Constitutional Development (BPSC) of India
introduction
The constitutional evolution of India has been a long-term process, in which various Acts of British rule and constitutional reforms played an important role. A number of laws and reforms were implemented before the Indian Constitution was formed, which laid the foundation of administration in India.
In this article, we will understand the constitutional development of India in a simple, detailed, and orderly manner.
1. Governance and Initial Act of the East India Company (1773-1858)
The British East India Company started trading in India in 1600 and gradually established administrative control. But the corruption and arbitrary rule of the Company led to the intervention of the British Government, which led to the introduction of constitutional enactments.
(1) Regulating Act, 1773 (Constitutional development of india began with this act)
This was the first law that allowed the British government to exercise control over the administration of the Company.
Main provision:
✔ The Governor of Bengal was made “Governor-General” (first Governor-General Warren Hastings).
✔ A 4-member Executive Council was created to assist the Governor-General.
✔ The first Supreme Court was established in Calcutta.
✔ The company was ordered to report to the British government every year.
(2) Pitt‘s India Act, 1784
This act separated the business and administration of the Company.
Main provision:
✔ The British government formed a “Board of Control”, which would oversee the administration of the company.
✔ The Governor-General was given more powers.
✔ The British Parliament increased control over Indian administration.
(3) The Charter Act, 1813
✔ The East India Company’s trading monopoly was abolished (except for tea and trade with China ).
✔ British citizens were allowed to do business in India.
✔ The education and propagation of religion of Indians were encouraged.
(4) The Charter Act, 1833
✔ The Governor-General of Bengal was made the “Governor-General of India” (the first Governor-General became Lord William Bentinck).
✔ The company’s business was completely liquidated.
✔ There was talk of giving Indians a place in government services.
(5) The Charter Act, 1853
✔ For the first time, the examination for recruitment to the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was introduced.
✔ Legislative councils were expanded to improve Indian administration.
2. Direct Rule of the British Government (1858-1947)
(6) Government of India Act, 1858 (constitutional devlopment of india under British crown)
✔ The rule of the East India Company was abolished.
✔ The entire power of India was handed over to the British Crown (British Government).
✔ The first Viceroy was appointed in India (Lord Canning).
✔ The “Indian Council” was formed for the Indian administration.
(7) Indian Councils Act, 1861
✔ Indians were included in the Viceroy’s Executive Council for the first time.
✔ Some autonomy was given to the provinces.
✔ The “portfolio system” was implemented, whereby separate portfolios were assigned to ministers.
(8) Indian Councils Act, 1892
✔ For the first time, the indirect election system was introduced.
✔ Legislative councils were expanded.
✔ Indians got the right to take part in legislative discussions.
(9) Morley-Minto Reforms 1909
✔ For the first time, Indians found a place in the Central Legislative Council.
✔ Muslims got the right to have a separate electorate.
(10) Government of India Act, 1919 – Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
✔ “Dyarchy” began.
✔ Legislative councils were expanded in the provinces.
✔ For the first time, a “Bicameral Legislative Assembly” was created at the Centre.
(11) Government of India Act, 1935
✔ The foundation of federal government was laid in India.
✔ Full autonomy was given to the Centre and the provinces.
✔ Plans were made to include Indian states in the Union.
✔ The Governor-General was given more powers.
3. India’s Independence and Constitution Making (1947-1950)
(12) Indian Independence Act, 1947 (Indian Independence Act, 1947)
constitutional development of india after independence.
✔ India and Pakistan became two independent nations.
✔ The British power came to an end.
✔ For the first time in India, the Constituent Assembly got the right to run the government.
4. Constitution Making (1947-1950)
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
✔ Formation of the Constituent Assembly – 9 December 1946
✔ President of the Constituent Assembly – Dr. Rajendra Prasad
✔ The principal architect of the Constitution – Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
✔ The formation of the Constitution took a total of 2 years 11 months and 18 days.
The constitutional development of India was a long process in which various Acts and reforms played an important role. Through these Acts, India gradually moved towards becoming an independent democratic republic.
In this way, this article is not only historically important, but is also useful for students preparing for UPSC, BPSC, SSC and other exams.