The Indian Constitution: Where art meets governance


A unique blend of law and artistry, the Constitution of India, turning 75 this week, stands as a testament to India’s heritage, democratic values, and cultural brilliance.


Adopted on 26th November 1949 and coming into effect on 26th January 1950, the Indian Constitution stands as a testament to the nation’s democratic ethos. Turning 75 this year, it remains a symbol of India’s commitment to justice, liberty, and equality. To commemorate its adoption, India’s first Constitution Museum was inaugurated on 23rd November 2024 at O.P. Jindal Global University at Sonipat in Haryana by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This state-of-the-art museum offers an immersive journey through the Constitution’s principles and the historical events leading to its creation. However, the history of the making of this document is also the history of artistic brilliance that India cherishes.

The Constitution of India, drafted under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, reflects the aspirations of a nation transitioning to independence. Declaring India as a democratic, secular, socialist, and sovereign republic, it guarantees its citizens justice, liberty, and equality. Beyond its profound legal significance, the Constitution is also a masterpiece of art and calligraphy.
When the Constituent Assembly completed the draft, they recognized it as a historical document that deserved to be artistically exceptional. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, entrusted the task of calligraphy to Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a traditional calligraphist known for his mastery of the art. Remarkably, Raizada declined any remuneration, requesting only that his name be inscribed on every page of the manuscript, and also and his grandfather’s name on the last page.
Prem Behari Narain Raizada writing the Constitution of India

Working from a room in the Constitution Hall (now Constitution Club), Raizada completed the handwritten manuscript in six months using 432 pen-holder nibs, primarily No. 303 nibs. His dedication resulted in a beautifully hand-lettered document, turning the legal manuscript into a work of unparalleled craftsmanship.
To ensure the Constitution visually represented India’s rich cultural heritage, the Constituent Assembly commissioned the renowned artist Nandalal Bose, often referred to as the “artist laureate of India”, to illustrate it. Bose was deeply influenced by Indian traditions and techniques, which he seamlessly integrated into his work.
Nandalal Bose with Mahathma Gandhi

Assisted by a team of artists, including Biswarup, Gouri, Jamuna, Perumal, and Kripal Singh, Bose created 22 exquisite illustrations for the Constitution. These artworks depicted India’s historical and cultural journey, from the Vedic age to the freedom movement. Indigenous techniques, such as gold-leaf application and natural stone colours, were used to enhance the manuscript's aesthetic appeal.
The Preamble page of the Constitution of India

The iconic Preamble page was illustrated by Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, while the National Emblem was sketched by his student, Dinanath Bhargava. These artistic embellishments transformed the Constitution into a unique blend of legal document and cultural artifact, bound in black leather and embossed with intricate gold patterns.

The Indian Constitution’s illustrations were meticulously curated to reflect the nation’s pluralistic heritage. The artwork showcased themes like the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal Empire, and the freedom struggle. Each page was adorned with intricate decorations, blending tradition with modernity. The use of indigenous materials and techniques reflected the cultural ethos of the time, emphasizing self-reliance and artistic heritage.

This extraordinary blend of art, calligraphy, and legal thought symbolizes the values and aspirations of a newly independent nation. The artistic contributions of Nandalal Bose, Prem Behari Narain Raizada, and the Shantiniketan artists turned the Constitution into a document that embodies India’s soul.
Recognizing its historical and artistic value, the original Constitution is preserved in helium-filled cases at the Library of the Parliament of India to protect it from damage caused by atmospheric oxygen. This preservation method, combined with controlled temperature and humidity, ensures the manuscript remains intact for future generations. It is believed that the parchment paper used for the Constitution has a lifespan of approximately 1,000 years if maintained under proper conditions.

The original Constitution is preserved in helium-filled cases at the Library of the Parliament of India 

In 1950, 1,000 photolithographic reproductions of the original were meticulously printed using lithograph technology. This ensured wider access while safeguarding the original document. 
The Indian Constitution is more than a legal framework; it is a cultural masterpiece, a reflection of India’s heritage, and a testament to its enduring democratic principles. As it turns 75, this unique fusion of governance and aesthetics makes the Indian Constitution a beacon of India’s rich history and progressive ideals.

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