Row over 22 illustrations in Constitution

Why in the NEWS?

• The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha that most of the copies of the Constitution currently available do not include the 22 illustrations made by Nandalal Bose.

Key Points:

• The original copy of the Indian Constitution contains 22 illustrations, which depict the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country.
• These paintings were created by renowned painter Nandalal Bose and his associates.
• Each illustration is located at the beginning of a part of the Constitution and depicts various important periods and personalities from Indian history.

What will you read next in this topic?

• Painting of Indian Constitution
• Description of the 22 pictures of the Constitution:

Painting of Indian Constitution

Calligraphy and Illustrations

• The Constitution was handwritten by calligrapher Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada.
• The paintings were conceived and executed by Nandalal Bose and his team at Shantiniketan.
• The paintings reflect Indian history, from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the freedom struggle.
• Scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are also depicted.
• India's geographical diversity is also depicted in the paintings, such as camel rides in the desert and views of the Himalayas.

The purpose of the paintings

• Not to depict the contents of the Constitution, but to present the historical and cultural perspective of India.
• According to art historian R. Siva Kumar, the paintings present the history of India from Nandalal Bose's perspective.

Appointment of artists

• In October 1949, before the last session of the Constituent Assembly, Nandalal Bose was assigned the task.
• His associates included Kripal Singh Shekhawat, A. Perumal and Direndrakrishna Deb Burman.
• The intricate patterns on the Preamble page were designed by Behar Ram Manohar Sinha, and the national emblem Ashoka Pillar was designed by Dinanath Bhargava.
• Artists who painted historical scenes were paid Rs 25 per page.
• The two copies of the Constitution (English and Hindi) are handwritten and illustrated.
• Today these copies are preserved in special helium-filled cases in the Indian Parliament Library.

Description of the 22 pictures of the Constitution:

• Indus Valley Civilisation: The first picture depicts the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro, which symbolizes the advanced city planning and culture of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation.
• Gurukul System: The second picture depicts the Gurukul of the Vedic period, in which teachers and disciples are shown receiving education in natural surroundings.
• Scene from Ramayana: The third picture is related to the Ramayana, in which Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are shown returning to Ayodhya in the Pushpaka Vimana.
• Scene from Mahabharata: The fourth picture is of the Kurukshetra war of the Mahabharata, in which Lord Krishna is shown preaching the Gita to Arjuna.
• Gautam Buddha: The fifth picture shows Lord Buddha attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, which points to the basic principles of Buddhism.
• Lord Mahavira: The sixth picture shows Lord Mahavira in a meditative state, which symbolizes the principles of non-violence and truth of Jainism.
• Emperor Ashoka: The seventh picture shows Emperor Ashoka preaching Buddhism, which reflects his message of Dhamma propagation and peace.
• Gupta period art: The eighth picture displays the art of the Gupta dynasty, which includes a scene of Hanuman ji, which shows the rich cultural heritage of that time.
• Vikramaditya's court: The ninth picture is of the court of King Vikramaditya, in which he is shown sitting on the throne Battisi.
• Nalanda University: The tenth picture displays the seal and picture of the ancient Nalanda University, which shows the high standards of education in ancient India.
• King Bharat: The eleventh picture shows King Bharat standing with a horse, which symbolizes the naming of India.
• Nataraja: The twelfth picture shows the statue of Nataraja, in which Lord Shiva is shown performing the Tandava dance, which symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation and destruction.
• Bhagirath's Penance: The thirteenth picture shows the penance of King Bhagirath, which resulted in the descent of Ganga to earth.
• Akbar's Court: The fourteenth picture is of the court of Mughal emperor Akbar, in which he is shown sitting with his courtiers.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh: The fifteenth picture displays the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji and the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.
• Rani Laxmibai and Tipu Sultan: The sixteenth picture shows the heroes of the freedom struggle, Rani Laxmibai and Tipu Sultan.
• Mahatma Gandhi: The seventeenth picture displays Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March, famous as the Salt Satyagraha.
• Gandhiji in Noakhali: The eighteenth picture shows Mahatma Gandhi among the riot victims in Noakhali, which shows his message of non-violence and peace.
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: The nineteenth picture shows Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose with the Azad Hind Fauj.
• Himalayan view: The twentieth picture depicts the Himalayan range, which symbolises the geographical diversity of India.
• Desert view: The twenty-first picture depicts the Thar Desert, which symbolises the geographical diversity of the country.
• Ocean view: The twenty-second picture depicts the Indian Ocean, which symbolises the maritime boundaries and marine wealth of India.