: This draft, associated with Bal Gangadhar Tilak, envisioned a British-modelled administration, representative government, and individual rights.
M.N. Roy's Constitution of Free India (1944): Based on Radical Humanism, this draft emphasized popular sovereignty and decentralization. It included the 'right to revolt' as a safeguard against authoritarianism.
Constitution of the Hindusthan Free State Act (1944): This draft, associated with the Hindu Mahasabha, envisioned a unitary state but guaranteed religious freedom and rejected a state religion.
Gandhian Constitution for Free India (1946): Based on Gandhiji's concept of gram swaraj, it emphasized village self-governance and decentralized administration.
Socialist Party's Draft Constitution (1948): Based on Marxist-Socialist ideas, it envisioned nationalisation of key industries and economic democracy.
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