The Constitution of India begins with an introduction or preface which is called the 'Preamble'
This is statement of ideals, which is the nation should strive to achieve
Preamble is often referred as mirror of the constitution as it reflects the various aspects of the constitutional provisions
The Preamble of the Constitution of India came into existence on 26th January 1950 and amended by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976

we the people of India full stop 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 of belief, faith and worship
Equality - of status and 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 26 November 1949 hereby adopt enact and give to ourselves this constitution.

Constitution is the supreme document of the land
Socialist secular and integrity were added in the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976

sovereignty means the Supreme Power
India became a sovereign Nation in 1947
The nation is free to make decisions on all internal and external matters
Since 15th August 1947 India enjoys both internal and external Sovereignty
Self decision is the essence of sovereignty

socialist system seeks to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to benefit from the country's wealth
Banks and industries were brought under government control
Profit generated by the public property will be utilised for the welfare of the general public
The term socialist was added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment 1976

People of India have different religious faiths.
To maintain religious harmony and the unity of the country Indian constitution has affirmed in the Preamble that it is secular
This means that there is no state religion
All citizens are free to practice preach and profess any religion of their choice.
The word secular was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment 1976
'Sarvadharma Sadbhavana' or 'Sarvadharma Sanamvay' is the corner stone of Indian Secularism.

Democracy means, of the people by the people and for the people
Government formed by the people and works for the welfare of the people
People of India participate Hindi governance through their elected in the governments through their elected representatives by the way of Universal adult franchise through single non transferable vote

Republic means that the country has an elected President as the head of the state. There is no monarch as the head of the country.
President of India is equal to British Monarch and in no way inferior to her.
Our membership of the commonwealth is in no way a compromise with our sovereignty and republican status

Indian society was ridden with social and economic inequalities.
Indian constitution seeks to remove such inequalities and ensure social, economic and political justice.
Social Justice means equal treatment of all people irrespective of religion, race, caste etc.
Economic Justice implies that equal treatment of rich and poor and efforts to bridge gap between them.
Political justice implies that every person in India should be allowed to participate in the political process by the way of voting and contesting during elections.

Liberty is an essential requirement of democratic and free society
It aims to all development of the individual and to ensure adequate rights to the people.
The society is made of individuals.
social progress depends on the development of the personality of the Individual in a free atmosphere.

Equality implies equal opportunities.
It means equality of status and equality of opportunity.
Equality of status is ensured by abolition of untouchability and the titles.
It is also secured by providing that there would be no discrimination on the ground of religion, Race, sex, colour or place of residence.

Fraternity is defined as "a sense of common brotherhood of all Indians"
India is a land of immense diversity. In order to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation, there has to be a sense of brotherhood and solidarity among various groups.
Communal feelings have to be overcome by promoting understanding among different communities.
The constitution also aims to remove divisive practices like casteism and communalism.

This quiz has been prepared with questions related to Indian Polity-Preamble. These question were asked in various competitive exams across India. You can practice these questions to gain more knowledge.

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