Context:
A historical debate has emerged attempting to shift credit for the authorship of the Indian Constitution from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, portraying Rau as the “real architect” and Ambedkar as a mere editor. Scholars and constitutional experts warn that this is a revisionist attempt to dilute Dalit representation and undermine Ambedkar’s role in shaping modern India’s constitutional philosophy.
Key Highlights / Details
Different Roles, Complementary Contribution
- Sir B.N. Rau
- Appointed Constitutional Adviser (1946).
- Produced a preliminary draft of 243 Articles, based on comparative constitutional studies (U.S., Irish, Canadian, and Australian Constitutions).
- Prepared the technical framework but had no role in Constituent Assembly debates.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
- Transformed Rau’s legal draft into a political and social covenant.
- Defended constitutional provisions clause-by-clause in the Constituent Assembly.
- Built consensus in the aftermath of Partition and Gandhi’s assassination.
- Integrated justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as core constitutional values.
Ambedkar’s Acknowledgment of Rau
- Ambedkar credited Rau for preparing a “rough draft” but clarified it needed political direction.
- Also acknowledged S.N. Mukherjee (Chief Draftsman) and Drafting Committee members for their effort.
Political Intent Behind Revisionism
- Attempts to project Rau above Ambedkar aim to:
- Erase Dalit leadership from India’s constitutional journey.
- Reduce the Constitution to a technical legal document rather than a social revolution.
- Undermine Ambedkar’s moral and ideological legacy.
Ambedkar’s Essential Contributions
- Championed Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Affirmative Action.
- Advocated constitutional morality and warned:
“Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.”
- Inserted a social justice vision into the Constitution to empower the oppressed.
Relevant Prelims Points
- Drafting Committee Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (appointed August 29, 1947).
- Constitutional Adviser: Sir B.N. Rau.
- Date of adoption of Constitution: November 26, 1949.
- Came into effect: January 26, 1950.
- Sources of Constitution: UK (parliamentary system), USA (fundamental rights, judicial review), Ireland (DPSPs), Canada (federalism).
Relevant Mains Points
- Role of historical narratives in shaping social identity and constitutional nationalism.
- Dalit representation in national institutions and leadership.
- Importance of constitutional morality and social justice in Indian democracy.
- Debate on technical drafting vs. moral leadership in constitution-making.