Chapter 12 The Vision of the Constitution| Class 12 History Notes

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 12: History Notes are essential for students studying Social Science, as History is a crucial sub-subject that requires properly written answers. Scoring well in History is just as important as other subjects. These notes, made by experts, make it easier for students to learn about various historical events and concepts

These notes are essential for Class 12 students preparing for their board exams. They cover important topics like the Objectives Resolution of 1946, which outlined the goals of independent India. It also discusses the contributions of key figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar in shaping the Constitution. With simple language and clear explanations, these notes help students grasp the fundamental concepts of India’s constitutional framework.

The Vision of the Constitution

Jawaharlal Nehru presented “The Objective Resolution” to the constituent assembly on December 13, 1946. This resolution was a landmark moment, outlining the key principles of Independent India’s Constitution and setting the stage for the constitution-making process. It proclaimed India as an “Independent Sovereign Republic,” ensuring justice, equality, and freedom for its citizens, along with safeguards for minorities and marginalized groups.

By referring to the American and French Revolutions, Nehru connected India’s constitution-making to a broader history of struggles for liberty. Nehru advocated for creative thinking, blending liberal democratic ideals with socialist principles to address India’s needs.

He highlighted the importance of learning from the West while also recognizing the need for Western nations to learn from experiments elsewhere. The objective of India’s Constitution was to fuse liberal democracy with economic justice, adapting and reworking these ideas within the Indian context.

The Will of the People

Somnath Lahiri, a Communist member of the Constituent Assembly, sensed the lingering influence of British imperialism during their deliberations. He urged both the assembly members and the Indian populace to break free from imperial authority.

• Even as Jawaharlal Nehru led an interim government, British oversight remained during the Assembly’s discussions in the winter of 1946-47. This interim government could only function under the guidance of the Viceroy and the British government in London.
• Lahiri criticized the Constituent Assembly, claiming it was shaped by British interests, working according to their designs. Nehru acknowledged that nationalist leaders desired a different kind of assembly than the one proposed.
• It was evident that the British Government had imposed restrictions on the Assembly’s operations, despite it being meant to express the desires of those involved in the independence movement.
• Since the nineteenth century, Indian society has been closely associated with democratic, equitable, and just values. Social reformers fought against practices like child marriage and advocated for widows’ remarriage for social fairness.
• Swami Vivekananda urged reform within Hinduism for greater equity, while activists like Jyotiba Phule highlighted the plight of depressed castes in Maharashtra, demanding economic and social justice.
• The national movement against colonial rule naturally centered on democracy, justice, and equality. British authorities made constitutional changes in response to the increasing demand for representation, expanding Indian participation in provincial administrations.
• Although Indians did not directly shape earlier constitutional experiments, the colonial authority imposed them in response to demands for representative government. Despite expanding electorates, only a small percentage of the adult population had voting rights.
• Under the 1935 Act, legislatures were accountable to British-appointed Governors, maintaining colonial control. On December 13, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru outlined a vision for an independent, sovereign India through the formulation of the Indian Constitution.

Chapter 12 The Vision of the Constitution- FAQs

Who were the key figures involved in shaping the vision of the Indian Constitution?

Visionaries like Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, and other prominent leaders played pivotal roles in formulating the Constitution’s vision.

What were the fundamental objectives outlined in the Objectives Resolution of December 13, 1946?

The Objectives Resolution declared India as an independent sovereign republic and emphasized justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens, along with safeguards for minorities and marginalized communities.

What distinguished the Indian approach to constitution-making from mere replication of Western models?

Nehru emphasized the need for a creative and indigenous approach to constitution-making, blending liberal democratic ideals with socialist principles to suit the Indian context.

How did Somnath Lahiri perceive the influence of British imperialism during the Constituent Assembly’s deliberations?

Lahiri criticized the Assembly’s composition, contending that it reflected British interests and design rather than genuine Indian aspirations for self-governance.

What role did social reformers and activists play in shaping the vision of the Constitution?

Social reformers like Swami Vivekananda and activists such as Jyotiba Phule advocated for social justice and equity, influencing the Constitution’s commitment to equality and inclusion.