Omar Bennett
The Indian Constitution is a work of art, with 22 chapters, each commencing with one or two illustrations. The calligraphy in the book was done by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a master of calligraphy, who learned the art from his grandfather. The task of illustrating the book was assigned to Nandalal Bose, known as the artist laureate of India, and his team of students from Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. The illustrations represent styles from different civilizations of the subcontinent, ranging from prehistoric Mohenjodaro to the present.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nandalal Bose |
| Other names | Nand Lal Bose, Nandulal Bose |
| Known for | Being a pioneer of modern Indian art |
| Art style | "Indian style" of painting |
| Awards | Padma Vibhushan, Fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi, Silver Jubilee Medal, Tagore Birth Centenary Medal, honorary D.Litt. from the University of Calcutta, title of 'Deshikottama' from Vishvabharati University |
| Students involved | Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, Sumitra Narayan |
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What You'll Learn
- Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art, decorated the original manuscript
- The front cover features an upside-down triangle based on the paintings of Ajanta Caves
- Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution
- The constitution is the only illustrated constitution in the world
- Sumitra Narayan, a 20-year-old female artist, also contributed to the constitution's artwork
Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art, decorated the original manuscript
Nandalal Bose, born in the Munger district of Bihar, is recognised as a pioneer of modern Indian art. His artistic journey began under the mentorship of Abanindranath Tagore, the founder of the Bengal School of Art. Tagore's teachings inspired Bose to reconnect with India's cultural heritage, moving away from the colonial academic style that dominated Indian art in the 19th century. Bose's genius and original style were recognised by artists and art critics like Gaganendranath Tagore, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and O. C. Ganguli.
Bose was deeply influenced by his rural upbringing, steeped in Indian traditions and folklore. He drew inspiration from the murals of the Ajanta Caves, combining traditional Indian aesthetics with modern sensibilities. This blend of influences is evident in his painting "Sati", which depicts the ancient Indian ritual of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre. Bose's depiction does not glorify the ritual but conveys the solemnity, devotion, and tragedy associated with it.
Bose played a pivotal role in the development of Indian art, particularly as the principal of Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan in 1921. His influence extended beyond painting, incorporating a wide range of Indian artistic traditions. He was also invited by Mahatma Gandhi to set up art exhibitions for the Indian National Congress several times. To mark Gandhi's 1930 arrest for protesting the British tax on salt, Bose created a black-and-white linocut print of Gandhi walking with a staff, which became the iconic image for the non-violence movement.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Bose was asked by Jawaharlal Nehru to sketch the emblems for the Government of India's awards, including the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Shri. Along with his disciple Rammanohar, Bose took on the task of decorating the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution. His illustrations for the Constitution further emphasised indigenous traditions and values, resonating with the spirit of India's freedom struggle.
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The front cover features an upside-down triangle based on the paintings of Ajanta Caves
The Indian Constitution is a fundamental document that took nearly three years to shape after India gained its independence in 1947. The visionary leaders behind it, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, N. Gopalswami, and K.M. Munshi, decided not just to manually write but also to illustrate the Constitution, ensuring that it reflected the country's rich heritage.
The front cover of the Indian Constitution features an upside-down triangle based on the paintings of the Ajanta Caves. This design is a testament to the artists' inspiration from various sources spanning 5,000 years of Indian history. The Ajanta Caves, in particular, are known for their ornate designs and ancient Buddhist artwork. The upside-down triangle on the cover of the Constitution is a symbolic representation of India's diverse art styles and traditions.
The artists, including Nandalal Bose, a gifted artist from Shantiniketan, and his team of students, were entrusted with the task of creating painted pieces and sketches for this integral text. They drew inspiration from the Ajanta and Bagh Caves, Chola art, the Oriya school of sculpture, and Deccani miniatures. The result is a Constitution that speaks the languages of different art styles, reflecting the country's pluralism and rich cultural heritage.
The choice of an upside-down triangle for the front cover is intriguing. While there may be specific reasons for this decision, it is worth noting that triangles often symbolize strength and stability due to their sturdy shape. By placing the triangle upside down, the artists may have intended to convey a sense of uniqueness, creativity, or even a break from traditional norms, reflecting the country's newfound independence and the desire to shape its future.
