Class 12 History Chapter 12 – Stepwise NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions Class 12 History Chapter 12 Framing The Constitution (2025-26)

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

1. What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?

Answer: The Objectives Resolution expressed ideals such as making India an independent sovereign republic, ensuring justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens, safeguarding the interests of minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes. It emphasized democracy, social, and economic justice.

2. How was the term minority defined by different groups?

Answer: The term 'minority' was defined differently—some groups identified minorities by religion and culture, seeking safeguards; others, like N.G. Ranga, argued the real minorities were the poor and oppressed. Dalits also considered themselves minorities due to centuries of suppression.

3. What were the arguments in favour of greater power to the provinces?

Answer: Supporters of greater provincial power argued that excessive centralization, especially financial, could stifle regional development and autonomy. Strong provinces would allow better governance, representation of local interests, and prevent dominance by the central government.

4. Why did Mahatma Gandhi think Hindustani should be the national language?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi supported Hindustani as the national language as it was a blend of Hindi and Urdu, spoken by most Indians. He believed it embodied the composite culture and would foster unity, unlike pure Hindi or Urdu, which were tied to specific communities.

Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

1. What historical forces shaped the vision of the Constitution?

Answer: The Constitution was shaped by the historical experiences of colonial rule, mass movements like the Quit India Movement and the fight against social inequalities. The events of Partition, atrocities on minorities, and refugee crises influenced the need for unity and safeguards. The makers drew inspiration from global democratic traditions such as the American and French Revolutions, British parliamentary practices, and social justice movements. Socio-economic realities, diversity, and aspirations for an inclusive, secular, and democratic India fundamentally directed the Constituent Assembly Debates and decisions, aiming for healing and nation-building.

2. Discuss the different arguments made in the Constituent Assembly regarding the language of the nation.

Answer: The language debate was intense. Mahatma Gandhi and Congress supported Hindustani (a blend of Hindi and Urdu) to reflect inclusivity and shared culture. Advocates like R.V. Dhulekar pushed for Hindi in Devanagari script as the sole official language, while many from southern India worried that Hindi dominance would threaten provincial languages. They wanted adequate safeguards for regional languages and gradual transition from English to Hindi. Finally, a compromise was reached: Hindi (Devanagari script) as the official language, English for official purposes for 15 years, and preservation of provincial languages for state matters.

3. What was the 'problem of the minorities' and what was the Constituent Assembly's response to it?

Answer: The 'problem of the minorities' centered on finding ways to ensure safety, representation, and rights for religious, cultural, and social minorities, especially after the trauma of Partition. Proposals included separate electorates and reservations. However, most members, citing the divisive experience of Partition, rejected separate electorates for religious groups. Instead, the Assembly provided safeguards—like reservations for depressed classes (Scheduled Castes), cultural and educational rights for minorities, and equality before law—to promote integration while protecting diversity.

Understanding the Framing of the Indian Constitution

Mastering NCERT Solutions Class 12 History Chapter 12 Framing The Constitution gives students clear insights into how India’s foundational values were established. Focus on the key themes—justice, equality, secularism, and unity for strong conceptual understanding.

Exam preparation becomes easier with a deep grasp of the Constituent Assembly debates and the significance of the Objectives Resolution. Reviewing important committees and language debates will help in tackling both short and long answer types effectively.

Regular revision of these NCERT solutions and timelines strengthens your foundation for board exams. Practice writing concise answers, and always link concepts to contemporary examples for improved marks in the 2025-26 session.