Discuss the historical foundations of the Indian Constitution. Analyse their relevance in addressing contemporary constitutional challenges.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Indian Constitution historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. (GS Paper – II)

Marks and words limit:

• The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
• The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.

Directive words

• Discuss → Explain major elements with balanced coverage
• Analyse → Examine relevance, strengths, and limitations in present context

Focal points of the questions:

• Identify historical sources of the Indian Constitution
• Explain their core principles
• Analyse how these foundations help (or face limitations) in addressing contemporary constitutional challenges

Dos & Don’ts

Do for Maximum Marks

• Can use Brainstorming: Historical Roots → Constitutional Features → Present Challenges
• Maintain constitutional tone
• Link history → present challenges clearly
• Use sub-headings & crisp bullets
• Maintain balance between theory and application
• Stick to syllabus terminology

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

• Do not write pure history narrative (GS-I style)
• Avoid emotional or ideological language
• Do not ignore contemporary examples
• Avoid lengthy constitutional provisions verbatim
• Do not miss analysis in the second part