Paintings
Of The Constitution Of India Have a Nationalistic Character
WE, THE PEOPLE OF
INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST
SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens……..
Who represents “WE, THE
PEOPLE OF INDIA”? Every year 26th November is celebrated as Constitution Day
while 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day. The text of the constitution
is discussed and contemplated every day. But for last many years the
illustrations and the paintings have begun to garner attention of art critics
and politicians.
The artwork, the
different styles and the various images, from past and present, weave a
national narrative of pluralism and secularism. The art work spans 5,000 years
of Indian history. It showcases our achievements as an ancient civilization, time
tested values and acceptance of varied philosophies. It gives a message of
peace and harmony. But, at the same time when the art work is seen as a whole,
and not in a fragmentary manner it’s nationalistic character is clearly
visible.
1. Decoration with Mohenjadaro seals on page 1 |
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The
Two Prominent Artists
Prem Behari Narain Raizada was born in December 1901 to a Kayastha Saxena family of calligraphers. Raizada was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution. The original constitution was written by him in a flowing italic style. When the Indian Constitution was being drafted in the late 1940s, Raizada was asked by Jawaharlal Nehru to write out the first copy of the document. When asked what he would charge for hand-writing the constitution, he refused to accept any remuneration. The Calligraphy of the Hindi version of the Original Constitution was done by Vasant Krishan Vaidya. |
Nandalal Bose was the principal of Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan He was also 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, Nandalal Bose took up the task of beautifying/decorating the original manuscript of the Constitution of India. Bose recruited a group of artists who designed twenty two images depicting the rich and vast heritage and culture of India. They were painted in the original manuscript of the Constitution using gold leaf and stone colours. |
2. Scene from vedic ashram, Gurukul, on page 3 |
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3. Scene from Ramayana after conquest of Lanka and recovery of Sita on page 6. |
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4. Mahabharata Sri Krishna propounding Gita to Arjuna on page 17 |
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5. Scene from Buddha’s life on page 20. |
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6. Scene from Mahavira’s life on page 63. |
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7. Emperor Asoka and Buddhism p. 98 |
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9. Scene from Vikramaditya’s court. p. 104. |
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10. Ancient Nalanda University p. 105 |
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11. Orissan sculpture p. 106 |
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12. Image of Nataraja p. 113 |
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13. Bhagiratha and river ganga from Mahabaliuram sculptures. p. 130 |
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14. Potrait of akbar with Mughal architechture on page 132. |
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15. Shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh on page 141. |
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16. Rani Lakshmibai and Tipu Sultan p. 144 |
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17. Mahatma Gandhi during Dandi March p. 149 |
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18. Gandhi as a peacemaker in Noakhali p. 154 |
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19. Subhas Chandra Bose p. 160 |
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The Constitution commences with an illustration of our National
Emblem and the slogan – ‘Satyameva Jayate’ or Truth Alone Triumphs. The
National Emblem has been adopted from the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s famous Lion
Capital at Sarnath
Picture Credits:
Google and Law, nationhood and the Constitution of India as a work of art
References:
1. Christianity and
Secularism: report of a Public Discussion between Rev.Brewin and G.J.Holyoake
(London: Ward and Co., 1853), p. 4.
2. Ibid, p. 7.
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