The Preamble of Indian Constitution is taken from the United States Constitution. The idea of beginning the Constitution with an introductory statement and the phrase “We, the people” is inspired by the US Constitution. However, the Indian Preamble is not copied. It was shaped according to India’s freedom struggle, democratic values, and social goals.
If you are searching for preamble is borrowed from which country, the direct answer is the USA. But some values in the Indian Preamble also have other inspirations. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity come from France, while social, economic, and political justice is influenced by the Soviet Constitution.
What is the Preamble of Indian Constitution?
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is the introductory statement that explains the purpose, values, and nature of the Constitution. It tells us that the Constitution gets its authority from the people of India. It also shows the goals India wants to achieve, such as justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, unity, and integrity.
The Preamble acts like a guide to understand the spirit of the Indian Constitution. It also defines India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic. Courts often use the Preamble to understand the broader meaning and purpose of constitutional provisions.
Original Text of the Preamble
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
Current Text of the Preamble
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do
HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
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Changes Made in the Preamble
The Preamble was amended only once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. This amendment added three important expressions to the Preamble.
| Basis | Original Preamble | Current Preamble | Change Made |
| Nature of India | Sovereign Democratic Republic | Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic | “Socialist” and “Secular” were added |
| National Goal | Unity of the Nation | Unity and Integrity of the Nation | “Integrity” was added |
| Amendment | No amendment before 1976 | Amended by 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 | First and only amendment to the Preamble |
| Core Values | Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity | Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity | Core values remained the same |
| Source of Authority | We, the People of India | We, the People of India | No change |
Key Words in Preamble Taken From Which Country?
| Word / Idea in the Preamble | Source / Inspiration |
| Preamble as an introductory statement | US Constitution |
| We, the People | US Constitution |
| Republic | French Constitution |
| Liberty | French Revolution |
| Equality | French Revolution |
| Fraternity | French Revolution |
| Justice: Social, Economic and Political | Soviet Constitution / USSR |
| Socialist | Added by 42nd Amendment, influenced by welfare ideals |
| Secular | Indian constitutional vision |
| Unity and Integrity | Added by 42nd Amendment |
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| Articles of Indian Constitution | Article 14 of Indian Constitution |
| Legal Awareness and Law Resources | Article 15 of Indian Constitution |
Why Was the Preamble Added to the Indian Constitution?
The Preamble was added to the Indian Constitution to clearly state the purpose, values, and goals of the Constitution. It tells us that the people of India are the real source of constitutional authority. The words “We, the People of India” show that the Constitution was not given by any king, foreign power, or outside authority. It was adopted by the people through the Constituent Assembly.
The Preamble also defines the nature of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic. It explains the goals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These values guide lawmakers, courts, and citizens in understanding the spirit of the Constitution.
Important Supreme Court Cases on Preamble
| Case | Year | Importance |
| Re Berubari Union Case | 1960 | The Supreme Court held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution. However, it can be used to understand the intention of the makers. |
| Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala | 1973 | The Supreme Court held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution. It also introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine. |
| Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain | 1975 | The Court connected democracy and free elections with the basic structure of the Constitution. |
| Minerva Mills v. Union of India | 1980 | The Court stressed balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, reflecting the Preamble’s goals of justice and liberty. |
| S.R. Bommai v. Union of India | 1994 | The Court held that secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution and used the Preamble to support this view. |
| LIC of India v. Consumer Education & Research Centre | 1995 | The Court used Preamble values to support social justice and human dignity. |
| Union Government v. LIC of India | 1995 | The Supreme Court again stated that the Preamble is an important part of the Constitution and helps in interpretation. |
Can the Preamble Be Amended?
Yes, the Preamble can be amended, but its basic structure cannot be changed. The Supreme Court confirmed this in the Kesavananda Bharati case. The Preamble was amended once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, which added the words Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
Also check out Amendment of Indian Constitution in detail!
FAQs About Preamble Taken From Which Country
The idea of the Preamble is taken from the United States Constitution.
The phrase “We, the People” is inspired by the US Constitution.
The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity are inspired by the French Revolution.
The opening words are “We, the People of India.”
Yes, the Preamble is part of the Constitution. This was confirmed in the Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973.
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 changed the Preamble.
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