The ‘Preamble’ of the Constitution of India is a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding purpose and principles of the document, and it indicates the source from which the document which derives its authority, meaning, the people. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly of India and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
As a part of the Indian Polity of IAS Exam, it makes an important section. Hence, this article will talk about Preamble to the Constitution and provide you with the preamble of the Indian constitution notes PDF. You can also read about the Objective Resolution which is, in the modified version, reflected in the Preamble of India.
In 1946, Objective Resolution was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru, describing the constitutional structure. In 1947 (22nd January) it was adopted. It shaped the Constitution of India and its modified version is reflected in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The basic tenets that the objective resolution highlighted were:
The topic, ‘Preamble of India’ is an important one for Indian Polity subject. Questions can be asked from it in both prelims and mains. To see what kind of questions have been asked before, you can check the Polity questions of UPSC Mains GS 2.
| Is preamble a part of Indian Constitution? | Yes, it is a part of the Indian constitution, also emphasized in Kesavananda Bharti Case . |
| Who wrote the preamble of India? | The preamble of India contains tenets highlighted in the Objective Resolution drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946 |
| How many preambles does the Indian Constitution have? | Only 1 preamble along with 25 parts and 12 schedules and 448 articles, Indian Constitution today exists |
| What is the most important word in the Preamble of India? | Though no particular word has been given more importance than others, however, ‘We, the people of India’ are the words which are termed as the most powerful in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution |
| Why do we need a Preamble? | It gives us fundamental values and highlights of the Constitution |
| In which case, did the Supreme Court declare passed a judgement that Preamble is not a part of Indian Constitution? | In Berubari Case (1960), SC declared Preamble not to be a part of Indian Constitution |
The hopes and aspirations of the people, as well as the ideals before our nation, are described in the preamble in clear cut words. It may be considered as the soul of the Constitution. The preamble can be referred to as the preface which highlights the entire Constitution.
Read more about sources of Indian Constitution from the linked article.
The source of the Indian Constitution, the nature of the Indian State, the objectives of the Constitution of India & the date of adoption of the Indian State, are four main ingredients of the Indian Preamble which you can read about in the table below:
| Preamble to the Indian Constitution | |
| Source of the Indian Constitution | The People of India are revealed to be the source of the authority of the Indian Constitution. The words, ‘We, the People of India’ reflect the same. |
| Nature of the Indian State | The Preamble of India tags India as the sovereign, socialist, republic, secular and democratic nation |
| Objective of the Indian Constitution | Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are denoted as the objectives of the Preamble of India |
| Adoption Date of the Constitution of India | November 26, 1949 as the date when then the Indian Constitution |
There are some important keywords in the Preamble of India like:
Aspirants can get Consitution questions of UPSC Mains GS 2 in the linked article.
Preamble of India – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Hereth
Aspirants can read the below-mentioned articles related to Indian Constitution:
The Preamble of Indian Constitution has 73 words. The 73-word Preamble to the Constitution of India outlines the ideals that must guide Indian democracy. Together with the Directive Principles of State Policy, it provides the context in which the country can achieve the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document’s philosophy and objectives. In a Constitution, it presents the intention of its framers, the history behind its creation, and the core values and principles of the nation. The ideals behind the Preamble to India’s Constitution were laid down by Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objectives Resolution, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. Although not enforceable in court, the Preamble states the objects of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous.
The preamble begins with the words “We the people of India…” thus clearly indicating the source of all authority of the constitution.It emphasizes the sovereignty of the people and the fact that all powers of government flow from the people. It is the people of India on whose authority the Constitution rests. The preamble surmises that it is the people of India who are the authors of the constitution.Thus the words “We, the people of India” declares in unambiguous terms that the Constitution has been adopted, enacted and given to themselves by the people of India.
Preamble is part of the Constitution. Preamble indicates the basic structure of the Constitution. Preamble is neither enforceable nor justifiable in a court of law. This implies that courts cannot pass orders against the government in India to implement the ideas in the Preamble. Preamble can be amended and it has been amended only once through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976.
