The constitution of India was adopted on the 26 November 1949. However, it came to effect on the 26 January 1950. It was adopted by the Constitution Assembly. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Drafting Committee, is widely considered to be the architect of the Constitution of India. After, the adoption of the constitution, The Union of India became the contemporary and modern Republic of India.
Before 1947, India was divided into two main entities – The British India which consisted of 11 provinces and the Princely states ruled by Indian princes under subsidiary alliance policy. The two entities merged together to form the Indian Union, but many of the legacy systems in British India is followed even now. The historical underpinnings and evolution of the India Constitution can be traced to many Regulations and Acts passed before Indian Independence such as –
- Regulating Act of 1773
- Government of India Act, 1858
- Indian Councils Acts, 1861
- The Indian Councils Act, 1892
- The Indian Councils Act, 1909
- Government of India Act, 1935
- Indian Independence Act, 1947