Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 258

The copies of the Constitution before enforcement was handwritten in which language?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the official languages of India and the historical context of the Constitution's creation.

Correct Answer: A) Hindi & English.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking Exams, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, is a significant document that outlines the framework of the Indian government and the rights and duties of its citizens. One of the unique aspects of this document is that it was handwritten in two languages: Hindi and English. This decision was made to ensure that the Constitution was accessible to a wide range of people across the country, given the linguistic diversity of India.

The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world, comprising 448 articles, 12 schedules, and 98 amendments. The original handwritten copies of the Constitution were prepared by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a calligrapher who used a special type of nib to write the document. The text was written in a flowing, elegant script, and the pages were decorated with ornamental borders and floral designs.

The choice of Hindi and English as the languages for the handwritten copies was significant. Hindi is one of the official languages of India and is widely spoken across the northern and central parts of the country. English, on the other hand, is also an official language and is widely used in government, business, and education, particularly in urban areas. By using both languages, the framers of the Constitution ensured that the document would be accessible to a broad spectrum of the Indian population.

It is important to note that while the Constitution was handwritten in Hindi and English, it does not mean that these are the only languages in which the Constitution is available. The Constitution has been translated into all the official languages of India, as well as into many other regional languages, to ensure that it is accessible to all citizens. This reflects the commitment to linguistic diversity and inclusivity that is a hallmark of the Indian Constitution.

Understanding the language in which the Constitution was handwritten is an important aspect of Indian history and governance. It highlights the significance of language in the context of national identity and the importance of making the Constitution accessible to all citizens, regardless of their linguistic background.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The handwritten copies of the Indian Constitution were indeed written in Hindi and English, reflecting the official status of these languages in India.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While Sanskrit is a revered language in India, it was not one of the languages used for the handwritten copies of the Constitution. The Constitution was written in Hindi and English.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Constitution was not written in Hindi and Sanskrit. The official languages used for the handwritten copies were Hindi and English.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The handwritten copies of the Constitution were written in specific languages, namely Hindi and English, and thus "None of the above" is not the correct answer.

Mnemonic: HE for Hindi and English

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