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INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA 22/ED
A book for everybody in India and abroad who wants to know anything about the Constitution of India during its first fifty years. Meets the requirements of the various universities of India for the LL.B., LL.M., B.A. and M.A.(Political Science) and Competitive examinations held by the Union and State Public Service Commissions. Also indispensable for politicians, journalists, statesman and administrative authorities. Prescribed in several Universities even for undergraduate courses in Civics. Incorporates all amendments to the Constitution upto 83rd Constitutional Amendment Act 2000. Elaborate comments on separatism in Punjab, Assam and elsewhere.
554 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
225 people are currently reading
2937 people want to read
About the author
Durga Das Basu
46 books22 followersDurga Das Basu was an Indian jurist and lawyer. He wrote the Commentary on the Constitution of India and Casebook on the Indian Constitutional Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 24, 2015
Cross-posted from here
Introduction to the Constitution of India is a fantastic book on the subject of Indian Constitution and presents a wonderful commentary on the same. It deals with everything and nothing substantial is left out. The language is simply beautiful which is least expected from an Indian academic author at university level.
Indian constitution is the largest written constitution of the world and it is difficult to read and understand everything. However, D.D. Basu has written this masterpiece to make things easy for us. I am an engineer and to understand the legal terms is a tedious job, but this book with its set of examples makes it easier to understand the Constitution.
It presents the Indian Constitution in a pleasant way and defines it philosophy in such a manner that you feel proud of it being an Indian. However, at points where you feel Indian Constitution lacks something he is also critical of the same or explains why that is the case and you again start feeling that it is fine.
After so much of trouble that the country had been facing - Anna Hazare's fast unto death campaign, Black Money case, 2G Spectrum, CWG Scam case - which had lead me to feel devastated and having lost my faith in the system and the law of the land, this book comes as a refresher and bring back the hope that Indian Constitution will act as a check on the government and other persons and will make everything better by asserting itself.
It is necessary read for everyone. Whether you are a lawyer or not does not matter. It should be read by every citizen of the country to know the Constitution (which is the basis of the laws of the land).
Introduction to the Constitution of India is a fantastic book on the subject of Indian Constitution and presents a wonderful commentary on the same. It deals with everything and nothing substantial is left out. The language is simply beautiful which is least expected from an Indian academic author at university level.
Indian constitution is the largest written constitution of the world and it is difficult to read and understand everything. However, D.D. Basu has written this masterpiece to make things easy for us. I am an engineer and to understand the legal terms is a tedious job, but this book with its set of examples makes it easier to understand the Constitution.
It presents the Indian Constitution in a pleasant way and defines it philosophy in such a manner that you feel proud of it being an Indian. However, at points where you feel Indian Constitution lacks something he is also critical of the same or explains why that is the case and you again start feeling that it is fine.
After so much of trouble that the country had been facing - Anna Hazare's fast unto death campaign, Black Money case, 2G Spectrum, CWG Scam case - which had lead me to feel devastated and having lost my faith in the system and the law of the land, this book comes as a refresher and bring back the hope that Indian Constitution will act as a check on the government and other persons and will make everything better by asserting itself.
It is necessary read for everyone. Whether you are a lawyer or not does not matter. It should be read by every citizen of the country to know the Constitution (which is the basis of the laws of the land).
July 4, 2017
Review originally posted in Abby's Shelves
Introduction to the Constitution of India is probably the most authoritative text one could come across on this subject. The Indian Constitution is the largest written constitution in the world which is also very complex with so many dimensions. It is in such a scenario where a book like this one plays a crucial role in translating these complex subjects presented in the constitution to a medium that could enable even a layman to understand and study these complex concepts. Dr. Basu does a brilliant job in explaining the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers, various discussions that lead to the core values, how other constitution inspired us and how it was adapted to match with our social, political and economic scenarios. He also provides us insight into how the Constitution has evolved over time through various amendments introduced by the ruling governments. After a detailed study of various provisions, judicial case studies that defined several of these provisions, the author evaluates its performance to identify certain vulnerabilities that have limited even the checks and balances system of the constitution. Covering such vast field of the study Dr. Basu put forward some suggestions for improvement over the present structure. All these factors together make this book an indispensable text for any political science student or for those who are attempting competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC etc.
Even though this book may seem dry and tiring to most, I myself paused reading this one several times and thus took almost a year to complete; but this is most authoritative text I have come across on this subject. I feel the author has covered (almost) everything one needs to know from an examination point of view. Overall, this text is a capsule of everything one will ever need to know about the Constitution of India for any competitive exams.
Do give a thumbs up if you enjoyed reading this review or comment below if you would love to share your opinion.
Looking forward to hearing from you guys.
