Indian Constitution Related: History Of Constitutional Development In India (Part - 1)?

Question

Indian Constitution Related:  History Of Constitutional Development In India (Part - 1)?

Answer

History of Constitutional Development in India (Part - 1)

India has a rich tradition of constitutional development that dates back to ancient times. The concept of democracy and rule of law can be traced back to the Vedic period. The Mauryan Empire, which ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent from 322 to 185 BCE, had a well-organized administrative system that was based on the principles of justice and equity.

The British Raj

The British Raj brought about a major change in the constitutional development of India. In 1858, the British government took direct control of India from the East India Company. The British introduced a number of constitutional measures to govern India. The most significant of these was the Government of India Act, 1858, which established the British Raj and transferred all powers from the East India Company to the British Crown.

The Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 with the aim of representing the interests of the Indian people and promoting their participation in the government. The Congress played a key role in the constitutional development of India. In 1919, the Government of India Act was passed, which introduced the principle of self-government and gave Indians a limited role in the administration of their country.

The Simon Commission

In 1927, the British government appointed the Simon Commission to review the Government of India Act and make recommendations for further constitutional reform. However, the Commission did not have any Indian members, which led to widespread protests and boycotts.

The Round Table Conferences

In 1930, the British government convened the first Round Table Conference to discuss the future of India. The Congress boycotted the conference, but representatives of other political parties attended. The conferences continued until 1932, but no agreement was reached on the future of India.

The Government of India Act, 1935

The Government of India Act, 1935, was the most important constitutional measure introduced by the British government in India. It established a federal system of government and gave Indians a greater role in the administration of their country. However, the Act also retained significant powers for the British government, particularly in the areas of defence, foreign affairs, and finance.

In conclusion, the constitutional development of India has a long and complex history that has been shaped by a variety of factors, including ancient traditions, colonial rule, and the struggle for independence. The next part of this article will focus on the post-independence period and the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

Answer

1773 regulating act

Top Courses for UPSCView all

Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly

History for UPSC CSE

Lucent for GK

Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

CSAT Preparation

Top Courses for UPSC

Top Courses for UPSC

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

About UPSC

UPSC Preparation Material

NCERT Based Study Material

How to Prepare for UPSC Exam?

Famous Books for UPSC Exam

UPSC Subjects

UPSC Optionals

Other Popular Exams

Company