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

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

Answer: The Objectives Resolution expressed the ideals of India being an independent sovereign republic, guaranteeing justice, equality, and freedom to all citizens. It assured adequate safeguards for minorities, backward and depressed classes, and declared that India would combine liberal democracy with economic justice and adopt a government accepted by its people.

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

Answer: Different groups defined “minority” in various ways. For religious minorities, it referred to communities such as Muslims and Christians. Some leaders, like N.G. Ranga, argued that minorities should be seen in economic terms, including peasants and the poor who also needed safeguards. Tribals and women raised concerns for their own specific protection as well.

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

Answer: Provincial leaders argued that a strong centre could override regional interests and threaten the autonomy of states. They believed provinces understood local needs better and should have control over issues concerning them. The fear of domination by the centre, especially in a diverse country, motivated these demands for greater provincial power.

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

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi believed Hindustani, which blended Hindi and Urdu, was spoken by most Indians and symbolized unity. He felt that a language understood by common people would best represent the nation and promote inclusivity, transcending religious and regional divides.

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

Answer: The vision of the Constitution was shaped by the struggle against British colonial rule, experiences of social injustice, and aspirations for a democratic society. The trauma of Partition and hopes for equality among castes, genders, and regions deeply influenced the framers.

The need to unite a diverse nation was significant. Inspirations came from working democratic institutions in Britain, the American and French revolutions, and from awareness of social and economic inequalities.

Indian leaders incorporated justice, equality, and movement. They included safeguards for minorities, backward classes, and provinces, seeking balance between central authority and regional autonomy.

Thus, Indian realities and international examples both contributed to shaping a constitution that aimed to foster unity, justice, and democracy.

fundamental rights after learning from failures and successes in the national 

6. Discuss the different arguments made in favour of protection of the oppressed groups.

Answer: In the Constituent Assembly, oppressed groups like Dalits, tribals, and women sought protections against historical injustices. Leaders such as Dakshayani Velayudhan and Jaipal Singh argued for removal of social disabilities rather than segregation.

Ambedkar initially demanded separate electorates for Dalits for political empowerment, but this idea was dropped in favour of reservations to ensure integration. Tribals wanted development alongside preservation of their distinct culture. Women activists, such as Hansa Mehta, insisted on equal rights and justice, not separate electorates.

Some members viewed economic minorities—the poor and peasants—as also needing protection. These arguments led to the inclusion of reservations, social justice, and equality provisions, helping to uplift and integrate the oppressed without creating further divisions.

7. What connection did some of the members of the Constituent Assembly make between the political situation of the time and the need for a strong Centre?

Answer: Members noted that after Partition and communal violence, a strong Centre was essential for national integrity and unity. They feared that a weak Centre could lead to secession or disorder.

With many princely states and strong regional loyalties, central authority was required to maintain law and order and manage affairs like defense, communication, and crisis management.

The events of Partition and the risk of further fragmentation made many Congress leaders and provincial representatives support a robust Centre, even as they debated safeguards for state autonomy.

8. How did the Constituent Assembly seek to resolve the language controversy?

Answer: The language controversy was resolved through compromise. Many Hindi-speaking members favoured Hindi as the national language, while others, particularly from southern and eastern regions, feared its imposition would threaten their linguistic identities.

Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Hindustani—a blend of Hindi and Urdu—to promote unity. The Assembly decided that Hindi in Devanagari script would be the official language, but English would remain for official purposes for 15 years to allow a gradual transition.

This compromise satisfied both supporters and opponents of Hindi, preserving India's linguistic diversity.

Map Work

9. On a present-day political map of India, indicate the different languages spoken in each state and mark out the one that is designated as the language for official communication. Compare the present map with a map of the early 1950s. What differences do you notice? Do the differences say something about the relationship between language and the organisation of the states?

Project Work (Choose One)

11. Read any two autobiographies of nationalist leaders. Look at the different ways in which the authors represent their own life and times, and interpret the national movement. See how their views differ. Write an account based on your studies. 

12. Choose any event that took place during the national movement. Try and read the letters and speeches of the leaders of the time. Some of these are now published. He could be a local leader from the region where you live. Try and see how the local leaders viewed the activities of the national leadership at the top. Write about the movement based on your reading.

Understanding the Framing of the Indian Constitution

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.

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