The Clash Between Civilisation And Constitution

The 2024 elections highlighted a growing conflict in Bharat’s identity. Slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Samvidhan” were not mere political rhetoric.

They exposed a deeper divide between Bharat’s ancient civilisational ethos and its modern constitutional framework. This tension isn’t new—it’s rooted in colonial history and the complexities of redefining Bharat post-independence.

The Lingering Effects Of Colonialism

In 1947, Bharat gained political independence but not mental freedom. The colonial governance structures remained intact, as did the mindset that accompanied them.

The Indian Constitution, while progressive, absorbed many colonial principles. This created an uneasy coexistence between ancient traditions and modern governance. Instead of addressing this divide, the system deepened it, leaving Bharat struggling to reconcile its roots with imposed ideals.

The Misuse Of Constitutional Morality

Over time, “constitutional morality” has been used as a tool to reform indigenous practices. While some reforms were necessary, this approach often dismissed traditional practices as regressive.

This narrative has distanced Bharat from its cultural roots. Ironically, such disconnection has done more harm than colonial rulers ever managed.

Efforts to reconnect with these roots are now branded as communal or anti-progressive, further alienating a large section of society.

Civic Nationalism vs. Civilisational Identity

Modern governance emphasizes civic nationalism, which prioritises allegiance to constitutional values like secularism. However, Bharat’s history and society are deeply influenced by:

• Religion
• Language
• Culture
• Collective memory

Forcing people to abandon these identities in favor of abstract civic ideals risks creating a sense of alienation. Societies thrive when they balance traditional markers of identity with modern governance.

Why Collective Memory Matters

A shared sense of history is the backbone of any society. In Bharat, civilisational consciousness connects generations and fosters resilience.

Attempts to erase this memory in favor of secular civic ideals weaken societal cohesion.

Without a strong civilisational identity, Bharat risks becoming more susceptible to internal divisions and external influences. The past isn’t just heritage; it’s the foundation of long-term stability.

The Common Misconception About India’s Constitution

• Assumption: Constitution Prevents Chaos: Many people, especially in India, believe that without the Constitution, the country would fall into chaos and resemble its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh. This is a flawed assumption.
• Neighboring Examples: Constitution Isn’t a Safeguard: The presence of a constitution in neighboring countries has not stopped military coups or ensured the protection of minorities. Clearly, having a constitution alone does not guarantee stability or safety.
• What Truly Sets India Apart: India’s strength lies in its vast diversity and the unique sense of dharma among its people. This innate moral compass helps maintain the nation’s pluralistic values and ensures respect for its institutions, more so than any written document could.
• The Real Foundation of Stability: Rather than solely crediting the Constitution, it’s important to recognize the role of the Indian people and their deep-rooted cultural ethos in preserving the country’s harmony and democratic spirit.

The Constitution As a Living Document

The Indian Constitution is foundational but not static. It must evolve with societal needs to stay relevant. A rigid interpretation risks stifling Bharat’s ability to adapt to its unique civilisational context.

Viewing the Constitution as dynamic allows it to harmonize with cultural and historical realities, ensuring progress without uprooting traditions.

Also Read | Federalism In India: A Living Framework Of Governance

The Role of Civilisational Values In Stability

Many believe Bharat’s stability stems solely from its Constitution. However, its resilience owes much to deep-rooted civilisational values:

• Pluralism: Promoting coexistence and respect for diversity.
• Cultural Continuity: Acting as a unifying force across centuries.

Unlike its neighbors, Bharat has resisted political upheavals and social unrest largely due to this intrinsic cultural foundation.

Bridging the Divide: A Balanced Approach

The solution lies in integration, not opposition. Bharat’s civilisational ethos and constitutional framework must complement each other. This balance can create a society that respects its past while embracing modernity.

Towards A Unified Future

Bharat doesn’t need to choose between its roots and its aspirations. By blending its ancient heritage with constitutional values, it can forge a harmonious path forward. This approach ensures:

• Preservation of cultural identity
• Openness to evolution and change

By bridging civilisation and Constitution, Bharat can craft a governance model that honors its history and secures its future.

Brief Description Of Important Themes

The article delves into the complex interplay between India’s civilisational identity and its constitutional framework, highlighting several themes pertinent to the UPSC Prelims and Mains examinations.

• Civilisation vs. Constitution: The article discusses the tension between India’s ancient civilisational identity and the modern constitutional framework, suggesting that the latter may have been influenced by colonial legacies, leading to an uneasy relationship between traditional values and constitutional mandates.
• Decolonisation of the Indian Psyche: It posits that political independence did not fully decolonise the Indian consciousness, with colonial attitudes persisting in the post-independence politico-constitutional framework, potentially alienating the nation from its cultural roots.
• Constitutional Morality: The concept of constitutional morality is examined as a tool used to reform traditional identities, sometimes clashing with societal norms and leading to debates on judicial overreach and the balance between constitutional mandates and cultural practices.
• Civic Nationalism vs. Cultural Nationalism: The article critiques the emphasis on secular civic nationalism, arguing that it may undermine traditional markers of identity such as religion, language, and culture, and questions the sustainability of such an approach in the Indian context.
• Pluralism and Dharmic Values: It highlights the role of India’s dharmic traditions in maintaining the country’s pluralistic fabric, suggesting that these indigenous values have been pivotal in preserving democracy and social harmony, beyond the constitutional provisions.
• Historical Amnesia and National Identity: The article warns against the dangers of erasing collective memory and historical consciousness, using the example of Bangladesh to illustrate the potential consequences of such amnesia on national identity and societal cohesion.
• Basic Structure Doctrine: It critiques the notion of the Constitution’s Basic Structure as immutable, arguing that rigid adherence may stifle the agency of present and future generations to shape their destinies in alignment with their civilisational ethos.