Omar Bennett
The Indian Constitution is a seminal document that was drafted by the Constituent Assembly of India in the late 1940s. It was hand-written by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, an Indian calligrapher born in 1901. Raizada, who came from a family of calligraphers, was educated in the art of calligraphy by his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian. He was tasked with transcribing the Indian Constitution by Jawaharlal Nehru, who wanted it handwritten in a flowing italic style. Raizada's work, which took six months to complete, encompassed 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble, all written in both English and Hindi.
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Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher
Prem Behari Narain Raizada (1901–1966) was the Indian calligrapher responsible for hand-writing the original Constitution of India. Born into a Kayastha Saxena family of calligraphers, Raizada was raised by his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian, who taught him the art of Indian calligraphy. Raizada continued to refine his calligraphic skills at St. Stephen's College in Delhi.
When the Indian Constitution was being drafted by the Constituent Assembly of India in the late 1940s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted the document to be handwritten in a flowing italic style. Raizada was chosen for the task and, using his exceptional calligraphy skills, meticulously hand-wrote the Constitution over six months. He penned 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble in both English and Hindi, using different pens for each language. For the English calligraphy, he used No. 303 pens, while for the Hindi calligraphy, he employed a Hindoo dip-pen nib from Birmingham.
Raizada's work on the Indian Constitution is a testament to his dedication and talent for calligraphy. When asked by Jawaharlal Nehru what he would charge for hand-writing the constitution, Raizada humbly replied, "Not a single penny. By the grace of God, I have all the things, and am quite happy with my life." This response showcases his passion for his craft and his sense of patriotism towards his country.
The original Constitution of India, with its 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble, is a significant document that laid the foundation for the governance of the newly independent nation. Raizada's contribution as the calligrapher who meticulously hand-wrote this important document ensures his legacy in Indian history. His work not only showcases his artistic talent but also symbolizes the unity and pride of a nation.
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He was born in 1901 to a Kayastha Saxena family
The Indian Constitution was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a man born in 1901 to a Kayastha Saxena family of calligraphers. His parents died when he was young, so he was raised by his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian, who taught him the art of Indian calligraphy. Raizada refined his calligraphic skills at St. Stephen's College in Delhi, where he earned a degree.
Raizada's family background and upbringing clearly played a significant role in shaping his future career as a calligrapher. Coming from a family of calligraphers, he was immersed in the world of beautiful writing from a young age. His grandfather, in particular, passed on his knowledge and passion for calligraphy to Raizada, ensuring that the family tradition continued.
The Saxena family's interest in calligraphy can be traced back to Raizada's grandfather, who was a noted scholar of English and Persian. It is likely that the family's reputation for calligraphy enhanced their prestige and social standing, as calligraphy was highly valued in Indian culture and considered an essential skill for scholars and intellectuals.
Born at the turn of the 20th century, Raizada came of age during a time of great change and upheaval in India. The country was under British colonial rule, and the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum. As Raizada honed his calligraphic skills, he may have also been influenced by the political and social ideals of the time, which emphasized the importance of Indian culture, language, and traditions.
Raizada's talent and expertise in calligraphy led him to be chosen for a significant task—handwriting the Indian Constitution. In the late 1940s, as the Constituent Assembly of India drafted the constitution, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted the final document to be written by hand in a flowing italic style. Raizada was the natural choice for this important undertaking.
Over six months, Raizada meticulously handwrote 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble in both English and Hindi. He used specific pens for each language, demonstrating his attention to detail and respect for the task at hand. Raizada's work on the Indian Constitution cemented his legacy as one of the country's most renowned calligraphers.
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Raizada was an Indian calligrapher
Prem Behari Narain Raizada, also known as Prem Behari Narain Raizada Saxena, was an Indian calligrapher. He was born in December 1901 and came from a long line of calligraphers, being a member of the Kayastha Saxena family. Tragedy struck Raizada at a young age when he became an orphan. However, his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian, took him in and taught him the art of Indian calligraphy. Raizada's talent for calligraphy was further refined during his time at St. Stephen's College in Delhi.
Raizada's skill and artistry did not go unnoticed, and he was soon recognized as a noted calligrapher in his own right. In the late 1940s, as the Indian Constitution was being drafted by the Constituent Assembly of India, Raizada's talents were called upon for a task of immense national significance. Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, envisioned a handwritten constitution in a flowing italic style. Raizada was chosen for this important duty, tasked with transcribing the foundational document of the newly independent nation.
Raizada diligently set to work in the Constitution Hall (now known as the Constitution Club). Over the course of six months, he meticulously hand-wrote 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble, all in both English and Hindi. Raizada's attention to detail is evident in his choice of writing instruments. For the English calligraphy, he used No. 303 pens, while for the Hindi calligraphy, he opted for a Hindoo dip-pen nib sourced from Birmingham.
The original Constitution of India, with its hundreds of articles and schedules, stands as a testament to Raizada's dedication, skill, and artistry. When asked about compensation for his immense contribution, Raizada humbly replied, "Not a single penny. By the grace of God, I have all the things, and am quite happy with my life." Raizada's selfless contribution to the nation of India is a lasting legacy, and his role in transcribing the constitution is forever etched in the country's history.
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He studied at St. Stephen's College in Delhi
The man responsible for hand-writing the original Constitution of India was Prem Behari Narain Raizada (1901-1966). Raizada was born into a Kayastha Saxena family of calligraphers and was raised by his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian, who taught him the art of Indian calligraphy.
Raizada's academic journey included studying at St. Stephen's College in Delhi, where he refined his calligraphic skills. St. Stephen's College, located in the heart of Delhi, is one of India's most prestigious educational institutions, with a rich history and tradition. It is known for its academic excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including Raizada. The college, affiliated with the University of Delhi, offers a diverse range of academic programmes and provides a conducive environment for students to pursue their intellectual interests and develop their talents.
Raizada's time at St. Stephen's College was instrumental in shaping his skills as a calligrapher. The college, known for its emphasis on the arts and humanities, provided him with the ideal setting to hone his craft. He would have had access to renowned faculty members who guided and inspired him, as well as a diverse student body that exposed him to different perspectives and cultural influences. The college's resources, such as libraries, art studios, and calligraphy tools, would have been at his disposal, allowing him to practice and perfect his calligraphy techniques.
During his studies, Raizada likely immersed himself in a variety of courses that complemented his calligraphic interests. He may have taken classes in art history, design, language, or literature, all of which would have contributed to his understanding of aesthetics and refined his artistic abilities. The college's academic rigour and interdisciplinary approach would have encouraged Raizada to explore different facets of knowledge, fostering a well-rounded education that extended beyond calligraphy.
St. Stephen's College also provided Raizada with a community that valued creativity and intellectual pursuits. He would have interacted with fellow students who shared similar passions and engaged in stimulating discussions and collaborations. The college's cultural and artistic events, exhibitions, and workshops would have offered Raizada opportunities to showcase his work, receive feedback, and further refine his skills. The supportive and inspiring environment would have played a pivotal role in his development as a calligrapher.
By the time Raizada was chosen by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to hand-write the Indian Constitution, his academic foundation and artistic refinement at St. Stephen's College had prepared him well for the task. The college, recognising his exceptional talent, may have provided him with the necessary support and resources to undertake this significant endeavour. Raizada's time at St. Stephen's College in Delhi was, therefore, instrumental in his journey to becoming the calligrapher who crafted one of India's most important documents.
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He was asked by Jawaharlal Nehru to write the Constitution
The Constitution of India is the supreme legal document of India and is the longest written national constitution in the world. It lays down the framework that demarcates fundamental political codes, structures, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and became effective on 26 January 1950. The constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the country's fundamental governing document, and the Dominion of India became the Republic of India.
When the Indian Constitution was being drafted by the Constituent Assembly of India in the late 1940s, Prem Behari Narain Raizada, an Indian calligrapher, was asked by Jawaharlal Nehru to write out the first copy of the document. Born in 1901 to a Kayastha Saxena family of calligraphers, Raizada was taught the art of Indian calligraphy by his grandfather, a scholar of English and Persian. He further refined his calligraphic skills at St. Stephen's College in Delhi. When asked what he would charge for handwriting the constitution, Raizada replied, "Not a single penny. By the grace of God, I have all the things, and am quite happy with my life."
The original 1950 constitution, handwritten by Raizada, is preserved in a nitrogen-filled case at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. The constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavouring to promote fraternity. This system, with an executive who only possesses nominal power and an official "advisor" who possesses actual power, is based on the British system and is a result of colonial influences on India before and during the writing of its constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
Raizada used No.303 pens for English calligraphy and Hindoo dip-pen nibs from Birmingham for Hindi calligraphy.
It took Raizada six months to handwrite 395 articles, 8 schedules, and a preamble in both English and Hindi.
No, when asked what he would charge, Raizada replied, "Not a single penny. By the grace of God I have all the things, and am quite happy with my life."
