Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Preamble of Indian Constitution:
- The original Preamble, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”.
- Preamble states the objects of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles.in the Constitution.
- The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution changed “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation”.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document’s philosophy and objectives. In a Constitution, it presents the intention of its framers, the history behind its creation, and the core values and principles of the nation.
- The Preamble is based on the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. The Resolution was adopted on January 22, 1947.
- Although not enforceable in court, the Preamble states the objects of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous.
- The original Preamble, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”. By the 42nd Amendment of 1976, enacted during the Emergency, the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were inserted; the Preamble now reads “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”.
- The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1976, replaced the words “sovereign democratic republic” to “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic”. It also changed “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation”
Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to the Preamble of the Constitution:
- Taking inspiration from the American model, India has chosen to begin its constitution with a preamble.
- Values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle are embedded in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
- It is the soul of the Indian Constitution.
- It provides a standard to examine and evaluate any law and action of the government.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) Four all
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- Values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle and were in turn nurtured by it, formed the foundation for India’s democracy. These values are embedded in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. They guide all the articles of the Indian Constitution.
- Taking inspiration from American model, most countries in the contemporary world have chosen to begin their constitutions with a preamble.
- It contains the philosophy on which the entire Constitution has been built. It provides a standard to examine and evaluate any law and action of government, to find out whether it is good or bad. It is the soul of the Indian Constitution
Q3. The preamble to the constitution of India is:
(a) A part of the constitution but has no legal effect
(a) A part of the constitution but has no legal effect
(a) A part of the constitution but has no legal effect
(d) A part of the constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts.
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- It is a part of the Constitution as declared by the SC. It certainly does not have a legal effect independently since it cannot be enforced in a court of law.
- Although not enforceable in court on its own (option C is wrong), the Preamble states the objects of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous. Therefore, it begets some kind of legal effect when read alongwith the constitution, not independent from it. Option D is more appropriate.
Q4. Other than the fundamental rights, Which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal declaration of human rights(1948)?
- Preamble
- Directive principles of state policy
- Fundamental duties
Select the correct answer using the given code below-
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- S1: e.g. from UDHR: Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of a person.
- S2: eg. Article 22 UDHR: Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
- Or, Article 26:
- (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
- S3: e.g. Article 27 of UDHR:
- (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
- (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Q5. With reference to the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, consider the following statements:
- It is a ‘Shakti Peeth’.
- It is the main temple within a complex of individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas.
- It is an important pilgrimage for Tantric worshippers.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- The Shakti Peetha is a place of worship consecrated ashes of the goddess Shakti or Sati, the female principal of Hinduism and the main deity of the Shakta sect.”
- “Shaktism or Shaktidharma (“doctrine of power” or “doctrine of the Goddess”) is a category of tantric Saivism, where various goddesses are viewed as the central deity of their respective systems.”
- “Mahavidyas (Great Wisdoms) or Dasha-Mahavidyas are a group of ten aspects of Adi Parashakti in Hinduism. After the decline of Buddhism in India, Sakta and Buddhist goddesses were combined to form this list of ten.”
- “The development of Mahavidyas represents an important turning point in the history of Shaktism as it marks the rise of Bhakti aspect in Shaktism, which reached its zenith in 1700 CE.”
