Most of us know that India became a republic on January 26, 1950, less than three years after gaining independence from the British Raj.
Our history textbooks have also told us that the sacrosanct Constitution was drafted by B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly), and that it came into effect in parts – some articles on November 26, 1949 and the rest on January 26, 1950.
Many may even say they know the Indian Constitution like the back of their hand.
But did you know that the original document itself was carefully handcrafted by three artists and that it was written both in Hindi and English?
An inquisitive Twitter user @ainvvy posted 26 unknown historical facts of the document as India celebrated its 67th Republic Day on Tuesday.
Here are some interesting tidbits on the Indian Constitution:
The other two artists decorated each page. They were Nandalal Bose and Beohar Rammanohar Sinha.
Apparently, at the time the constitution was framed, the Ramayana was seen not only as a part of Hindu mythology but as a civilisational legacy of India.
Buddha and Mahavira also feature on the document.
Even Akbar was there!
The artists also included Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tipu Sultan, Guru Gobind Singh and Shivaji in the intricate paintings.
Iconic freedom fighter and Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was not left out!
In fact, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was also inked in.
The original relic is not accessible to the common man but is carefully preserved in helium-filled cases in the Library of the Parliament of India.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)