November 26, 1949
Explanation
The Preamble to the Constitution of India serves as the introductory statement, outlining the source of authority, objectives, and the date of adoption. It explicitly declares the date on which the Constituent Assembly finalized and legally accepted the Constitution.
Analysis of the Dates:
- November 26, 1949: This is the date mentioned in the Preamble where it states, "In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution." On this date, the Constitution was adopted, and provisions relating to citizenship, elections, and the provisional parliament came into immediate effect.
- January 26, 1950: This is the "Date of Commencement" of the Constitution. On this day, the Constitution came into full force, and India became a Republic. This date was chosen to commemorate the declaration of 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) of 1930.
- August 15, 1947: This date marks India's independence from British rule and the transfer of power under the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
Key Takeaway:
Candidates must distinguish between the date of adoption (November 26, 1949), celebrated as Constitution Day, and the date of commencement (January 26, 1950), celebrated as Republic Day.