Growing up in India, I always heard about the “Indian Constitution” in history classes, but honestly, it felt like one of those heavy, boring topics that only lawyers cared about. Little did I know how extraordinary and unique our Constitution truly is! It wasn’t until a random conversation with a friend—let’s call him Arjun, a lawyer by profession—that I realized how much I’d underestimated it.
We were sitting at a quaint café in Delhi, sipping chai, when Arjun casually asked, “Do you know how long it took to write the Indian Constitution?” I threw out a wild guess—“Five years?” He laughed and said, “Nope. It took two years, eleven months, and eighteen days.” He went on to explain how this document, which holds the foundation of our democracy, wasn’t just written but crafted with immense care. By the end of that chat, I was blown away by the nuggets of history he shared, and I thought, why not pass them on?
Here are some unknown and mind-blowing facts about the Indian Constitution that might just amaze you as much as they did me.
Unknown Facts About The Indian Constitution
Fact #1. The Longest Written Constitution in the World
When Arjun said, “Did you know our Constitution is the longest in the world?” I was genuinely surprised. It has 448 articles, 12 schedules, and more than 100 amendments. He explained that this wasn’t just because Indians love to be thorough—it was to ensure that every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, had their rights clearly defined. And it made sense. India is a melting pot of cultures, and creating a Constitution that could cater to everyone wasn’t an easy task.
Fact #2. Borrowed, Yet Uniquely Ours
“Guess how many countries inspired the Indian Constitution?” Arjun asked. I stared blankly. Turns out, we cherry-picked the best elements from over 10 different constitutions! For instance, the idea of Fundamental Rights came from the US Constitution, while the Parliamentary System was borrowed from the UK. Yet, what we created wasn’t just a mash-up—it was tailored to suit the Indian way of life. “It’s like making biryani,” Arjun joked. “You take a little spice from here and a little flavor from there, but the dish is totally your own.”
Fact #3. Handwritten Perfection
Here’s a fact that will blow your mind: the original Constitution wasn’t printed—it was handwritten. Yes, painstakingly calligraphed in both English and Hindi by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, it’s a work of art. Every page is decorated with beautiful illustrations by artists from the Shantiniketan school, including the famous Nandalal Bose. When Arjun showed me photos of the original manuscript, I couldn’t help but admire how much effort went into making something not just legally profound but visually stunning.
Fact #4. A Constitution Without Gender Bias
Arjun shared a little anecdote about how the Constitution was way ahead of its time when it came to gender equality. While drafting it, leaders like B.R. Ambedkar and Hansa Mehta made sure women had equal rights. This wasn’t the norm in many other countries back then! For instance, India granted universal adult suffrage (the right to vote) to men and women alike right from the beginning—something even the US and UK took years to achieve. It gave me goosebumps to think about how progressive that was for 1949.
Fact #5. The Heartfelt Preamble
“The Preamble,” Arjun said with a smile, “is like the soul of the Constitution.” He explained how its words—Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity—weren’t just chosen randomly. Each word reflects the aspirations of a newly independent India. Interestingly, the word “Secular” was added later during the 42nd Amendment in 1976 to reaffirm our commitment to religious harmony. Arjun shared how this word has always sparked debates, but at its core, it represents unity in diversity—a phrase we Indians hold dear.
Fact #6. A Living, Breathing Document
One thing that stuck with me was how the Indian Constitution isn’t rigid—it evolves. “It’s like a tree,” Arjun said. “It grows with time.” He pointed out that while the US Constitution has only been amended 27 times, ours has undergone over 100 amendments. It’s a testament to how India adapts to changing social, political, and economic realities. The recent debates on GST, data privacy, and environmental laws show how the Constitution continues to shape modern India.
Fact #7. Dr. Ambedkar: The Unsung Hero
Most of us know Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the “Father of the Indian Constitution,” but do we realize the sheer magnitude of his work? Arjun narrated how Ambedkar, despite facing caste discrimination all his life, poured his energy into ensuring that India’s Constitution upheld the rights of marginalized communities. “It wasn’t just law for him,” Arjun said. “It was justice.” Knowing this, I felt an immense respect for his vision and dedication.
Image Source– Wikipedia
Fact #8. The Quirky Trivia
Before we wrapped up our chai session, Arjun threw in a few fun facts:
- Did you know the Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 but came into effect on 26th January 1950 to honor the declaration of Purna Swaraj in 1930?
- The Republic Day Parade we celebrate every year is not just pomp and show—it’s a tribute to the day the Constitution came alive.
- The Indian Constitution is available in 22 languages, making it accessible to people across the nation.
A Masterpiece of Vision
Walking out of the café that day, I felt a deep sense of pride. The Indian Constitution isn’t just a legal document; it’s a reflection of our collective dreams, struggles, and aspirations. It reminded me that being an Indian means embracing diversity, fighting for justice, and striving for equality.
So, the next time you hear about the Indian Constitution, don’t just think of it as a boring topic from your history book. Think of it as a living masterpiece, one that continues to guide and protect us every single day. And if you ever find yourself in a café with a lawyer friend like Arjun, ask them about it—you might walk away amazed too.