Introduction to the Constitution of India is probably the most authoritative text one could come across on this subject. The Indian Constitution is the largest written constitution in the world which is also very complex with so many dimensions. It is in such a scenario where a book like this one plays a crucial role in translating these complex subjects presented in the constitution to a medium that could enable even a layman to understand and study these complex concepts. Dr. Basu does a brilliant job in explaining the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers, various discussions that lead to the core values, how other constitution inspired us and how it was adapted to match with our social, political and economic scenarios. He also provides us insight into how the Constitution has evolved over time through various amendments introduced by the ruling governments. After a detailed study of various provisions, judicial case studies that defined several of these provisions, the author evaluates its performance to identify certain vulnerabilities that have limited even the checks and balances system of the constitution. Covering such vast field of the study Dr. Basu put forward some suggestions for improvement over the present structure. All these factors together make this book an indispensable text for any political science student or for those who are attempting competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC etc.
Even though this book may seem dry and tiring to most, I myself paused reading this one several times and thus took almost a year to complete; but this is most authoritative text I have come across on this subject. I feel the author has covered (almost) everything one needs to know from an examination point of view. Overall, this text is a capsule of everything one will ever need to know about the Constitution of India for any competitive exams.
Do give a thumbs up if you enjoyed reading this review or comment below if you would love to share your opinion.
Looking forward to hearing from you guys.
November 29, 2021
The best book to grasp the subjective fundamentals of the Constitution.. but as the author is no more, the editing team seems to be quite anti-BJP guys... The book did seem all academic till the last chapter where it takes turn into Pure politics (in 2-3 paragraphs only).... however it still is the best.... This review is in praise for the book .. For Civil Services Guys this is a must-read after Laxmikanth ....
December 3, 2024
This book by Acharya D D Basu is a masterpiece
Book starts with an overall introduction of the constitution and subsequently goes through all the parts of constitution. Each and every part of the constitution along with its amendments have been explained very beautifully with the help of its background and working with examples. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles have been explained in much detail with the help of its history, amendments, working and several landmark judgement of Supreme Court.
I loved last chapter of this book How Constitution has worked most where author has put his view on many sensitive issues of the constitution such as on large number of amendments, Bangladeshi infiltrators, demands of minority groups and vision of the constitution.
Overall, it is a must read book for everyone who wants to know about the constitution of India, its working and most importantly about India.
Book starts with an overall introduction of the constitution and subsequently goes through all the parts of constitution. Each and every part of the constitution along with its amendments have been explained very beautifully with the help of its background and working with examples. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles have been explained in much detail with the help of its history, amendments, working and several landmark judgement of Supreme Court.
I loved last chapter of this book How Constitution has worked most where author has put his view on many sensitive issues of the constitution such as on large number of amendments, Bangladeshi infiltrators, demands of minority groups and vision of the constitution.
Overall, it is a must read book for everyone who wants to know about the constitution of India, its working and most importantly about India.
April 25, 2015
I bought the book considering that it will just revisit all the articles, schedules and provisions contained in the Indian constitution. But what the book got has really impressed. It has very good interpretation of the constitution by Scholarly and impartial academician. Though it is an Herculean task to interpret each and every article and provisions of the constitution the book does it in a neat and concise manner. What's more astonishing about the book is that unlike many other academic books which just get the things done through mere facts this book has done a fair job in interpreting various judgements and correlating them to the aforementioned provisions in the book. Finally as they say if you are preparing for Civils or if want to get a bit of gist of the legislative proceedings happening every day in India it is a must book to read.
October 12, 2020
I know its boring, droning, blah blah bleh.......
But, hands down, the most beautiful "text"book I ever read....
Maybe it boils down to the realization that what we behold is the deep fried distillate of not only the brightest, uniquely committed minds of the generation gone by, but also the accumulated social learning of the generation"s" who made our society the way we see it today.
If you want to understand, not, the way our society is, but, "How" our society is, this is a start.
And patience.
But, hands down, the most beautiful "text"book I ever read....
Maybe it boils down to the realization that what we behold is the deep fried distillate of not only the brightest, uniquely committed minds of the generation gone by, but also the accumulated social learning of the generation"s" who made our society the way we see it today.
If you want to understand, not, the way our society is, but, "How" our society is, this is a start.
And patience.
September 13, 2020
If you want a holistic understanding of the Indian Constitution with clear, concise explanations without any compromise on eloquence, this is the book for you. Yet this book is far from a mere introduction as its title suggests. Unless one is already acquainted with the nuances of the many legal and constitutional terms used in this book, they are bound to find this book a tough read. Nevertheless the reward is a thorough understanding of the Indian Constitution.
