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Mahatma Gandhi on Hindustani Language

Chapter 15 discusses the framing of the Indian Constitution, highlighting the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru, which proclaimed India as an Independent Sovereign Republic and guaranteed justice, equality, and democracy. It also covers various perspectives on minority definitions, arguments for provincial power, the significance of Hindustani as a national language, and the historical forces that shaped the Constitution. Additionally, it addresses the protection of oppressed groups, the need for a strong central government post-independence, and the resolution of language controversies within the Constituent Assembly.

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35 views6 pages

Mahatma Gandhi on Hindustani Language

Chapter 15 discusses the framing of the Indian Constitution, highlighting the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru, which proclaimed India as an Independent Sovereign Republic and guaranteed justice, equality, and democracy. It also covers various perspectives on minority definitions, arguments for provincial power, the significance of Hindustani as a national language, and the historical forces that shaped the Constitution. Additionally, it addresses the protection of oppressed groups, the need for a strong central government post-independence, and the resolution of language controversies within the Constituent Assembly.

Uploaded by

jayuugujjar
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 15th

Framing the Constitution


Or
The Making of the Constitution
Textual Questions:
Que 1: What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?

Ans: - On 13th December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the ‘Objectives Resolution’
in the constituent assembly. The resolutions outlined the defining ideals of the
Constitution which are as under:

1) India was proclaimed to be an Independent Sovereign Republic.


2) It guaranteed Justice, Equality, Freedom and Fraternity to all its citizens.
3) It provided adequate safeguards to minorities, backward, tribal areas and
depressed.
4) It guaranteed social, political and economic democracy to all sections of the
people.

Que 2: How was the term minority defined by different groups?

Ans: - Different members of the Constituent assembly defined the minority in their own
ways:

 N.G Ranga, a socialist urged that the term minorities be interpreted in economic
terms. According to him the real minorities were the poor and the downtrodden.
 B. Pocker Bahadur from Madras wanted a political framework in the country
which might enable minorities to live in harmony with others. He considered
Muslims as a minority and stated that they must have a meaningful role in the
governance of the country.
 Jaipal Singh, the tribal member of the constituent assembly held the opinion that
the real minorities were the tribal people who had been disgracefully treated and
neglected for the last 6000 years.
 The Depressed caste members asserted that the real minorities are the depressed
class people or the so called untouchables.

1
Que 3: What were the arguments in favour of greater power to the provinces?

Ans: - The rights of the provinces in the constituent assembly were defended by K.
Santhanam from Madras. He emphasized the need to strengthen the States. He was not in
favour of vesting more powers with the Centre. He was of the opinion that centre would
not be able to perform its duties efficiently in case it is over burdened. On the other hand
he said that Centre will become automatically strong if all the States are made stronger.
He advocated that Centre should be given less powers and the States should be given
more powers.

Que 4: Why did Mahatma Gandhi think Hindustani should be the national language?

Ans: - In view of Mahatma Gandhi Hindustani was a language that the common people
could easily understand. Also the Indian National Congress accepted the view that
Hindustani should be the national language of India. Mahatma Gandhi felt that all the
people should speak in a language which can well be understood by the common people.
Hindustani- a blend of Hindi and Urdu- was a popular language of a large section of the
people of India. Moreover it was a composite language enriched by the interaction of
diverse cultures. As per Mahatma Gandhi such a multi-cultural language would be the
ideal language of communication between diverse communities. It would also unify
Hindus and Muslims and the people from North to South.

Essay Type Questions:


Que 5: What historical forces shaped the vision of the constitution?

Ans: - The Constitution of India was framed between December 1946 and December
1949. During this period various historical forces worked in shaping the vision of the
Constitution:

1) The founding fathers of our Constitution were inspired by the ideals of the French
Revolution, the working of Parliamentary democracy in Britain and the Bill of
Rights in the USA.
2) The 1917 Russian Revolution inspired our leaders to establish a government based
on social and economic equality.
3) The Indian Constitution also adopted many institutional details and procedures
from the Government of India Act 1935.
4) Certain basic values of Nehru Report and the Karachi Session of the Indian
National Congress such as Universal Adult Franchise, Right to freedom and
equality also shaped the vision of the Constitution.

2
5) The 1937 elections also gave Indian National Congress an experience of the
legislative and political institutions which later on helped in developing an
agreement over institutional design.

Que 6: Discuss the different arguments made in favour of protection of the oppressed
groups.

Ans: - It was felt in the Constituent assembly that oppressed classes like tribals, the
backward class people and untouchables required special attention and safeguards to
enable them raise their status and come to the level of the general population. As they
were almost rejected in the society, hence for their upliftment they were required to be
assimilated in the society. The members such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, B. Pocker Bahadur
and N.G. Ranga highlighted the miserable plight of the oppressed groups and suggested
that they should be treated honorably. Some members of the depressed castes emphasized
that their disabilities were caused by the social norms and the moral values of caste
system. Some suggested that they should be given reservation in the government services
and educational institutions. They should be allowed to enter the temples without any
restrictions. The constituent assembly finally recommended that untouchability be
abolished and Hindu temples should be open to all castes. Moreover the lowest castes
should be given reservation in the legislature and government offices.

Que 7: What connection did some of the members of the Constituent Assembly make
between the political situation of the time and the need for a strong Centre?

Ans: - On 15th August 1947, India became independent from the British rule. However
this independence was painful also, as India was divided into two parts. This partition
was marred with communal violence. So many leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru,
Ambedkar favored a strong centre in order to enable it to stop the communal frenzy. It
was felt that a strong centre was the need of the hour and any deviation from this might
jeopardize the interests of the nation. According to some members peace, prosperity and
political stability was not possible in case of a weak centre. Balakrishna Sharma, a
member of the United Provinces was of the view that only a strong centre could plan for
the well being of the country, mobilize the resources, ensure the strong defence and
establish a proper administration. Some members also favored the strong centre because
they felt that the earlier political pressures of the Muslim League for a decentralized
structure were no longer there. Therefore almost all the members were of the view that in
order to check the chaos and communal violence and to usher economic development of
the country- a strong centre is the need of the hour.

3
Que 8: How did the Constituent Assembly seek to resolve the Language controversy?

Ans: - The issue of Language was widely debated for months in the Constituent
Assembly. Congress had already decided to adopt Hindustani as the national language of
the country. Mahatma Gandhi was also in favour of adopting Hindustani as the national
language. He argued that everyone should speak in a language which is understood by
most of the common people. It was a blend of Hindi and Urdu and was enriched by the
interaction of diverse cultures. However with the passage of time when communal
conflicts deepened, Hindi and Urdu started growing apart. Hindi became more
Sanskritised and Urdu became more Persianised. As a consequence, Hindustani language
became associated with the politics of religious identities. R.V Dhulekar, a congressman
from the United Provinces, made an aggressive plea that Hindi should be the national
language of India. After many heated debates and discussions, the language committee of
the Constituent Assembly produced its report and agreed that Hindi would be the official
language of India. However the transition to Hindi would be gradual and for the first
fifteen years English would continue to be used for all official purposes. Now Gandhiji
also supported Hindi as the national language but many members from South India
pleaded against the making of Hindi as the official language of India. They supported
Hindustani instead of Hindi. Yet they obeyed the call of Mahatma Gandhi and carried on
Hindi propaganda in the South. However in order to accommodate many voices, fourteen
regional languages were recognized as the official languages of the States by the
Constitution of free India.

Very Short Answer Type Questions:


1) The Indian Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly on which date.
Ans: - 26th November 1949.
2) When was the Constitution of India signed?
Ans: - The Constitution of India was signed on December 1949.
3) When Indian Constitution came into effect?
Ans: - The Indian Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950.
4) Who was R.B Dhulekar?
Ans: - He was a Congress member from the United Provinces. He strongly
recommended in the Constituent Assembly that Hindi should be made the national
language.
5) Which is the longest constitution in the world?
Ans: - Indian Constitution.
4
6) When was Constituent Assembly formed?
Ans: - Constituent Assembly was formed on July 1946. It had 389 members.
7) When did Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objective Resolutions in the
Constituent Assembly?
Ans: - 13th December 1946.
8) Who was the first temporary president of the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: - Dr. Sachidanand Sinha.
9) Who was the first permanent president of the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: - Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
10) Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: - Dr. B.R Ambedkar.
11) Who was Dr. B.R Ambedkar?
Ans: - Dr. B.R Ambedkar was a famous lawyer and economist. He was the
chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
12) Who proposed the resolution that the National Flag of India should be a horizontal
tricolor of Saffron, white and dark green, with wheel in navy blue at the centre?
Ans: - Jawaharlal Nehru.
13) The partition of took place in……..
Ans: - 1947.
14) The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 was…….
Ans: - Maharaja Hari Singh.
15) Who was the famous orator of the tribals in the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: - Jaipal Singh.
16) Who was Somnath Lahiri?
Ans: - Somnath Lahiri was the communist member of the Constituent Assembly.
He believed that Constituent Assembly was British made and was working to
accomplish the British plans.
17) Define Constitution?
Ans: - By Constitution, we mean legal document according to which the
government of the country is run.
18) The first session of the Constituent Assembly was held on:
Ans: - 9th December 1946.

