Concept notes: The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. The original Constitution of India had 395 Articles, which were divided into 22 Parts.
Explanation: The Constitution of India is a comprehensive document that outlines the fundamental principles and legal framework of the country. It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly and adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. The original Constitution of India contained 395 Articles, which were divided into 22 Parts. These Articles cover a wide range of topics, including fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, the structure and powers of the government, and the duties of citizens.
The number 395 is significant because it represents the original structure of the Constitution as it was adopted. Over the years, the Constitution has undergone numerous amendments, which have added new Articles and modified existing ones. As of now, the Constitution has over 448 Articles, but the original count was 395.
Understanding the number of Articles in the Constitution is important for students of Indian polity and law, as well as for those preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, and CLAT. It is a fundamental piece of information that helps in comprehending the structure and evolution of the Constitution.
It is important to note that while the number of Articles has increased due to amendments, the original number of 395 remains a key historical fact. Students often confuse the number of Articles with the number of amendments or round the number to a more familiar figure like 365 or 400. However, the correct and original number of Articles in the Constitution is 395.
To remember this number, one mnemonic could be to associate it with the year 1947 (395 + 1 = 396, which is close to 1947, the year of India's independence). This can help in recalling the exact number of Articles in the original Constitution.
In summary, the Constitution of India originally had 395 Articles, which were divided into 22 Parts. This number is a crucial piece of information for understanding the foundational structure of the Indian legal and political system.