Article 1 of the Constitution of India
Article 1 of the Constitution of India specifically deals with the name and territory of the Union. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution has been enumerated in Part – I The Union and Its Territories.
This part of the Constitution of India contains the law establishment, renaming, merging or altering the borders of the States or Union Territories. It also defines the terms Union/Central Government/Government of India, States, Territory of India, Territory of State, Union Territories and Acquired Territories which are used frequently in the Constitution.
Article 1 of the Constitution of India states that
1) India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
2) The States and territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule.
3) The territories of India shall comprise –
- the territories of the States,
- the Union territories specified in the First Schedule and
- such other territories as may be acquired.
Article 1 Constitution of India, is a crucial statement that specifies our nation what will be called and what will comprise the sovereign territory of our nation. While article 1 of the Indian Constitution seems to be simple, its significance is profound, as it sets the tone for the entire constitutional framework of India.
The draft of Article 1 of the Constitution was first debated on 15th and 17th November 1948 and 17th and 18th September 1949.
The draft of Article 1 of the Constitution declared that ‘India, that is Bharat’ was a ‘Union of States’ and went on to define the territory of India.
Article 1 highlighted the unity of India. It unequivocally declares that all the varies entities will come together as one nation. This unity is crucial for maintaining peace, stability and overall progress of Country.
While a good portion of the members of the Constituent Assembly preferred the old name i.e. Bharat. However the other portion found the new name more favourable.
However, most of the members of the constituent assembly were confused as to why India was described as a “Union of States”, instead of a “Federation” which was more appropriate.
The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, amended Article 1 where the split of states based on Parts was eliminated as part of the revisions made. States were used in place of Parts A and B. States in Parts C and D were replaced by Union territories. There were added 14 states along with 5 union territories.
Furthermore, Articles 1 to 4 deal with the Union as well as its territory. Articles 1 to 4 of the constitution are confined under Part – I of the Constitution of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Article 1?
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution stated that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”.
What does Article 1 of the Constitution declare India as?
The answer is a Union of States i.e. Bharat. The Constitution of India declares India as A Union of States. India, a union of states, is a Sovereign, Secular, Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary system of Government.
Who is the father of the Indian Constitution?
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar is known as the father of the Indian constitution. On 29 August 1947, the Constituent Assembly set up a Drafting Committee. This Drafting Committee was headed by Ambedkar.
Conclusion
Article 1 of the Constitution of India specifically states that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”. Article 1 of Constitution of India specifically deals with the name and territory of the Union. Article 1 of the Constitution has been enumerated in Part – I The Union and Its Territories.