July 17, 2012
This book is the epitome of the sovereignty of India. It provides a glimpse of what a free man in free India can do and should do.
August 21, 2014
It has a tough language for basic learners of the Indian constitution.
January 14, 2020
Difficult book to read for non judicial background
March 18, 2025
An excellent book to start UPSC preparation and also to understand constitution in general. It gives an in depth analysis of the constitution of India.
The chapters are well arranged that gives the book a flow which the non social science students can understand.
Each article is provided with relevant Supreme Court Judgements relevant from exam point of view that help throw light on the view of juiciary on that particular article.
Ammendments are given at appropriate places after every article, common confusions are addressed clearly, recent changes like Article 370 are also included and explained and history of certain provisions are also provided wherever necessary, like for instance in the Right to Property case.
Only downside is that the language can be a bit difficult for some people, especially if you don't have a good english background. Personally, I found it not that difficult but I can understand why some people might.
Also, from exam point of view, there should have been a few chapters more to cover entire portion of polity. But this book is not written for that purpose and is purely focused on the constitution.
Overall, it's a must read for any person who wants to understand the constitution of India. Every person must find time to read it or atleat go through the chapters of Fundamntal Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy.
The chapters are well arranged that gives the book a flow which the non social science students can understand.
Each article is provided with relevant Supreme Court Judgements relevant from exam point of view that help throw light on the view of juiciary on that particular article.
Ammendments are given at appropriate places after every article, common confusions are addressed clearly, recent changes like Article 370 are also included and explained and history of certain provisions are also provided wherever necessary, like for instance in the Right to Property case.
Only downside is that the language can be a bit difficult for some people, especially if you don't have a good english background. Personally, I found it not that difficult but I can understand why some people might.
Also, from exam point of view, there should have been a few chapters more to cover entire portion of polity. But this book is not written for that purpose and is purely focused on the constitution.
Overall, it's a must read for any person who wants to understand the constitution of India. Every person must find time to read it or atleat go through the chapters of Fundamntal Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy.
October 10, 2017
One of the most simple and fast way to understand the fundamentals of the Indian Constitution, specially for the new-learners. It is the best source to understand exactly what the framers of the country wanted India to look like.
December 11, 2018
It is a very apt guide to Indian Constitution with crisp interpretations. The author has even provided some raw texts from the original Constitution document to make things more clear and transparent in analysis.
October 3, 2017
tough book to understand. dont start reading with this. helpful for students of public administration.
September 4, 2018
must read for upsc examination contains the basic concepts of polity throughly
January 9, 2019
Very interesting
January 10, 2019
Very good apps to read the books. Love it.
February 7, 2019
Durga Das Basu, complied all the articles in a very good manner to get us ziest of Indian Constitution.
February 13, 2019
Must read to know about Indian democracy...very lucid and nicely written...
April 23, 2020
Some hidden pearls.. the chapter on Fundamental rights is epic
July 8, 2020
So many judgements in this book.Thanks Basu Sir.
January 4, 2021
Best on introductory Indian Constitution...
February 20, 2021
Brilliantly articulated and comprehensible.
April 13, 2021
Classic ....If someone is interested in knowing about constitution of India !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2023
To quite an extent D. D. Basu played safe in some high controversial issues.
September 7, 2015
You have to read the Constitution in order to understand its importance and significance for the nation and its people. The underlying foundation of democracy in India, the Constitution should be the most revered document for all of the people of the nation.
This book By Dr Basu introduces the constitution and its strengths and vulnerabilities. It tells you about the differences and the similarities that the Indian Constitution shares with that of the American, British, Australian, Canadian, Turkish and Irish Constitutions. It also introduces you to the basic structure of parliamentary democracy, federalism, judicial system, union and state legislatures and public service commissions.
The book clearly states the vulnerability that the Indian Constitution faces. The numerous amendments carried out easily by each successive government after 1950 validates his concern. The importance of the constitution is also implied by the numerous interpretations and the referrals to it by the Judiciary from time to time.
The book is good for understanding the power the constitution wields over the nation and its people, but what dissatisfied me a little was just the perfunctory references provided while explaining the content. It would have been more prudent to include a brief description of all the cases in an appended case-story section.
This is a good text to understand the most important document but it would be better if could specify a few things more and could elaborate on the parts that need a little more explanation. For Example: elaboration on why the Assembly chose the parliamentary form of government and not the presidential system of government or on fundamental rights etcetera.
Notwithstanding these issues (which I feel should be addressed), it is still a great text to understand the foundation of Indian Polity.
This book By Dr Basu introduces the constitution and its strengths and vulnerabilities. It tells you about the differences and the similarities that the Indian Constitution shares with that of the American, British, Australian, Canadian, Turkish and Irish Constitutions. It also introduces you to the basic structure of parliamentary democracy, federalism, judicial system, union and state legislatures and public service commissions.
