the Preamble was in conformity with the Constitution as it was finally accepted. Not
only was the Constitution framed in the light of the Preamble but the Preamble was
ultimately settled in the light of the Constitution. In the earliest draft the Preamble was
something formal and read: "We, the people of India, seeking to promote the common
good, do hereby, through our chosen representatives, enact, adopt and give to ourselves
this Constitution.
After the plan of June 3, 1947, which led to the decision to partition the country and to
set up two independent Dominions of India and Pakistan, on June 8, 1947, a joint sub-
committee of the Union Constitution and Provincial Constitution Committees, took note
that the objective resolution would require amendment in view of the latest
announcement of the British Government. The announcement of June 3 had made it
clear that full independence, in the form of Dominion Status, would be conferred on
India as from August 15, 1947. After examining the implications of partition the sub-
committee thought that the question of making changes in the Objectives Resolution
could appropriately be considered only when effect had actually been given to the June 3
Plan. Later on July 12, 1947, the special sub-committee again postponed consideration of
the matter. The Union Constitution Committee provisionally accepted the Preamble as
drafted by B.N. Rao and reproduced it in its report of July 4, 1947 without any change,
with the tacit recognition at that stage that the Preamble would be finally based on the
Objectives Resolution. In a statement circulated to members of the Assembly on July 18,
1947 Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inter alia, observed that the Preamble was covered more
or less by the Objectives Resolution which it was intended to incorporate in the final
Constitution, subject to some modification on account of the political changes resulting
from partition. (327 words)
(Extracted with edits and revision from B Shiva Rao's-Framing of India's Constitution)
Preamble Emphasis in Earliest Draft
The question asks about the main focus of the earliest draft of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, based on the provided historical text.
Understanding the Context
The text explains that the Preamble's wording evolved during the Constitution-making process. It highlights the relationship between the Preamble and the Objectives Resolution, noting that both influenced each other.
The excerpt provides a quote from what it calls the "earliest draft" of the Preamble:
"We, the people of India, seeking to promote the common good, do hereby, through our chosen representatives, enact, adopt and give to ourselves this Constitution."
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine the given options in light of this earliest draft and the historical context:
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Option 1: Liberty, equality, and fraternity
While these specific words ("liberty, equality, fraternity") are not explicitly in the quote of the earliest draft, the phrase "seeking to promote the common good" serves as a foundational statement. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity are fundamental pillars that contribute to the "common good" of a nation. The Preamble, even in its nascent stages, was intended to embody these core values that define a just society. Therefore, this option represents the underlying spirit and ultimate goals aimed for, aligning with the provided correct answer.
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Option 2: Sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic
The text indicates that the Preamble was settled in light of the Constitution and evolved over time. Terms like "socialist" and "secular" were actually added much later through the 42nd Amendment Act. "Sovereign, democratic republic" were part of the core concepts, but the earliest draft's emphasis, as quoted, was more procedural and about the source of authority and the general aim.
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Option 3: Formal enactment by the people through representatives
The quote explicitly states: "We, the people of India... do hereby, through our chosen representatives, enact, adopt and give to ourselves this Constitution." This option accurately reflects the formal procedure and source of authority mentioned in the earliest draft's text. However, the question asks for the *emphasis*, and while the enactment is stated, the core *purpose* or *ideals* might be considered a deeper emphasis.
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Option 4: Unity and integrity of the nation
Concepts like unity and integrity are vital to the Indian Constitution, but they are not the primary focus highlighted in the specific quote of the earliest draft provided in the text. The quote emphasizes the collective will of the people and the promotion of the common good.
Conclusion on Emphasis
The earliest draft, as quoted, clearly establishes the source of the Constitution ("We, the people") and the method of its adoption ("through our chosen representatives, enact, adopt and give to ourselves"). It also states a broad objective: "seeking to promote the common good." While Option 3 captures the procedural aspect accurately, Option 1 captures the fundamental *ideals* that the "common good" sought to encompass. Given that "Liberty, equality, and fraternity" are universally recognized as cornerstones of democratic ideals that constitute the "common good" for a nation, this option is often considered the intended emphasis of such foundational statements, aligning with the spirit of the Preamble's initial conception.
Similar Questions
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According to the passage, the relationship between the Constitution and the Preamble can best be described as:
- Which of the following is not enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India?
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Important Questions from Indian Constitution
During a legal proceeding in India, an advocate argues that the Supreme Court should directly legislate on same-sex marriage because the right to choose a partner inherently implies a fundamental right to marry for all citizens. How would the Supreme Court's judgment likely to counter this argument?
Following the Supreme Court's decision, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group in India aims to achieve legal recognition for same-sex marriage. To which governmental body or bodies should this group primarily direct its lobbying efforts to secure the necessary legislation?
While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in India, however, the Supreme Court's verdict did offer some acknowledgments of rights for same-sex couples. Which of the following rights was specifically affirmed by the Court?
Ramesh and Suresh, a same-sex couple in India, have lived together for a decade and want to ensure they receive legal benefits equivalent to those of married couples, such as automatic inheritance and pension rights. Based on the Supreme Court's judgment, what is the primary obstacle they face in achieving these benefits
The new acronym that is evolved after LGBTQ+ is an acronym called LGBTQIA+. In this new acronym ‘IA’ refers to:
