The Constitution of India is more than a legal document—it’s the foundation of the world’s largest democracy. It defines the political framework, rights, duties, and principles guiding over a billion people. Understanding the key facts about Indian Constitution not only enhances civic awareness but also fosters appreciation for the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in it.
Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, an educator, or simply a curious citizen, here are some lesser-known yet fascinating facts about Indian Constitution that showcase its historical, legal, and cultural depth.
Important Facts About Indian Constitution
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World’s Longest Written Constitution
The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world, with 470 Articles, 25 Parts, 12 Schedules, and over 105 Amendments (as of 2025). It contains over 146,000 words, far more detailed than those of most other nations.
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Over 2,000 Amendments in the Drafting Stage
During its drafting phase between 1946 and 1949, the Constitution saw more than 2,000 amendments proposed and debated in the Constituent Assembly—showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and consensus-building involved.
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Handwritten by a Calligraphy Expert
The original Constitution was not printed, but handwritten in elegant calligraphy by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. He used a flowing italic style and completed both English and Hindi versions.
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Decorated by Artists from Shantiniketan
Every page of the original Constitution was artistically illustrated by artists from Shantiniketan, under the guidance of Nandalal Bose and Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, integrating India’s cultural and artistic heritage into the legal text.
- National Constitution Day – November 26
India observes National Constitution Day every year on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution in 1949. This observance was officially declared in 2015 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- M. N. Roy First Suggested a Constituent Assembly
Though the Constituent Assembly was officially formed in 1946, the idea was first proposed by M. N. Roy in 1934 and later supported by the Indian National Congress in 1935.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – The Father of the Indian Constitution
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, was a jurist, economist, and social reformer fluent in 9 languages. He fiercely advocated for equality, social justice, and women’s rights.
- A Global ‘Bag of Borrowings’
India’s Constitution incorporates features from other nations:
- UK – Parliamentary system, Rule of Law
- USA – Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review
- Ireland – Directive Principles of State Policy
- Canada – Federal structure with a strong center
- France – Ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
- USSR (now Russia) – Social and economic justice
This blend makes the Indian Constitution globally inspired yet uniquely Indian.
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Federal Yet Unitary in Nature
The Indian Constitution provides a federal structure with powers divided between the Centre and States, but also allows the Centre to assume greater control during emergencies—making it a quasi-federal or unitary-in-spirit document.
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Fundamental Duties Introduced Later
While Fundamental Rights were part of the original Constitution, Fundamental Duties were introduced by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976), encouraging citizens to contribute to national unity and integrity.
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Basic Structure Doctrine
The Basic Structure Doctrine, established by the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), ensures that certain fundamental principles—like secularism, democracy, and judicial independence—cannot be altered by Parliament.
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Emergency Provisions
The Constitution includes detailed provisions to deal with national, state, and financial emergencies (Articles 352 to 360), granting sweeping powers to the Centre to maintain unity and order during crises.
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Influence of the Government of India Act, 1935
A significant portion of administrative provisions—especially related to the federal structure and governance—are drawn from the Government of India Act, 1935, which served as a base framework.
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Women in the Constituent Assembly
There were 15 women members in the Constituent Assembly, including Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Durgabai Deshmukh, and Hansa Mehta, who played key roles in ensuring women’s rights in the new republic.
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No Provision for Dual Citizenship
The Indian Constitution does not allow dual citizenship. An Indian citizen cannot simultaneously hold the citizenship of another country.
Bonus Fact: The First Constitutional Amendment (1951)
The First Amendment was passed in 1951 to protect land reform laws from being challenged under Fundamental Rights, and to limit certain forms of speech affecting public order—marking the beginning of constitutional evolution.
Where Is the Original Constitution Kept?
The original, handwritten versions (in English and Hindi) are preserved in helium-filled cases in the Parliament Library in New Delhi. They remain untouched and are displayed under tight security.
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is not just a legal text—it’s a living, breathing guide that reflects the nation’s identity, resilience, and vision. From artistic brilliance to philosophical depth, it’s a document of pride for every Indian citizen.
Understanding these key and surprising facts about Indian Constitution helps deepen our connection with democratic values and reminds us of the responsibility that comes with the rights we enjoy.
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