Why is the Indian Constitution Called a 'Bag of Borrowings'?

 

The Indian Constitution, enacted in 1950, is the world's longest written charter, spanning 395 articles and 12 schedules. Yet, it is fondly dubbed a "bag of borrowings" by its chief architect, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, acknowledging its eclectic synthesis of global constitutional wisdom tailored to India's diverse socio-political fabric. This moniker highlights not imitation but pragmatic adaptation, drawing from over a dozen international sources to forge a uniquely Indian framework.

The borrowings are systematic and purposeful. From the British Constitution, India inherited parliamentary democracy, including the bicameral legislature, cabinet system, and Rule of Law—essentials for a post-colonial transition. The federal structure, with a strong center, echoes the Government of India Act, 1935, which provided the skeletal blueprint for Union-State relations. American influences are evident in Fundamental Rights (inspired by the Bill of Rights), judicial review, and the President's veto power, ensuring individual safeguards against state overreach.

Ireland contributed the Directive Principles of State Policy, non-justiciable guidelines for socio-economic justice, while Canada's model shaped the federal division of powers, accommodating India's linguistic and regional diversity. The Weimar Constitution of Germany influenced emergency provisions (Articles 352–360), and the Soviet Union's socialist ethos informed the Preamble's welfare-oriented goals. Even minor elements, like the French Republic's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, permeate the Preamble.

This eclectic approach was deliberate, born of the Constituent Assembly's three-year deliberations (1946–1949). With 299 members from varied ideologies, they rejected a "made in India" insularity, opting for a mosaic that addressed partition's scars, princely state integrations, and caste inequities. Ambedkar defended this in his November 1949 speech, arguing that no constitution is original; all evolve through emulation.

Critics, however, decry it as derivative, lacking indigenous innovation. Yet, this overlooks the genius of indigenization: reservations for Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Article 15) and Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment) are quintessentially Indian responses to local realities. The "borrowed" elements have proven resilient, weathering 106 amendments and emergencies.

In essence, the "bag of borrowings" symbolizes humility and foresight. It transformed global best practices into tools for unity in diversity, proving that constitutional success lies not in novelty but efficacy. As India strides toward Viksit Bharat by 2047, this borrowed yet bespoke document continues to evolve, a living testament to adaptive governance.