5
Syllabus based questions:
Que. 1: Give a brief account of Constituent Assembly?

Ans: - The Constituent Assembly was formed in July 1946 to frame the Constitution of
India. It had 389 members, of which 296 members were to be elected on the basis of
provincial elections and 93 representatives were from the Princely States. The first
session of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9th December 1946. Dr. Sachidanand
Sinha was made the temporary president of the Assembly to conduct its proceedings. On
11th December 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was appointed as the first permanent President
of the Constituent Assembly. In the debates and discussions held in the Constituent
Assembly, diversity of opinions among all the members became quite imminent.

Que. 2: Discuss the salient features of the Indian Constitution?

Ans: - The main features of the Indian Constitution are as under:

i) Written and detailed Constitution: Like the constitution of the United States
of America, the Indian Constitution is a written one and is available in book
form. The framers of this Constitution had given a detailed description of the
three organs of the government i,e Executive, Legislature and Judiciary,
Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties etc.
ii) Federal in structure and Unitary in Strength: Although the Indian
Constitution is federal in structure, it has made the Central government so
powerful that it has been pointed out that it has become almost unitary in
practical sense.
iii) Parliamentary form of Government: The Indian Constitution has established
a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and the States. The real
powers are vested with the Cabinet which is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
iv) A Secular State: The new Constitution has declared India to be a secular State
where all the citizens enjoy equal rights irrespective of their caste, color, creed,
religion and sex.
v) Fundamental Rights of the Citizens: Like the Constitution of U.S.A, the
Indian Constitution has guaranteed several fundamental rights to all its
citizens. Among these rights the most important are those of Right to Equality,
Liberty, Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, Right against
Exploitation and Right to Constitutional remedies.

Common questions

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The debate in the Constituent Assembly regarding the division of power reflected concerns over governance efficiency versus regional autonomy. Proponents like K. Santhanam argued for decentralization, believing a strong state-level authority would naturally strengthen the center by ensuring local adaptability and efficient administration . He feared overburdening the center could weaken its function and responsiveness. Conversely, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar supported a strong central government, especially critical in the immediate post-independence context marked by communal strife and partition-induced instability . They posited that a strong center was essential for maintaining national unity, peace, and coordinated economic development . The understanding that centralized strength was crucial to counter external and internal threats influenced the Constitution's eventual power balance, ensuring a robust federal structure with significant central prerogatives while respecting state roles .

The Constituent Assembly integrated secularism into the Indian Constitution by ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion, aligning with historical precedents and lessons learned from communal tensions during independence . Secularism was influenced by the Western model, especially the separation of church and state observed in places like the USA and inspired by France's emphasis on liberty and equality . India's context required a nuanced approach considering its diverse religious fabric and past communal conflicts . The Constitution declared India a secular state and embedded fundamental rights, safeguarding religious freedom and prohibiting discrimination based on religion. This approach aimed to maintain civic harmony and uphold individual rights, promoting a unified yet diverse national identity . The commitment to secularism furnished a stable foundation for democratic governance amidst India's religious diversity .

The Constituent Assembly addressed demands for reservation and safeguards by instituting policies that recognized socio-economic disparities faced by oppressed classes. Influential members like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated for special attention towards tribals, backward classes, and untouchables, emphasizing reservations in legislatures, government services, and educational institutions . This initiative aimed to integrate these groups into society, reflecting the broader constitutional goals of equality and justice through affirmative action. Moreover, the abolition of untouchability and the opening of Hindu temples to all castes were significant steps towards rectifying historical social injustices and promoting inclusivity . These measures aligned with the fundamental ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution, aiming to create social democracy where all sections could realize dignity and equal opportunity irrespective of past disadvantages . By embedding such policies, the Constitution sought a fair society through tangible equality measures, reinforcing its commitment to justice and equal rights .

The original provisions related to federalism in the Indian Constitution aim to balance power distribution between the Centre and the States while ensuring the central government remains robust enough to maintain national unity. The Constitution adopts a highly centralized federal structure, resembling the Government of India Act 1935, promoting central dominance in critical areas like defense, foreign affairs, and communication . Concurrent and State Lists delineate responsibilities, allowing state governments control over specified matters, which acknowledges regional autonomy and enhances local governance . However, the Residual Powers lie with the Centre, ensuring a unifying legal and administrative framework . Provisions like the division of legislative powers, emergency provisions, and financial arrangements were designed to address both regional aspirations and national requirements, creating a functional equilibrium suited to India’s diversity . The structure sought to integrate diverse regions while preventing balkanization, supporting coordinated political and economic development .

