Constituent Assembly of India

history · government · India · constitution

Created India's Constitution. The Constituent Assembly of India spent years writing the Indian Constitution, which is one of the longest and most detailed constitutions in the entire world. It became official when India became a republic on January 26, 1950.

Members were elected and nominated. Most members were elected from different provinces of British India, but about one third were nominated by the princes who ruled India's princely states. This mix of voices helped create a constitution that represented many different parts of India.

Lasted from 1947 to 1950. The Assembly worked for three years starting right after India gained independence from Britain in August 1947. During this time, the members debated and decided what rules and rights would guide the new country.

Led by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the president of the Constituent Assembly and helped guide all the discussions and decisions. He later became India's first President when the constitution was completed.

Made India a republic. Before 1950, India was a dominion under British rule, but the Constituent Assembly created a constitution that made India a fully independent republic with its own government structure.