The book clearly states the vulnerability that the Indian Constitution faces. The numerous amendments carried out easily by each successive government after 1950 validates his concern. The importance of the constitution is also implied by the numerous interpretations and the referrals to it by the Judiciary from time to time.
The book is good for understanding the power the constitution wields over the nation and its people, but what dissatisfied me a little was just the perfunctory references provided while explaining the content. It would have been more prudent to include a brief description of all the cases in an appended case-story section.
This is a good text to understand the most important document but it would be better if could specify a few things more and could elaborate on the parts that need a little more explanation. For Example: elaboration on why the Assembly chose the parliamentary form of government and not the presidential system of government or on fundamental rights etcetera.
Notwithstanding these issues (which I feel should be addressed), it is still a great text to understand the foundation of Indian Polity.
September 7, 2016
Basu comes across as a passionate writer. While most other writers of consequence on Indian constitution are dull and drab, the inherent strength of this book is the energy that the author has put in to defend the cherished ideals of the constitution.
While the language is a bit legalese (hence complex), the end product is well worth the trouble. Rather than merely encapsulate the summary of the constitution, Basu has infused his book with his own opinions.
While the criticisms of the constitution are well addressed, it seems like a nationalist perspective and we hardly come across a critique that has not been debunked. Also the parallel evolution of judicial interpretation could have been a little more substantial. I find that certain landmark cases have recurring mentions while some are totally erased.
Also when the judiciary and executive have been on a collision course again (like on NJAC), the book is not updated regularly and will lose its esteemed place unless some scholar updates it. The onus for the same falls squarely on LexisNexis.
While the language is a bit legalese (hence complex), the end product is well worth the trouble. Rather than merely encapsulate the summary of the constitution, Basu has infused his book with his own opinions.
While the criticisms of the constitution are well addressed, it seems like a nationalist perspective and we hardly come across a critique that has not been debunked. Also the parallel evolution of judicial interpretation could have been a little more substantial. I find that certain landmark cases have recurring mentions while some are totally erased.
Also when the judiciary and executive have been on a collision course again (like on NJAC), the book is not updated regularly and will lose its esteemed place unless some scholar updates it. The onus for the same falls squarely on LexisNexis.
November 7, 2014
I had read couple of books on the constitution, namely Subhash Kashyap and Lakshmikant, before stumbling upon this masterpiece. Dr. Basu's book is by far the best work on constitution I've come across.
Dr. Basu has done a remarkable job of presenting the Constitution of India in a lucid manner, without compromising on the nuances of various legal interpretations. The language is simple, and content pretty much exhaustive.
I'd recommend the readers to supplement it with some bare act (everybody uses PM Bakshi - which is good) and refer it whenever in doubt. This strategy will go a long way in making someone not with a law background, like myself, understand the constitution.
So get yourself a copy of this book and get on with it! In my opinion, everybody should read the constitution. It's such a phenomenal work you'll literally feel your mental horizons expand while you're at it.
Dr. Basu has done a remarkable job of presenting the Constitution of India in a lucid manner, without compromising on the nuances of various legal interpretations. The language is simple, and content pretty much exhaustive.
I'd recommend the readers to supplement it with some bare act (everybody uses PM Bakshi - which is good) and refer it whenever in doubt. This strategy will go a long way in making someone not with a law background, like myself, understand the constitution.
So get yourself a copy of this book and get on with it! In my opinion, everybody should read the constitution. It's such a phenomenal work you'll literally feel your mental horizons expand while you're at it.
November 21, 2020
One book which is considered as holy as the religious books is our constitution. This book is a commentary written by D.D. Basu who has used the simplest language to explain the complicated terms and provisions of our constitution, which makes it easier for even a layman to understand our whole constitutional system. The insights given by the author on various topics makes this a more interesting read and suggestions given by the author for the improvement in the constitution seems to be logical.
One suggestion would be that read this book slowly with a highlighter in your hand, this will help you in a better understanding of the concepts mentioned in this book.
This book is a must-read for everyone who can read as it opens up the pandora’s box of the political and legal system of our country.
One suggestion would be that read this book slowly with a highlighter in your hand, this will help you in a better understanding of the concepts mentioned in this book.
This book is a must-read for everyone who can read as it opens up the pandora’s box of the political and legal system of our country.
November 16, 2012
Introduction to the Constitution of India is a fantastic book on the subject of Indian Constitution and presents a wonderful commentary on the same. It deals with everything and nothing substantial is left out. The language is simply beautiful which is least expected from an Indian academic author at university level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews