Jonah Patel
The Constitution of India is the world's longest written constitution, governing the world's largest democracy. It is not just a legal document but also a work of art. The original manuscript, produced in 1954, was illuminated by Nandalal Bose, known as the artist laureate of India, and his team of artists from Kala Bhavan, Visvabharati University. The exquisite calligraphy was done by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, and several students of Santiniketan worked on the borders that frame each page. The illustrations represent styles from different civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, ranging from the prehistoric Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley to the present.
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What You'll Learn
Nandalal Bose, the master artist
Born in 1882, Nandalal Bose developed an early interest in art, particularly modelling images and decorating Puja pandals. Despite initial resistance from his family, he eventually pursued his passion at Calcutta's School of Art. The young artist drew inspiration from the murals of the Ajanta Caves, a fascination that would shape his future creations.
Bose's talent was quickly recognised, and he became the first recipient of a scholarship from the Indian Society of Oriental Art in 1907. This marked the beginning of a illustrious career that saw him become the principal of the Kala Bhavana (College of Arts) at Tagore's International University Santiniketan in 1921.
One of Bose's most iconic creations was a black-and-white linocut print of Mahatma Gandhi, depicting his 1930 protest against the British tax on salt. This powerful image became a symbol of the non-violence movement, showcasing the artist's ability to capture the essence of a movement through his work.
However, Bose's most notable contribution to Indian history was his involvement in illuminating the Constitution of India. Led by Bose, a team of artists, including his students from Kala Bhavan and Shanti Niketan, adorned the original manuscript with intricate and stunning artworks. These illuminations not only enhanced the visual appeal of the document but also served as a celebration of India's rich culture, diverse heritage, and illustrious history.
Bose's mastery extended beyond his art, as he played a pivotal role in art education. After his retirement, he collaborated with his former student, Nani Gopal Ghosh, to offer a two-year certificate course in various crafts for the housewives of Shantiniketan. Additionally, he was the first artist to be elected Fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi, India's National Academy of Art, in 1954.
Today, Nandalal Bose's legacy continues to inspire, with his artworks available as posters, frames, canvas prints, and more through platforms like Tallenge Store. His impact on Indian art is undeniable, and he is remembered as a master artist whose creations continue to captivate and inspire generations.
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Prem Behari Narain Raizada, the calligrapher
Prem Behari Narain Raizada, born on December 16, 1901, was an Indian calligrapher who is renowned for transcribing the Constitution of India by hand. Coming from a family of calligraphers, Raizada was destined for a life of penmanship. After losing his parents at a young age, his grandfather, Ram Prasad Saxena, raised him and taught him the art of Indian calligraphy. Raizada further honed his calligraphic skills at St. Stephen's College in Delhi.
When the Constituent Assembly of India finalised the Constitution in the late 1940s, the first Prime Minister of independent India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, wanted the historical document to be handwritten. Nehru believed that the physical form of the manuscript should embody its spirit. Thus, Prem Behari Narain Raizada was chosen for his mastery of calligraphy.
Raizada's task was not an easy one. Over six months, he meticulously inscribed the 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble of the Constitution, totalling 251 pages. He used 432 pen-holder nibs sourced from England and Czechoslovakia to achieve his elegant script. Raizada's dedication to his craft is evident in the final manuscript, where not a single word is misplaced, nor is there a single blot of ink.
Raizada's remuneration for this momentous task was not monetary. Instead, he requested that his name be included on every page of the Constitution, and his grandfather's name, Ram Prasad Saxena, be added to the final page. This condition was honoured, immortalising their names in the document. The original manuscript, weighing 3.75 kg, is now safely stored in the library of the Parliament of India, preserved for future generations.
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Jamuna Sen, one of the illuminators
Jamuna Sen was one of the illuminators of the Constitution of India, a document that laid the cornerstone of the world's largest and most vibrant democracy. Sen worked under the guidance of Nandalal Bose, the master artist who was called upon by Jawaharlal Nehru to lead the design process. Sen was part of a team of artists from Kala Bhavan, Visvabharati University, that included Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, Dinanath Bhargava, Kripal Singh Shekhawat, A. Perumal, and Vinayak Sivram Masoji, among others.
Jamuna Sen, born in 1912 in Haveli Kharagpur in the Munger District of Bihar, was an Indian artist known for her design work in various mediums, including Batik and Alpona. She was the daughter of Nandalal Bose, a central figure in modern Indian art, and grew up in the artistic and intellectual milieu of Santiniketan. Sen was a pioneer in establishing the practice of Batik (wax-resist dyeing) in modern India. She was also a talented dancer, excelling in the Rabindra-Nritya style that evolved under Rabindranath Tagore in Santiniketan.
