Which country has the biggest handwritten Constitution?
VerifiedAnswer: India
Explanation:
India holds the remarkable distinction of having the world's longest handwritten Constitution. When we talk about "biggest," we're referring to the sheer length and detail of this foundational document that governs the world's largest democracy.
The Indian Constitution contains approximately 145,000 words, making it significantly longer than most other constitutions around the world. To put this into perspective, the US Constitution has only about 4,400 words, while the UK doesn't even have a single written constitutional document. What makes India's Constitution truly special is that it was entirely handwritten and beautifully illustrated by hand.
The original copies of the Constitution were painstakingly handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in flowing calligraphy. This incredible task took nearly five years to complete. Each page was crafted with artistic precision, and the document was adorned with beautiful illustrations and decorative borders created by artists from Shantiniketan, including Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose.
The Constitution consists of a Preamble, 25 parts with 448 articles, 12 schedules, and over 100 amendments (as of today). It covers everything from fundamental rights and duties to the structure of government, making it incredibly comprehensive. The original document was written in both Hindi and English, with each version being equally authentic.
Why is India's Constitution so lengthy? The answer lies in India's diversity and complexity. The framers of the Constitution, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, had to accommodate the needs of a vast nation with multiple languages, religions, cultures, and social systems. They wanted to ensure that every aspect of governance was clearly defined to avoid confusion and conflicts in the future.
The handwritten original copies are preserved in special helium-filled cases in the Parliament Library in New Delhi. These documents are national treasures that represent not just legal framework but also artistic heritage. The fact that such an extensive and important document was created entirely by hand makes it even more remarkable and significant in world history.