The 1937 elections were pivotal in shaping the Indian Constitution's democratic structures. These elections under the Government of India Act 1935 were the first significant experiment in colonial India's provincial autonomy, offering Indian leaders practical exposure to legislative processes and governance dynamics . It provided the Indian National Congress and other leaders critical insights into the functioning of parliamentary democracy, highlighting both its potential and challenges in a diverse cultural milieu. This experience informed their decision to establish a parliamentary form of government within the Constitution, where real power lay with elected representatives accountable to the populace . The elections made manifest the importance of having robust provincial structures while maintaining a coordinated central governance system for balance and efficacy . These lessons facilitated a structured approach towards federal democracy, ensuring effective representation, accountability, and stability in governance .

The Constituent Assembly debated extensively over the national language. Proponents like R.V Dhulekar advocated for Hindi as the national language to foster unity and emphasize a single communicative medium . Mahatma Gandhi supported Hindustani, a blend of Hindi and Urdu, for its broad cultural inclusivity and common understanding among diverse populations . However, due to communal tensions, Hindustani divided into more distinct forms, leading to a preference for Hindi. Despite resistance from South Indian members who favored Hindustani, Hindi was decided as the official language with the compromise that English would remain for official functions for fifteen years, allowing a gradual transition . Additionally, to promote inclusivity, fourteen regional languages were granted official status at the state level, recognizing India's linguistic diversity .

In the Constituent Assembly, the definition and protection of minorities were debated with differing perspectives. N.G. Ranga viewed minorities economically, advocating for the poor and downtrodden . B. Pocker Bahadur emphasized a political framework safeguarding Muslims' governance role, while Jaipal Singh highlighted the historically neglected tribal communities as real minorities . Depressed caste members argued their minority status stemmed from societal exploitation . As resolutions, the Assembly abolished untouchability and opened Hindu temples to all castes. Reservations for untouchables, access to government services, education, and political representation ensured upliftment. The Constitution institutionalized protective measures like guaranteed social, political, and economic democracy for these groups . This multifaceted approach reflected the Assembly's intent to address historical injustices across diverse minority groups, balancing varied interests .

The historical context and previous political experiences significantly influenced the framers of the Indian Constitution. They were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, such as liberty and equality, and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in Britain, which demonstrated a stable democratic process . The American Bill of Rights influenced their emphasis on fundamental rights. The 1917 Russian Revolution further inspired them to incorporate social and economic equality principles, evidenced by institutions striving to diminish class disparities . The Government of India Act 1935 provided a structural foundation, while the Nehru Report and the Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress offered specific democratic norms like universal adult franchise. The experiences from the 1937 elections equipped Congress leaders with practical governance insights, aiding in the design of governmental structures. Thus, the combination of borrowed ideals and practical experiences formed a unique framework designed to address India's socio-political challenges .

The 'Objectives Resolution' presented by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, played a crucial role in framing the Indian Constitution. It proclaimed India as an Independent Sovereign Republic, guaranteeing Justice, Equality, Freedom, and Fraternity to its citizens . The resolution aimed to protect minorities and oppressed classes, providing constitutional assurance and aspirational goals of social, political, and economic democracy. These ideals served as guiding principles during the constitution-drafting process, ensuring that the document not only established governance structures but also reflected the socio-cultural ambitions and philosophical vision for a modern, diverse nation . By addressing the need for justice and equality, it laid the groundwork for a constitution geared towards inclusivity and democratic representation. These principles showcased the intent towards creating an equitable society respecting diverse cultural identities while aiming for collective progress .

The language controversy post-independence was intensified by cultural and political identities clashing over linguistic preferences. Hindi and Urdu, initially considered a unified 'Hindustani', diverged amid escalating communal tensions, linking language with religious identities . R.V. Dhulekar strongly advocated for Hindi as the national language, while many from South India opposed this due to regional linguistic pride and fear of Hindi dominance . The Constituent Assembly, recognizing these tensions, opted for a conciliatory approach; Hindi was slated as the official language, with a fifteen-year transition period during which English would also be used for official purposes . By recognizing fourteen regional languages, the Constitution aimed to preserve linguistic diversity while providing a framework that aimed for gradual unity without alienating linguistic groups, thus striving for national cohesion through balanced linguistic policies .

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