Sen joined Kala Bhavana as a student in 1931 and remained associated with the institution even after her studies ended in 1936, joining the faculty in 1943. She learned the art of creating frescos and linocut printmaking and her landscape paintings reflected the influence of renowned artists such as Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. In 1951, she co-directed a two-year certificate course in design with Nanigopal Ghosh, covering subjects such as Batik, embroidery, and weaving. This initiative marked the revival of the artists-guild Karunsangha, with the aim of encouraging members to pursue handicrafts alongside their home chores.
Sen's artistic talent is evident in her illustration for the Constitution, which depicts a scene from Lord Mahavir's life. The composition bears her signature alongside that of Nandalal Bose, showcasing her significant contribution to this historic document. Sen's work on the Constitution of India is a testament to her skill and a reflection of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the nation.
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Sumitra Narayan, the youngest illuminator
Narayan studied at Kala Bhavan from 1949 to 1953, under the guidance of Gauri Bhanja. Her native language was Konkani, and she had to learn Bengali during her time at Kala Bhavan. Narayan's signature can be found under the frame she designed. After her time at Kala Bhavan, Narayan became an Arts and Crafts teacher at Patha Bhavan School in Kolkata, a role she held from 1965 until 1991.
Sumitra Narayan was chosen by Nandulal Bose to create illustrations for the Constitution. Her inclusion is particularly notable as she was the youngest illustrator on the team, and her contributions added to the rich cultural and historical representation within the document. The Constitution of India is not just a legal document but also a work of art, with each page reflecting India's diverse and vibrant heritage.
The process of creating the Constitution's artwork involved using indigenous techniques, such as applying gold leaf and stone colours. The illustrations represent styles from various civilizations and periods in India's history, from the prehistoric Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley to more modern times. Sumitra Narayan's role in this artistic endeavour is a testament to her talent and contribution to India's cultural heritage.
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Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, the preamble artist
Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, born on the 15th of June 1929, is known as the preamble artist who illustrated the original final manuscript of the Constitution of India. He is one of India's extraordinary artists, known for his exceptional artistic skills and dedication to his craft. Sinha dedicated his life to promoting Indian art and building cultural bridges between the Far East and India, earning him the title of a cultural ambassador of India.
Sinha's family played a significant role in India's history and freedom movement. He was the youngest son of Beohar Rajendra Sinha, a renowned Gandhian, scholar, historian, theologian, littérateur, Hindi activist, Ramayana authority, journalist, and politician. Growing up in the city of Jubbulpore, now known as Jabalpur, in Madhya Pradesh, his family residence, BeoharNiwas-Palace, was a hub of nationalistic activities. Notable freedom fighters and political figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, frequently visited their home.
Sinha's artistic talent was honed at Kala Bhavana in Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan, where he graduated in fine arts from 1946 to 1950. He was a disciple of Nandalal Bose, a master artist and key figure in modern Indian art. Under Bose's mentorship, Sinha refined his skills and developed a deep understanding of Indian art. He also trained with other renowned artists, including Ramkinkar Baij and Benode Behari Mukherjee.
Sinha's most celebrated work is his illustration of the complete preamble-page of the Indian Constitution. Endorsed by Nandalal Bose in 1949, Sinha's artwork symbolically captures the essence of the Indian Constitution. He drew inspiration from the cradles of pure Indian art, such as Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Badami, Sanchi, Sarnath, and Mahabalipuram, incorporating motifs like Padm, Nandi, Airavata, Vyaghra, Ashwa, Hans, and Mayur. Recognizing the historical significance, Bose insisted that Sinha sign his artworks, ensuring that future generations could celebrate the artist behind the ornamentation of the Constitution.
In addition to his work on the Constitution, Sinha received several awards throughout his career, including the Kala Shri Award in 2001 and the Veteran Artist Award by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) in 1993. His paintings have been auctioned by prominent houses like Sotheby’s in New York and London, alongside renowned artists. Sinha's legacy is not just limited to his artwork but also extends to the preservation of Jabalpur's historic Shaheed-Smarak or Martyrs'-Memorial Auditorium, where his murals continue to adorn the walls and dome, leaving behind a rich artistic heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
Nandalal Bose, known as the artist laureate of India, illuminated the Constitution of India.
Nandalal Bose worked with a team of artists from Kala Bhavan, Visvabharati University, including Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, Dinanath Bhargava, Kripal Singh Shekhawat, A. Perumal, and Vinayak Sivram Masoji.
The calligraphy in the Constitution of India was done by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, who wrote the text in both Hindi and English. His pen name, "Prem", is visible on all pages of the manuscript.
The illustrations represent styles from different civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, ranging from the prehistoric Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley to the present. They also depict important historical and mythological figures and events, such as scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
