The Handwritten Constitution of India: A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship and Dedication
By Dr Sunil S Rana
MD, The Lexà, a Law Firm
The Constitution of India is not only the supreme law of the land but also a masterpiece of artistry and dedication. Few know that this monumental document, the longest written constitution in the world, was not printed but handwritten. This exquisite manuscript is a testament to the meticulous efforts of the calligrapher Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada and the artistic contributions of Nandalal Bose and his team.
The Handwritten Marvel
When India was about to adopt its Constitution, the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, desired it to be handwritten in an elegant italic style rather than printed. For this unique task, Nehru approached Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada, a renowned calligrapher from Delhi. Born on December 16, 1901, into a family of handwriting experts, Prem Bihari inherited his artistic flair from his grandfather, Ram Prasad Saxena, a scholar of Persian and English, and an accomplished calligrapher.
Trained rigorously in calligraphy from an early age, Prem Bihari gained fame for his impeccable handwriting. After graduating from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, he dedicated his life to mastering the art of calligraphy.
When Nehru asked him about his fee for writing the Constitution, Prem Bihari graciously declined any monetary compensation, saying, “By the grace of God, I have all the things, and I am quite happy with my life.” However, he made one humble request: to inscribe his name on every page of the Constitution and his grandfather's name on the last page. Nehru agreed, and thus began the creation of a manuscript that would become a historical treasure.
Crafting the Manuscript
Prem Bihari spent six months in a room in the Constitution Hall of India, meticulously hand-writing the entire Constitution. He used 432 pen holders and imported nibs, specifically nib number 303b, sourced from England and Czechoslovakia. The manuscript, weighing approximately 3.65 kilograms, consists of 251 parchment pages, each measuring 22 inches long and 16 inches wide.
Every word in the manuscript is a work of art, with italic letters gracefully slanting across the page. The curl of the Bs and Rs, the loops in the Us, and the perfectly coiled quotation marks reflect a precision and artistry that are hard to imagine being done by hand.
Artistic Contributions of Nandalal Bose
Before Prem Bihari began his work, he and the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, visited Santiniketan on November 29, 1949, to consult the famous painter Nandalal Bose. Bose and his students from Kala Bhavan meticulously adorned the Constitution’s pages with artistic imagery that represented India's rich cultural heritage.
The illustrations were not mere embellishments; they narrated India’s historical and spiritual journey. From depictions of Mohenjo-daro seals, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the life of Gautama Buddha to portrayals of Rani Lakshmibai, Tipu Sultan, Mahatma Gandhi’s movements, and Subhas Chandra Bose’s leadership, every image aligned with the text it accompanied.
These decorations made the Constitution not just a legal document but a cultural and artistic representation of the nation’s identity.
Preservation of the Manuscript
The original handwritten Constitution is preserved in the Library of the Parliament House in New Delhi. It is housed in nitrogen-filled cases with tightly controlled temperature (20°C ± 2°C) and humidity (30% ± 5%) to ensure its longevity. This vault-like room safeguards one of the most significant artifacts of modern India’s history.
The Constitution’s Making: A Democratic Endeavor
The making of the Indian Constitution was a democratic feat in itself. The Constituent Assembly, consisting of 299 members, met over three years (1946–1949) to draft the document. Chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Drafting Committee drew from various global constitutions while addressing the unique needs of a newly independent and diverse nation.
The Assembly debated extensively on critical issues such as fundamental rights, minority protection, and federal governance, ensuring that the Constitution reflected the aspirations of all Indians.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
India’s Constitution is a blend of borrowed wisdom and indigenous values. While it incorporates elements from the British Parliamentary system, the American Bill of Rights, and the Irish Directive Principles, it remains rooted in Indian traditions. The illustrations by Nandalal Bose and the calligraphy by Prem Bihari symbolize this blend of modernity and heritage.
Legacy of the Handwritten Constitution
Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada passed away on February 17, 1986, but his contribution to India’s history remains immortal. The handwritten Constitution, with its 22 parts, 395 articles, and 8 schedules (in the original version), is not just a legal document but a work of art and a symbol of national pride.
The Constitution’s aesthetic appeal, with its beautifully bordered pages and flawless handwriting, stands as a reminder of the dedication and craftsmanship of its creators. It is a living testament to the aspirations of a nation and the commitment of individuals like Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada and Nandalal Bose, who contributed to its making.
Conclusion
The Constitution of India is much more than a legal framework; it is a cultural artifact, a historical milestone, and a tribute to the values of democracy and unity. The handwritten manuscript, preserved with care, continues to inspire generations with its artistry and the story of its creation. It serves as a reminder that even in an era of typewriters and printing presses, the human touch can create something truly timeless.
Comments
Post a Comment