According to Granville Austin, which of the following was / were the m

According to Granville Austin, which of the following was / were the most significant contributions of India to constitution-making?

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Majority rule and minority rights

Consensus and Accommodation

Social revolution and Political Freedom

Asymmetrical Federal structure

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2015

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The correct option is B.

Granville Austin, in his seminal work “The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation,” highlights the working methods and spirit of the Constituent Assembly. He particularly emphasizes the Assembly’s ability to function by consensus and accommodation among its diverse members, representing various viewpoints and interests. This process of deliberation, negotiation, and compromise to build broad agreement, despite deep divisions, is what Austin considers a significant contribution to constitution-making.
While aspects of federalism (perhaps asymmetrical), social revolution, political freedom, majority rule, and minority rights are indeed addressed by the Indian Constitution, Austin focuses on the *process* by which these were debated and adopted, emphasizing the spirit of consensus and accommodation as key to the Assembly’s success and a notable aspect of India’s approach to drafting its fundamental law.

Austin describes the Constituent Assembly as a “microcosm of India” and argues that the method of reaching decisions through discussion, persuasion, and the search for consensus, rather than strict adherence to rules of procedure or simple majority votes on every issue, was crucial. This accommodative spirit allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and helped build legitimacy for the final document.

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