Preamble & History
Constitution Special · प्रस्तावना और इतिहास
📋Quick Overview
The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Indian Constitution, declaring its source, objectives, and date of adoption. It is called the 'Soul of the Constitution' by Earnest Barker and the 'Identity Card of the Constitution' by N.A. Palkhivala. The Preamble was based on the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946 in the Constituent Assembly. Originally the Preamble described India as a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'. The words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi.
Preamble adopted: November 26, 1949 (Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas). Constitution came into force: January 26, 1950 (Republic Day). Why Jan 26? Because on Jan 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress declared 'Poorna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) Day.
📖The Preamble — Word by Word Analysis
| Word/Phrase | Meaning & Significance |
|---|---|
| WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA | Source of authority — people are sovereign; democratic principle; borrowed from USA Constitution |
| SOVEREIGN | India is free from external control; no foreign authority is supreme; member of UN but foreign policy independent |
| SOCIALIST (Added 1976) | Democratic socialism — mixed economy; not Soviet-style socialism; poverty elimination, equal opportunity, welfare state |
| SECULAR (Added 1976) | State has no official religion; all religions equal; no religious discrimination; state is neutral in religious matters |
| DEMOCRATIC | Government by the people (elected representatives); free and fair elections; universal adult franchise (18+) |
| REPUBLIC | Head of State (President) is elected — not hereditary; President elected by Electoral College for 5-year term |
| JUSTICE — Social, Economic, Political | Social: No discrimination; Economic: Equal opportunity, fair wages; Political: Equal political rights. Borrowed from Russian Revolution ideals |
| LIBERTY — of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship | Protects individual freedoms; especially Art 19 (6 freedoms) and Art 25 (religion). Inspired by French Revolution |
| EQUALITY of status and of opportunity | Art 14–16 (Right to Equality); no discrimination; equal opportunity in public employment. French Revolution ideal |
| FRATERNITY — dignity of individual + unity and INTEGRITY (Added 1976) of nation | Brotherhood among citizens; respect for every individual; national integration; INTEGRITY added by 42nd Amendment |
📝Historical Timeline of the Preamble
- •December 13, 1946: Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru — basis of the Preamble
- •January 22, 1947: Objective Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly
- •November 26, 1949: Constitution (including Preamble) adopted — now celebrated as Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas
- •January 26, 1950: Constitution came into force — celebrated as Republic Day (Gantantra Divas)
- •1976 (42nd Amendment): 'Socialist', 'Secular', 'Integrity' added to Preamble
- •Kesavananda Bharati (1973): SC held that Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended (but basic structure cannot be changed)