The Indian Constitution, a cornerstone of the nation's legal framework, is also a remarkable work of art, uniting ink, artistic skill, and India's rich cultural heritage. The original manuscript, a confluence of law and art, was meticulously handcrafted with calligraphy by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and adorned with illustrations by Nandalal Bose and his students from Shantiniketan.
These 22 illustrations, carefully chosen to represent the trajectory of Indian civilization, transform the Constitution from a legal charter into a cultural and historical artifact. They weave together history, mythology, philosophy, and national identity, reflecting India's syncretic past and democratic aspirations.
The Constitution's artistic journey begins with the national emblem and the slogan 'Satyameva Jayate'. The national emblem, adopted from Emperor Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath, symbolizes India's enduring sovereignty. Each illustration represents a different era in Indian history, embodying deliberate and chronological storytelling. From the seals of the Indus Valley Civilization to depictions of the Ramayana, the courts of Akbar, and Shivaji, the illustrations showcase India's glorious historical past and cultural diversity.
As the Constitution progresses, the illustrations pay homage to India's struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi is featured in two separate depictions: leading the Dandi March, symbolizing civil disobedience, and visiting Noakhali, alluding to his moral compass. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose stands tall, saluting the Azad Hind Fauj, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of resistance. The Constitution concludes with landscapes, including Himalayan peaks, desert dunes, and boats sailing across the waters, symbolizing India's diverse terrain and geographical unity.
Justice R.S. Chauhan highlighted the fusion of different art traditions within the Constitution's artworks, ranging from the art of Ajanta to the sculpture of Odisha, Mughal paintings, and Japanese woodblock prints. He emphasized that the illustrations visually supplement the Constitutional philosophy and mandate, reflecting the core values of pluralism, secularism, and liberal democracy. The horizontal format of the drawings is derived from ancient palm leaf miniatures of Bengal and South India, while the idea of borders on each page is taken from Mughal miniatures.
However, there have been concerns raised regarding the omission of these illustrations in newer copies of the Constitution. In February 2025, the Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar over the "missing" miniature illustrations of artist Nandlal Bose from newer copies. A member of Parliament, Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, accused some people of omitting key portions of the Constitution, including illustrations depicting Indian civilization and culture. These illustrations included depictions of the Indus Valley seal, Ram, Buddha, Mahavir, Krishna and Arjun from the epic Mahabharata, Samrat Vikramaditya, Laxmibai, Shivaji, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha directed the government to ensure that only the authentic copy of the Constitution is available.
Despite these concerns, the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution remains a testament to the power of ink, art, and India's rich cultural heritage coming together to create a document that is not only a legal framework but also a work of art.