Overall, the front cover of the Indian Constitution, with its upside-down triangle inspired by the Ajanta Caves, is a powerful statement of India's artistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the nation's journey towards building a robust and independent identity.
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Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution
Prem Behari Narain Raizada, born in 1901, was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution. He was born into a family of calligraphers and raised by his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian, who taught him the art of Indian calligraphy. Raizada further refined his calligraphic skills at St. Stephen's College in Delhi.
When the Constituent Assembly of India finalised the draft of the Constitution in the late 1940s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru approached Raizada to write out the first copy. Raizada agreed to do it for free, stating that he had everything he needed in life and was happy. He completed the task in six months, using hundreds of pen nibs to inscribe the 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble of the Constitution.
The original manuscript of the Constitution was written on parchment sheets measuring 16x22 inches, with a lifespan of a thousand years. The finished manuscript consisted of 251 pages and weighed 3.75 kg. Each page was uniquely decorated by artists Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose from Shantiniketan, with the Hindi version being calligraphed by Vasant Krishan Vaidya.
Raizada's name, along with that of his grandfather, is included in the document, as per his request. His contribution to the Indian Constitution, therefore, not only lies in his masterful calligraphy but also in permanently etching his name into one of the most important documents in India's history.
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The constitution is the only illustrated constitution in the world
The Indian Constitution is a unique and significant document in the history of the country, and it also holds a special place in the world. It is the only illustrated constitution in the world, making it a true work of art. With its intricate illustrations and handwritten text, it stands out as a masterpiece that combines legal framework and aesthetic beauty.
The process of creating the Indian Constitution was a meticulous endeavour. After its drafting, it was decided that a handwritten version would be produced. The task of illustrating the Constitution fell to the talented Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art, and his team of artists from Santiniketan. Bose's artistic style blended influences from the Tagore family and the murals of Ajanta, resulting in illustrations that captured the essence and spirit of India.
Bose and his team adorned the Constitution with twenty-two unique illustrations. These artworks depicted a diverse range of subjects, including historical figures, religious leaders, significant events, and geographical landmarks. The illustrations drew inspiration from various artistic traditions, such as Mughal, Jain, and Pal treatises, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India.
The illustrations in the Indian Constitution serve a deeper purpose beyond aesthetic appeal. They symbolically represent the country's diversity and underlying unity, showcasing the varied landscapes, historical events, and cultural traditions of India. The artistic embellishments complement the legal framework of the document, which sets out the fundamental rights, duties, and powers of the government and citizens.
The Indian Constitution, with its intricate illustrations, stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The involvement of Nandalal Bose and his team of artists from Santiniketan elevated the Constitution from a mere legal document to a work of art, making it the only illustrated constitution in the world. This unique feature distinguishes it from all other constitutions and showcases the importance India places on the fusion of law and artistic expression.
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Sumitra Narayan, a 20-year-old female artist, also contributed to the constitution's artwork
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written national constitution for a sovereign nation. It is a hand-written document with 22 intricate paintings, each page decorated by artists from Shantiniketan, including Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose. The calligrapher was Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
Sumitra Narayan was the maternal aunt of Shevanti Narayan, who wrote about her in a comment on an article about the female artists who illustrated the Constitution of India. Shevanti mentions that her mother, Shaevanti Narayan, could also provide more information about Sumitra's involvement and has "witty stories" to share. Sumitra Narayan was also the aunt of Vivek Benegal, a doctor at Nimhans Bangalore, who described her as a "talented albeit naughty student".
Sumitra Narayan was one of six female artists who illustrated the Constitution of India. Despite their signatures, these artists have remained "invisible".
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Frequently asked questions
The front cover of the Indian Constitution is an upside-down triangle, with a line drawing based on the paintings of the Ajanta Caves. It features blooming lotuses, which are symbolic in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art, designed the borders of the Indian Constitution. He was known for his "Indian style" of painting and played a pivotal role in the development of Indian art as the principal of Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, in 1921.
Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher for the Indian Constitution. He did not charge for his work but requested permission to sign each page, which was granted.
Yes, there were several women involved in illustrating the Indian Constitution. Sumitra Narayan, a 20-21-year-old female artist, was one of the women who illustrated the Constitution. She was a student of Kala Bhavan and later became an Arts and Crafts teacher in Patha Bhavan School, Kolkata. Other women involved were students of Nandalal Bose from Kala Bhavan.
