Creation of the Constitution Important Short and Long Question class 12 History Chapter-12 Book-Themes in Indian History-III
Team Eklavya
अप्रैल 29, 2025
1. Why was the making of the Indian Constitution a complex process?
Answer:
- India was a multicultural and multilingual country, newly independent from colonial rule.
- The Constitution was made keeping in mind all the classes, castes, and communities.
- Social equality and elimination of discrimination were kept in mind.
- It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to create the Constitution and 165 meetings were held in 11 sessions.
- The Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.
2. What challenges was India facing after independence?
Answer:
India-Pakistan Partition:
Millions of people were displaced, violence and genocide occurred.
sectarian violence:
In 1946 violence spread to Calcutta and other areas.
Merger of Princely States:
The work of merging more than 500 princely states into India was done by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Economic instability:
The country's economy was weak after the departure of the British.
Constitution making:
To make India a democratic republic it was necessary to make a Constitution.
3. How was the Constituent Assembly formed?
Answer:
The Constituent Assembly was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946).
There were 389 members in total:
1. From British India: 296
2. From Princely States: 93
- The election was not held on the basis of universal suffrage.
- The Congress had greater influence (82% members were from Congress).
- The Muslim League boycotted the Constituent Assembly.
- The discussions held in the Constituent Assembly were published in the press and to the public.
4. Which prominent leaders played an important role in the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
- Jawaharlal Nehru: Presented the Objective Resolution.
- Vallabhbhai Patel: Played a role in the integration of princely states.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad: President of the Constituent Assembly.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.
- K. M. Munshi and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer: Legal experts.
- B. N. Rao: Constitutional Adviser to the Constitution.
- S. N. Mukherjee: Chief Planner.
5. What was the Objective Resolution and who presented it?
Answer:
- The objective resolution was presented by Jawaharlal Nehru.
- In this, the basic ideals of the Constitution of independent India were outlined.
- India was declared an independent, sovereign republic.
- Justice, equality and liberty were assured.
- Provisions were made for protection of the rights of minorities, Dalits and backward classes.
6. How are the rights of minorities and Dalits ensured in the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Rights of Minorities:
- Protection of religious freedom and cultural identity.
- Permission to establish special educational and religious institutions.
Rights of Dalits:
- Untouchability was abolished.
- Access to temples and public places was ensured for all castes.
- Reservations were provided in government jobs and the legislature.
7. What was the debate on separate electorate?
Answer:
- B. Pokar Bahadur demanded separate electorate for Muslims.
- Sardar Patel and Govind Vallabh Pant opposed it because it would divide the society.
- Nehru and other leaders believed that empowerment of minorities should happen within a shared political system.
8. Why was the language question controversial in the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
- There was a debate in favor and against making Hindi the national language.
- R.V. Dhulekar demanded that Hindi be declared the national language.
- There was opposition to the dominance of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking areas.
- It was agreed that Hindi would be the official language, but English would also be used in government work for 15 years.
9. How were powers distributed under the Constitution?
Answer:
Three lists were made in the constitution:
- Union List: Subjects of the centre only (defence, foreign policy, railways).
- State List: State subjects only(Police, Agriculture, Health).
- Concurrent List: Subjects of both centre and state (education, environment, disaster management).
- Article 356 gave the Centre the power to impose President's rule in states.
- Nehru and Ambedkar supported a strong centre.
10. How was the spirit of democracy ensured in the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
- Universal adult suffrage was adopted.
- Provision for fundamental rights was made in the Constitution.
- Public opinion was given importance in the Constituent Assembly.
- The Constitution was made a flexible and detailed document.
11. How was the Indian Constitution influenced by other constitutions of the world?
Answer:
12. How much time did it take to finalise the Constitution and when did it come into force?
Answer:
- It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to create the Constitution.
- A total of 165 meetings were held in 11 sessions.
- The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.
- It came into effect on 26 January 1950.
13. What are the main features of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
- The largest written constitution.
- Federal structure (central and state governments).
- Fundamental rights and duties.
- Policy Director elements.
- Facility to amend the Constitution.
14. What was the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the making of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
- He was the chairman of the constitution drafting committee.
- Advocated for fundamental rights and the rights of Dalits.
- Supported a strong central government.
- Suggested reservation policy.
15. Which values were included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
- Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity
