Celebrating the Geographical Diversity
Ancient Definition of Bharat in Vishnu Purana
उत्तरं यत्समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् ।वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र संततिः ।।2.3.1।।
Geographical Boundaries in Constitutional Illustrations
This verse from the Vishnu Purana essentially defines the territorial boundaries of India i.e., Bharat - meaning thereby, the country that is situated in the north of the Ocean and in the south of the Himalayas (abode of snow) is called Bharat and there dwell the descendants of Bharata.
Parts XX to XXII:
Depicting the same in its spirit
through illustrations of natural features,
we have the last three Parts of the Constitution
celebrating the geographical diversity of the nation.
The Majestic Himalayas
Part XX
Geological Marvel of the North
Part XX illustrates the majestic Himalayas that have stood as the guardian of India in the North in adversities since their formation 50 million years ago during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Natural Protective Barrier
Numerous foreign invasions have been thwarted due to this gigantic wall of snow, which is oft-referred to as the Crown of India.
Sacred Cultural Significance
The Ranges hold great civilization significance, hosting the 'Kailash Parvat' as the holy abode of Mahadev, Badrinath and Kedarnath as the sacred dhams, and Gangotri and Yamunotri as the source of two sacred rivers, thus being a taposthali for sadhus and seekers for centuries.
The Desert - Part XXI
The Desert Portrayal
Part XXI depicts the Desert with the travelers riding atop decorated camels traversing the vast ocean of sands for trade and commerce.
Desert Biomes of India
India is a home to many desert biomes with their respective exquisite features. Few of these include the Great Indian Desert at Thar, Ladakh desert, Cold desert at Spiti Valley, Deccan thorn scrub forest and White Salt Desert at Kutch.
Cultural Significance
These deserts have shaped the unique culture and lifestyle of local communities, with colorful traditions, folk music, and distinctive architecture designed to withstand the harsh climate, becoming an integral part of India's diverse heritage.
The Ocean - Part XXII
Artistic Portrayal
Part XXII portrays a scene of the ocean wherein a ship rides the torrential waves of deep-sea.
Geography of the Indian Ocean
This is a depiction of the Indian Ocean that borders the Indian peninsula on the South and has served as an important and strategic source for commutation, trade, and livelihood.
Cultural Significance
Oceans and seas have been considered sacred and our past is replete with stories centered around these giant water bodies – from samudra-manthan to lanka-vijay.
Modern Importance
Even today, the commercial and strategic importance of the ocean is enormous.
Harappan Period: Part I
Constitutional Context
Part I defines Union and its Territories and states that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. The illustration in Part I is that of the Zebu bull, depicting the Harappan Period or the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and the ancient roots of Bharatiya civilization.
Significance of the Zebu Bull Seal
The square-shaped Bull seal, exclusively found at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, carved on with short inscriptions featuring the majestic zebu bull is one of the most impressive motifs found on the Indus seals.
Leadership Symbol
As per few archeologists, the bull is symbolic of the leader of the herd, known for its strength and virility.
Sacrificial Significance
Others say, it stands for a sacrificial animal.
Cultural Relevance
From the civilizational standpoint, the animal has its association with Bhagwan Shiva making it sacred as well as its significance in agriculture is well-documented.
Vedic Period: Part II
The Constitutional Connection and Vedic Illustration
Proceeding to the Part II which deals with Citizenship, we come across an illustration of the Vedic Ashram (Gurukul) wherein the environment of the gurukul is set in nature with the teachers and disciples sitting together, surrounded by birds and animals sitting peacefully. In the foreground, a rishi is portrayed as conducting the agnihotra sacrifice.
Ancient Gurukul System
The gurukul education model established a close bond between teacher and student in a natural setting, promoting holistic development.
Types of Knowledge
Students gained both para (empirical knowledge) and apara (spiritual knowledge of atma and Brahman).
Citizenship Connection
The gurukul system created enlightened citizens conscious of their duties toward environment, society and nation.
The Essence of Vedic Education
By way of this ancient system of education, the idea being depicted here is to educate and transform a student into an enlightened citizen who has attained knowledge - both para (empirical and objective knowledge related to intellect and the sense) and apara (knowledge of the atma and of Brahman), and is conscious towards his environment, society and nation and takes care of his duties.
Epic Period: Part III
चलत बिमान कोलाहल होई। जय रघुबीर कहइ सबु कोई॥सिंहासन अति उच्च मनोहर। श्री समेत प्रभु बैठे ता पर॥2॥राजत रामु सहित भामिनी। मेरु सृंग जनु घन दामिनी॥रुचिर बिमानु चलेउ अति आतुर। कीन्ही सुमन बृष्टि हरषे सुर॥3॥
The Ramayana Depiction in the Constitution
Part III is headed by a scene of the Ramayana from Lanka-Kanda wherein Rama-Sita-Laxman are depicted flying aboard the pushpak-vimaan on their way to Ayodhya post-Lanka conquest. The scene is depicted in the Ramcharitmanas as under:
Lord Ram as a Constitutional Icon
Maryad-purshottam Shriram is an ideal and role model for every individual in Indian society who by the virtue of his leela and conduct is worshipped as an embodiment of dharma and nyaya in human form. The depiction is a significant landmark in the Constitution in the Part related to Fundamental Rights.
Judicial Recognition
Interestingly, on placing reliance on this art, Justice Hari Nath Tripathi of the Allahabad High Court, in the case of Vishwa Hindu Adhivakta Sangh v. Union of India (1993), pronounced that Ram is a "constitutional entity, and, admittedly, a reality of our national culture and fabric and not a myth."
Epic Period: Part IV
Bhagavad Gita: The Constitutional Philosophy
Part IV depicts a scene from the Mahabharata wherein Sri Krishna is propounding the Bhagvad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield. The Directive Principles provide a roadmap to Good Governance, to policy formulation and to the functioning of a Welfare State.
The Mahabharata Scene
When the ace archer Arjuna was faced with his kith and kin in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he was overpowered by sentimentalism and confused about his dharma (duty).
Krishna's Divine Instruction
Sri Krishna gave the clarion call:
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप।।2.3।।
"Yield not to unmanliness, O Partha! This does not befit you. O scorcher of foes! Arise having shaken off this mean faint-heartedness."
Constitutional Relevance
This injunction of Gita exhorts us to shun all fear, become strong in all aspects, and perform our dharma (duty) in respective walks of life. This applies equally to a householder, a sannyasin, a ruler or the ruled.
The philosophical foundation of Duty and Governance established in the Bhagavad Gita harmonizes material and spiritual welfare, mirroring the intent of the Directive Principles in Part IV of the Constitution.
Swami Vivekananda has prescribed this shloka as the quintessence of Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing its universal message of courage and duty that continues to inspire constitutional values.
Mahajanapada & Nanda Period: Part V
Buddha's Enlightenment and First Sermon
Part V depicts Gautam Buddha absorbed in samadhi underneath the bodhi-vriksh, surrounded by monks and animals. This is the famous episode wherein after his enlightenment, Buddha preached his first sermon - Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ('Turning the Wheel of Dhamma') to five ascetics, in the deer park at Sarnath.
The Four Noble Truths
The Existence of Suffering
Buddha taught that suffering (dukkha) exists in all forms of life.
The Cause of Suffering
Suffering arises from craving (tanha) and ignorance (avijja).
The End of Suffering
The cause of suffering can be eliminated, leading to nirvana.
The Path to End Suffering
The Noble Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering.
The Middle Path
He warned the monks against extreme devotion to the indulgence of sense-pleasures as well as self-mortification and prescribed the madhyam-marg (the middle path) as the way to end suffering by following the
Noble Eightfold Path:
1
Right Views
2
Right Aims
3
Right Speech
4
Right Action
5
Right Livelihood
6
Right Effort
7
Right Mindfulness
8
Right Concentration
Constitutional Parallels
Executive and Parliament
Part V deals with the Union and its structures - Executive, Parliament, and Judiciary. Buddha's teachings on responsible governance and the welfare of people resonate with the role of the Executive as envisioned in the Constitution.
Democratic Principles
Parliament embodies the functioning of Buddhist Sangha which operate on democratic principles, with decisions made collectively and with consensus, ensuring representation and equality in decision-making.
Pragmatic Governance
Buddha's emphasis on dialogue and consensus mirrors parliamentary processes. Legislative Powers of the President reflect Buddha's Pragmatism to follow the madhyam marg to address urgent issues while remaining accountable to constitutional norms.
Mahajanapada & Nanda Period:
Part VI
Part VI of the Constitution addresses the governance of states and its constituents. It also illustrates Vardhaman Mahavira the 24th Tirthankara in a meditative posture and a peacock standing holding a flower in its beak.
Jain philosophy is rooted in the five mahavratas (Great Vows)
1
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
2
Satya (Truth)
3
Asteya (Non-stealing)
4
Aparigraha (Non-possession)
5
Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Anekantavada: The Theory of Plurality
The philosophy of Jainism emphasizes that the ultimate truth is complex and has multiple aspects i.e., "Anekantavada - the theory of plurality" - which align with the diversity in state administration and the need for harmonious coexistence among varying laws and practices. It refers to simultaneous acceptance of multiple and even contradictory viewpoints. This philosophy is thus a sine qua non to govern a multilingual and multi-culturally diverse nation like India.
Ethical Governance and Constitutional Ethos
Mahavir's emphasis on ethical leadership, equitable law-making, and impartial judicial processes serves as a guiding philosophy for the duties and responsibilities detailed in these chapters. This parallel reinforces the Constitution's roots in India's civilizational ethos and its commitment to ethical governance.
Mauryan Period:
Part VII
Constitutional Context
Part VII dealt with the administration and integration of states categorized in Part B of the First Schedule. These were princely states that merged with India after independence, requiring a balanced approach to ensure their assimilation into the Union.
Ashoka's Buddhist Mission
Part VII depicts the propagation of Buddhism by Emperor Ashoka, riding atop an elephant, carrying the relics of Buddha, and sending monks to neighboring territories to spread the message of Buddha. Post-Kalinga battle, Ashoka is said to have shun violence and adopted Buddhism. Thereafter, he sent missions to states and territories across the sub-continent to spread the teachings of Buddha. The spread of Buddhism is widely attributed to Ashoka.
Symbolic Significance
The illustration serves to depict the emphasis on efforts to unify diverse entities under a framework that respects individuality while promoting shared ideals, whether through constitutional principles or the propagation of Dharma. This connection underscores the deep-rooted tradition of using governance as a tool for ethical and societal harmony.
Gupta Period: Part VIII
Constitutional Framework for Union Territories
Part VIII provides for the governance of Union Territories, which are directly administered by the central government, ensuring their integration into the Union of India while addressing their unique characteristics. This centralized structure emphasizes unity and effective governance in regions that may lack the capacity for self-administration as states.
The Golden Age of India
Part VIII depicts the development during Gupta Period and is referred to as the "Golden Age" due to political unification of the subcontinent as well as the multidimensional development achieved in this period including in the spheres of art, architecture, literature, science and technology, metallurgy, and philosophy.
Symbolic Representation in Constitutional Art
The art depicted herein also illustrates Hanuman either carrying the Sanjeevani Buti for curing Laxman during the Lanka war or travelling in quest of Mata Sita. Just as Hanuman's efforts were crucial to the welfare and unity of the larger mission, the Union Territories are integral to India's sovereignty and collective progress.
Gupta Period: Part IX
Panchayats and Constitutional Framework
Panchayats in the Indian Constitution establish the framework for decentralized governance at the grassroots level. Part IX illustrates a scene from Vikramaditya's Court. Chandragupta II also known as Vikramaditya, was a legendary, righteous, and just ruler who started the Vikram Samvat in 57 BC and during whose reign the Gupta dynasty reached its pinnacle by expanding and consolidating territories through conquests and marital bonds.
Vikramaditya's Governance Model
The governance model of Panchayats aligns with the ideals of equity, inclusion, and ethical administration exemplified by Vikramaditya's reign. His court at Ujjain was adorned by nine famous scholars referred as navratnas (the nine jewels):
Kalidasa
Renowned playwright and poet
Amarasimha
Sanskrit linguist
Varahmihira
Astronomer and astrologer
Dhanvantari
Master of Ayurveda
Ghatakarapara
Architect
Shanku
Architect
Kahapanaka
Skilled astrologer who advised the king on auspicious timing
Vararuchi
Prakrit grammarian who preserved regional languages
Vetala Bhatta
Author of Mantra Shastra and spiritual advisor
Symbolism of Inclusivity and Decentralization
Vikramaditya's court symbolized inclusivity and decentralization of wisdom and power. The presence of the Navratnas (nine scholars) reflects his reliance on a diverse council for governance, akin to how Panchayats involve local representatives to address the community's needs.
Economic Prosperity and Vision
Vikramaditya issued gold coins (also known as dinar), silver coins and copper coins. The footer at the end of the page features an extremely rare gold coin (archer-type) which is symbolic of the prosperity during his reign. This depiction also lays down the vision for Panchayats to act as instruments to sustain and promote rural prosperity.
Nalanda University: Part X
The Official Seal
Part X is headed by an illustration of the seal of Nalanda University which bears an impression of the dharmachakra (wheel of law) flanked by two deer and an inscription that reads "Sri Nalanda Mahavihariya Arya Bhikshu Sanghasya" ("Of the Sangha of Venerable Monks of the Great Nalanda Monastery").
Educational Legacy
At the bottom of the page is a scene depicting monks at the monastery engaged in teaching. Nalanda was a Buddhist monastery established during the reign of Shakraditya, is considered to be the world's very first residential university, and among the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world.
Constitutional Provisions in Part X
Part X provides special provisions for Scheduled Areas and Tribes to safeguard their cultural identity, traditions, and autonomy. These provisions, found in Articles 244 and 244A, ensure self-governance and respect for indigenous practices through frameworks like the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
Symbolism and Connection
Nalanda University symbolized the preservation and dissemination of cultural and spiritual knowledge. The seal's inscription highlights the role of the Sangha in maintaining cultural heritage, akin to how Part X aims to protect the unique traditions of tribal communities.
Medieval Period: Part XI
Part XI deals with the relationship between the central government and the states, providing the framework for the distribution of power, such as the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
Constitutional Framework
Union Powers
Matters of national importance including defense, foreign affairs, and currency
Concurrent Powers
Shared responsibility between Union and States including education, forests, and marriage
State Powers
Matters of regional concern, including public health, agriculture, and local government
Symbolic Representation
Part XI is adorned by the famous Orissan Sculpture – 'Horse led by its retainer' (War Scene) placed in Sun Temple, Konark (1238-64 AD), which is a depiction of the Ashwamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice) - a ceremony conducted by powerful kings to assert their dominion over regions, demonstrating their supreme control and the submission of neighboring territories.
Significance and Parallels
This ritual embodies the centralization of power, akin to how the Constitution divides power between the Union and the States, ensuring a balance of authority. Overall, it reflects the delicate balance of centralized power and regional autonomy, with an emphasis on maintaining harmony between diverse entities for the greater collective good.
Nataraja: Part XII
Ancient Symbolism in Constitutional Framework
Part XII bears the Nataraja sculpture, representing Shiva in his cosmic dance, signifying the destruction and recreation of the universe in a continuous cycle. This aligns with the constitutional principle of the government's role in maintaining balance through taxation, revenue allocation, and public welfare.
Traditional Symbols and Financial Principles
Cosmic Balance
Part XII bears the Nataraja sculpture, representing Shiva in his cosmic dance, signifying the destruction and recreation of the universe in a continuous cycle. This aligns with the constitutional principle of the government's role in maintaining balance through taxation, revenue allocation, and public welfare.
Swastika Symbolism
The Swastika, associated with auspiciousness and well-being, represents cycles of regeneration, positive transformation, and good fortune in Indian culture. This ties in with the transformative role of financial systems—allocating resources for development, creating infrastructure, and ensuring long-term prosperity.
Cyclic Renewal
The Swastika's connection to balance and cyclic renewal mirrors the cyclical nature of the Indian financial framework, which seeks to regenerate the nation's wealth and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Mahabalipuram Sculptures: Part XIII
Part XIII depicts the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, especially the Arjuna's Penance.
The Arjuna's Penance Interpretation
As per one version, the ascetic doing tapasya on one leg, is believed to be Arjuna, performing penance to receive the Pasupatha-astra to defeat the Kauravas. Bhagwan Shiva, pleased with his penance, is seen granting him the boon.
The Descent of Ganga Interpretation
Another narrative suggests the sculpture to be that of the Descent of Ganga. The same ascetic is believed to be Sage Bhagirath performing penance to seek Shiva's help in bringing the River Ganga from the heavens to earth. Bhagwan Shiva grants the wish and brings Ganga down to earth from heaven through his hair-locks.
Symbolism and Constitutional Connection
The Mahabalipuram sculptures, whether depicting Arjuna's Penance or the Descent of Ganga, symbolize unity, effort, and divine intervention, which align with the goals of Part XIII of the Constitution. Just as these powerful narratives reflect the transformation of individual and collective efforts into monumental outcomes, Part XIII ensures the smooth, integrated functioning of India's internal market, paving the way for economic and social growth. Both the sculptures and the constitutional provision emphasize the importance of breaking barriers to achieve a unified and prosperous society.
Court of Akbar: Part XIV
Akbar's Rule and Artistic Heritage
Part XIV has an illustration of the court of Akbar depicting the Mughal Rule known for pioneering art and architecture, and also depicts centralized and efficient administration.
Merit-Based Administration System
Akbar instituted a robust bureaucracy and employed a merit-based system for administration, much like the constitutional provisions ensuring efficiency, transparency, and fairness in the Indian civil services.
Fatehpur Sikri and Constitutional Parallels
In the background is the new capital of Fatehpur Sikri. These icons epitomize the values of centralized governance, efficiency, meritocracy, and cultural patronage, all of which resonate with the aims of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution and reflect a vision of governance that integrates cultural, intellectual, and administrative progress to foster a unified, well-functioning state.
Shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh: Part XV
Part XV deals with elections and showcases the historical legacy of two great leaders who fought for sovereignty and freedom.
Historical Leaders and Constitutional Context
Part XV deals with elections and has sketches of Shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler and Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru had been at the forefront of the battle against the atrocious Mughal Rule.
Electoral Framework and Sovereignty
Part XV addresses the electoral framework that ensures the democratic functioning of India, empowering citizens with the right to vote and choose their leaders. Elections, as a mechanism of sovereignty, allow the people of India to assert their democratic right, akin to the Maratha and Sikh leaders asserting regional sovereignty and cultural autonomy in the face of external domination.
Struggle Against Foreign Domination
The satraps had given their highest sacrifice in their struggle against the foreign invading forces seeking to plunder and loot the wealth of the country as well as converting the Indians. They can be correlated with the theme of resistance, sovereignty, and national identity, emphasizing the importance of defending democratic rights, individual freedoms, and national integrity—values they both upheld during their struggles against the Mughal rule.
Legacy and Constitutional Principles
Their legacies of resistance to foreign rule align with the democratic principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the power of the people to choose their leaders and safeguard the nation's unity and integrity.
British Period & National Freedom Movement:
Part XVI
Part XVI - pertaining to Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes of the Indian Constitution - is represented with sketches of Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tipu Sultan, both of whom are celebrated for their valiant resistance against British colonial rule.
Constitutional Framework of Part XVI
Part XVI addresses special provisions for certain classes in India, illustrated through freedom fighters who stood for equality and justice against oppression.
Historical Significance of Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tipu Sultan
Their inclusion in the Constitution reflects the broader concept of 'Swaraj' (self-rule or complete freedom from foreign domination), which was the central idea of the Indian freedom movement, and which contributed to the broader movement that ultimately led to India's independence, showcasing the power of collective resistance against imperialism.
Constitutional Values and Freedom Struggle
Their fight symbolizes the quest for ideals of democratic governance, equality, and social justice that the Indian Constitution aims to uphold.
Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March: Part XVII
Part XVII: Official Language Provisions
Official Language of the Union of the Indian Constitution, which focuses on the designation of Hindi as the official language of the Union, along with provisions for the use of English. Part XVII illustrates Mahatma Gandhi walking with a stick depicting Gandhiji's Dandi March in 1930 against the British salt monopoly. Gandhiji had been a strong votary for adopting Hindi as the national language.
1
Historical Significance
Under his leadership, the march marked the stepping-stone for the initiation of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Gandhiji had a good gauge of public sentiment and was an effective communicator.
2
Mass Movement
Therefore, he chose salt as a means to connect the masses of the country, irrespective of their caste, class, or religion, thus making the freedom movement a mass movement.
3
Constitutional Connection
This symbolizes the power of a unifying cause that transcends divisions, whether linguistic, regional, or social. Gandhi's ability to use salt to unite millions is akin to how the official language provisions in the Constitution aim to bring together a country of diverse linguistic groups.
Symbolism and Unity
Both Gandhi's approach to mass mobilization and the language provisions in the Constitution emphasize accessibility, inclusivity, and unity in a diverse, democratic society.
Gandhiji at Noakhali: Part XVIII
The Historical Illustration
Part XVIII depicts Gandhiji's visit during the Noakhali Riots. In the illustration, he is seen visiting Noakhali where he is being welcomed by women with an aarti thali in their hands, even as Muslim peasants seem to be looking at him from behind a bamboo fence.
Constitutional Connection
Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions in the Indian Constitution, which provides the framework for the declaration of a national, state, or financial emergency, can be symbolically connected to the depiction of Mahatma Gandhi during the Noakhali Riots.
Gandhi's role as a harbinger of peace, even amidst violence and chaos, parallels the emergency provisions that aim to restore order and protect national integrity in times of crisis.
Gandhi's Peace Mission
Through his brave journey to the riot-affected areas, Gandhiji demonstrated how individual courage and moral leadership could help restore stability during emergency situations - reflecting the spirit behind the constitutional provisions in Part XVIII.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: Part XIX
Part XIX illustrates the valiant leader of the Indian National Army in his characteristic uniform, proudly saluting the tricolor against a mountainous backdrop.
"Father of our Nation, in this holy war for India's liberation, we ask for your blessings and good wishes."- Netaji's message to Mahatma Gandhi on Azad Hind Radio, 1944
Historical Context
The illustration honors Netaji's revolutionary approach to India's freedom struggle through the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and his bold military strategy against colonial rule.
Artistic Elements
Netaji is depicted with confidence and pride, wearing his iconic military uniform, with the meaningful words of his message to Gandhi etched on the border of the illustration.
Constitutional Significance
Part XIX reflects the constitutional provisions for varied functions of governance, mirroring how Netaji's contributions represented one vital aspect of the multifaceted freedom struggle that led to India's independence and democratic republic.
Just as Netaji united Indians across differences under the banner of freedom, the Constitution unites all citizens under a single national identity while preserving the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
This presentation is dedicated to:
Illustration: The Common Man [R. K. Laxman]