Overview: History of the Indian Constitution | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Copy of Indian Constitution at Parliament Library

In this chapter we are going to see the historical background of Indian Constitution with developments dating from 1773, all the way till 1950. 

But before getting to the history, let’s understand:

• Why we need to learn the history of Indian Constitution?
• The type of questions that come in UPSC.

Why do you need to learn this chapter?

When you become an officer after clearing the UPSC exam, you would need to know each aspect of the Constitution, and to understand that, you need to understand the brief history linked with it. 

Whether it's Reservations or State formation or Rights of citizens or even any other aspect, this chapter will give you the necessary introduction to the base of problems that our constitution wanted to address.

➤ Think of these questions

• How did the genesis of framing of Indian Constitution happen from 1773?
• How is the governor appointed? Or how does an election happen?
• What is the aftermath of Sepoy Mutiny regarding British Administration of India in 1857 that affects us today?
• The above questions, and a lot more around the same, that will form your base of Indian Constitution is covered in this chapter of this course.

➤ Brief about topics covered for Preparation of Constitution

• Understanding basic steps that went into the preparation of our Constitution that runs our country.
• From how British gradually gave power to Indians.
• To the Timeline of development of Constitution.
• Roles of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, and other veteran leaders in developing our constitution.
• We will also be covering the types of questions which are being asked in the UPSC exam for your better understanding. Let's try one of the questions which have been asked in the UPSC Prelims exam: 

Type of questions that come in UPSC 

• After analysing all the previous papers of UPSC and we noticed this prominent trend:
• The questions that used to be asked in the 1990s to early 2010s were completely fact based & were directly from the ‘static part’.
• We can now see a dynamic shift in the way UPSC poses questions for students with questions having a relation both with the history and the present. 
• Now with the changed dynamics of the exam: Marathon videos and the old notes are not gonna be of any help but you will have to practice different type of questions to be well prepared
• So the students who would study Smart are the ones who would be able to crack the exam now and we will make sure that happens with you. 

Structure of This Chapter on EduRev

EduRev Videos

First watch the EduRev videos recommended for your basic understanding!
Note: Aspirants who have just started to prepare for the exam (or at times even the ones preparing for a while) usually make the mistake of making all the notes while seeing the videos at first go (p.s. we have already made them for you). This makes the preparation hard and the grasping power slow.

• Do NOT make an effort to memorise everything in the Video in the first go!
• Just try to get familiar with storyline & get an idea/overview of the chapter

➤ About the Videos in this chapter

• The lectures have been taught by Harshmeet Sir, who has appeared for UPSC Mains Exam 4 times & Interview 2 times. In his 5 years of experience he has mentored 100+ students, out of them 20+ got ranks below 300. History of the Indian constitution into 5 parts/videos, below are the links of each of the 5 timelines:

Historical background from 

• Video 1: 1773 to 1784 
  
• Video 2: 1793 to 1853 
  
• Video 3: 1858 to 1909 
  
• Video 4: 1919 to 1932 
  
• Video 5: 1935 to 1947 

EduRev Notes

Once you are through with the chronology and contents of the videos, you would need to start taking notes, we have covered the same for you with Notes prepared by some of the best teachers in UPSC. 

You can find them here: EduRev Notes

Indian Polity  by M.Laxmikanth

Beyond that complete Summary of the Chapter from the famous Laxmikanth Book is also included for you: Notes of Laxmikanth here

EduRev Tests

We have made quick tests (20-30 mins) along with the detailed notes and video lectures to help you revise the topic just after you've studied it. These tests helps you check your knowledge instantly and is a great self-improvement/instant feedback tool.

EduRev offers 5 tests for this Chapter, which cover both Static & Dynamic Questions plus even the questions from previous and recent years: 

• Test: Laxmikanth Summary - 1
• Test: Laxmikanth Summary - 2
• Test: Previous Year Questions in UPSC &  State PSCs.
• Test: EduRev’s Historical background of Indian Constitution - 1
• Test: EduRev’s Historical background of Indian Constitution - 2

➤ Other features of EduRev tests

• Nationwide rankings
• Analysis of what you have learnt (Strengths/Weaknesses)
• Detailed solutions for each question

We are sure after these tests your attitude for attempting questions would improve by leaps and bounds, and you will find yourself more empowered to crack even the 'toughest exam' of India.  

Mind-Maps 

We understand UPSC Preparation is an exhaustive journey and you need quick notes to go back & revise. Over the previous years we have received quite a few requests for the same! So we've even made Mind-maps to help you revise the complete chapter under 10-mins for the same.

Link to the: Mind Map

We hope you are now clear about the chapter and all that you need to be well prepared for it. Look forward to helping your grasp this perfection in the videos, notes and tests following this document.