Test: Framing The Constitution- 2 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The Great Calcutta Killings occurred in August 1946. This tragic event marked the beginning of a year filled with violence and unrest across northern and eastern India. Key points include:

• The killings were part of a larger context of rising tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
• These events were a precursor to the widespread riots that followed, culminating in the Partition of India.
• The violence highlighted the failure of major political parties to achieve religious reconciliation.
• Independence Day on 15 August 1947 brought a mix of joy and despair, as many faced difficult choices due to the ongoing conflict.

During the Raj period, approximately one-third of the subcontinent was under the control of nawabs and maharajas.

This situation was characterised by the following points:

• These rulers had allegiance to the British Crown.
• They were largely free to govern their territories as they saw fit.
• Upon British withdrawal, the constitutional status of these princes was unclear.
• Some maharajas began to envision independent power in a divided India.

This context shaped the political landscape as the new nation emerged, leading to significant challenges regarding governance and unity.

Initially, the Socialists were unwilling to join the Constituent Assembly because they viewed it as a product of British influence. They believed it lacked true autonomy and could not represent the interests of the Indian populace effectively.

Key points regarding their reluctance include:

• The Socialists felt the Assembly was a British creation.
• They doubted its ability to be genuinely independent.
• As a result, they chose to stay away from the discussions.

This stance reflected broader concerns about the legitimacy and efficacy of the Assembly in addressing the needs of the Indian people.

The Constituent Assembly of India was formed in 1946 and originally had 389 members. These included representatives from British Indian provinces, princely states, and chief commissioners' provinces. However, after the partition of India in 1947, the number was reduced to 299 as members from areas that became part of Pakistan withdrew.

On 13 December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the "Objectives Resolution" in the Constituent Assembly.

This resolution was significant as it outlined the core ideals of the Constitution of Independent India. Key points include:

• Proclamation of India as an Independent Sovereign Republic.
• Guarantee of justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens.
• Provision of adequate safeguards for minorities and backward classes.

Nehru emphasised the importance of learning from historical efforts in constitution-making, urging members to break free from imperial influences. He highlighted the need for a Constitution that truly reflected the will of the people.

B. N. Rau played a crucial role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. As the Constitutional Advisor to the Government of India, he prepared a series of background papers. These papers were based on a thorough study of the political systems in various countries, which helped inform the Constitution's development.

Key contributions include:

• Conducted extensive research on international political systems.
• Provided valuable insights that shaped the Constitution's framework.
• Assisted in ensuring the Constitution was relevant to India's unique context.

His work was instrumental in guiding the Constituent Assembly towards creating a robust and effective legal foundation for the newly independent nation.

Ambedkar was responsible for guiding the Draft Constitution through the Assembly. His leadership was crucial during the lengthy process, which lasted three years and resulted in eleven volumes of discussions.

• Ambedkar served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
• He worked alongside other key figures, including K.M. Munshi and Alladi Krishnaswamy Aiyar, who provided essential input.
• The drafting involved extensive debates, reflecting diverse viewpoints from the members of the Constituent Assembly.
• Public participation was encouraged, with citizens invited to share their opinions on the Constitution.

This collaborative effort aimed to create a document that addressed the needs and aspirations of a diverse nation.

Somnath Lahiri perceived the pervasive influence of British imperialism during the discussions of the Constituent Assembly. He urged members and all Indians to liberate themselves from the remnants of imperial control.

During the winter of 1946-47, while the Assembly was in session:

• The British still maintained a presence in India.
• An interim administration led by Jawaharlal Nehru operated under the authority of the Viceroy and the British Government.

Lahiri highlighted that the Assembly was essentially a product of British design, stating:

• It was "working the British plans as the British should like it to be worked out."
• He called for a collective effort to resist British control and focus on true independence.

His remarks underscored the urgency for Indians to unite against their common adversary, British imperialism, and to postpone internal conflicts until they achieved freedom.

Jawaharlal Nehru was in charge of the interim administration during a crucial period in India's history. His leadership was significant for several reasons:

• The interim government operated under the direction of the Viceroy and the British Government.
• Nehru's role was pivotal as he represented the aspirations of the Indian people.
• He urged members of the Constituent Assembly to break free from imperial influences.
• Despite the constraints, Nehru's administration aimed to lay the groundwork for India's future governance.

Overall, Nehru's leadership during this time was marked by a commitment to independence and a vision for a democratic India.

The Constituent Assembly was formed to represent the aspirations of those who fought for independence. Its goals included:

• Establishing a democratic government.
• Ensuring equality and justice for all citizens.
• Addressing the needs of oppressed groups and promoting social reform.

The Assembly aimed to reflect the collective will of the people, striving to fulfil the passions and dreams of the masses who had endured struggles for freedom.

Jawaharlal Nehru expressed his hope for India's independence in 1946.

This aspiration was part of a broader movement for freedom from British rule. Key points include:

• The year 1946 was significant as it marked a period of intense political activity.
• Nehru's vision was rooted in the desire for a sovereign nation.
• His leadership during this time inspired many Indians to strive for independence.

Ultimately, India achieved independence on 15 August 1947, fulfilling Nehru's hopes and dreams for the nation.

Jawaharlal Nehru articulated that the makers of the Constitution must address “the passions that lie in the hearts of the masses.” This statement reflects the following key points:

• The Constitution should resonate with the aspirations of the Indian people.
• Nehru emphasised the importance of democracy, equality, and justice as foundational ideals.
• He acknowledged the historical struggles for liberty and social justice in India.
• Nehru urged that the Constitution should not merely replicate foreign models but should be tailored to fit the Indian context.

In his speech, Nehru highlighted the need for a Constitution that reflects the collective will of the people, ensuring that it is not influenced by external powers or impositions.

B. Pocker Bahadur from Madras strongly advocated for the continuation of separate electorates. He argued that:

• Minorities exist in all societies and cannot be ignored.
• A political framework is needed to ensure minorities can coexist peacefully.
• Separate electorates would guarantee that Muslims have a meaningful voice in governance.
• Only those from a community can truly understand its needs and represent its interests.

Bahadur's plea highlighted the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard within the political system to foster harmony among different communities.

R.V. Dhulekar expressed that the British used deceptive tactics to manipulate the situation in India. He highlighted several key points:

• The British introduced measures that seemed protective but were actually designed to maintain control.
• These tactics created a false sense of security among minorities, leading to a prolonged period of inaction.
• Dhulekar urged the people to recognise this manipulation and to reject the misleading promises of the British.

He emphasised the importance of unity among Indians to confront the real challenges posed by British rule.

Jaipal Singh was a prominent representative of the tribal communities in the Constituent Assembly. He was known for his eloquence and strong advocacy for the rights of his people. In his speech welcoming the Objectives Resolution, he expressed the following points:

• As an Adivasi, he acknowledged his lack of legal expertise but emphasised the importance of common sense in understanding the need for freedom.
• He highlighted the historical neglect and exploitation of tribal communities, stating they had been treated poorly for over 6,000 years.
• Singh called for unity among all Indians to fight for equality and opportunity, expressing hope for a new chapter in independent India.