Unit 1 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
1.1 Constitutional developments 1858 - 1946
,Introduction
● January 26, 1950: Birth of the Republic with the adoption of the present
Constitution.
● Constitution: Legal framework defining government structure, functions, and
guiding principles
● Constitutional Law:
○ Encompasses rules governing government structure, interrelationships, and functions.
○ Includes legal rules and binding conventions, requiring knowledge of constitutional history
● Historical Backgroun: Constitution shaped by historical context, not a
political revolution but a product of deliberations. Study of constitutional
development crucial, especially during the British Period, laying the
foundation for modern political institutions.
● Phases of Constitutional Growth:
○ 1600-1765: East India Company's influence begins.
○ 1765-1858: British colonial expansion and consolidation of power.
○ 1858-1919: Introduction of constitutional reforms and Indian representation expansion.
○ 1919-1947: Heightened nationalist movements and demand for self-rule.
○ 1947-1950: Transition to independence, drafting, and adoption of the Constitution.
, 1600-1765
British Arrival and Establishment
● East India Company's arrival in India in 1600 as traders, driven by tales of
India's wealth and maritime opportunities.
● Charter from Queen Elizabeth in 1600 granted the company a monopoly on
East India trade and authorized armed security.
● Company established trading centers at Surat (1612), Madras (1639), and
Calcutta (1690), becoming principal settlements.
● English settlements established with consent of Indian rulers, leading to
gradual establishment of British sovereignty.
● Legislative power granted to Governor and Company through charters, aimed
at regulating company business and maintaining discipline.
1.1 Constitutional developments 1858 - 1946
,Introduction
● January 26, 1950: Birth of the Republic with the adoption of the present
Constitution.
● Constitution: Legal framework defining government structure, functions, and
guiding principles
● Constitutional Law:
○ Encompasses rules governing government structure, interrelationships, and functions.
○ Includes legal rules and binding conventions, requiring knowledge of constitutional history
● Historical Backgroun: Constitution shaped by historical context, not a
political revolution but a product of deliberations. Study of constitutional
development crucial, especially during the British Period, laying the
foundation for modern political institutions.
● Phases of Constitutional Growth:
○ 1600-1765: East India Company's influence begins.
○ 1765-1858: British colonial expansion and consolidation of power.
○ 1858-1919: Introduction of constitutional reforms and Indian representation expansion.
○ 1919-1947: Heightened nationalist movements and demand for self-rule.
○ 1947-1950: Transition to independence, drafting, and adoption of the Constitution.
, 1600-1765
British Arrival and Establishment
● East India Company's arrival in India in 1600 as traders, driven by tales of
India's wealth and maritime opportunities.
● Charter from Queen Elizabeth in 1600 granted the company a monopoly on
East India trade and authorized armed security.
● Company established trading centers at Surat (1612), Madras (1639), and
Calcutta (1690), becoming principal settlements.
● English settlements established with consent of Indian rulers, leading to
gradual establishment of British sovereignty.
● Legislative power granted to Governor and Company through charters, aimed
at regulating company business and maintaining discipline.
