Bharat and India: Understanding the Dual Identity
Finance

In which article India is Bharat?

Article 1: Name and Territory of the Union – Constitution of India

The Constitution of India, adopted on 26th November 1949 and brought into effect on 26th January 1950, lays down the foundational framework of the Indian Republic. Among its opening provisions is Article 1, which establishes the name and territorial jurisdiction of the Union of India. It forms the cornerstone of India’s identity as a nation-state and provides a framework for its geographical and political structure.

Text of Article 1

  1. India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
  2. The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule.
  3. The territory of India shall comprise: a. The territories of the States; b. The Union territories specified in the First Schedule; and c. Such other territories as may be acquired.

Key Aspects of Article 1

  1. Name of the Nation: Article 1 explicitly declares that the country’s name is “India, that is Bharat.” This dual nomenclature reflects both modern and historical identities of the nation. While “India” is widely used in international and formal contexts, “Bharat” resonates deeply with cultural and historical roots.
  2. Union of States: The term “Union of States” signifies that India is not a federation created by an agreement between states, but an indestructible union where states derive their powers and existence from the Constitution. This underlines the unity and integrity of the nation.
  3. Territorial Jurisdiction: The territorial extent of India is defined to include:
    • States listed in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
    • Union Territories, which are directly administered by the Central Government.
    • Any territory that may be acquired in the future, thereby providing flexibility for territorial expansion.

Importance of Article 1

  1. Unity in Diversity: By emphasizing the “Union of States,” Article 1 establishes the principle of unity among diverse linguistic, cultural, and regional identities within India.
  2. Sovereignty and Flexibility: The provision to include “territories that may be acquired” reflects India’s sovereign power to determine its geographical boundaries in accordance with international law.
  3. Constitutional Foundation: Article 1 serves as the foundational provision for subsequent articles that delineate the governance, reorganization, and administration of states and territories.

Judicial Interpretations

Over the years, courts in India have interpreted Article 1 to reaffirm the indestructible nature of the Union. For example, during cases of state reorganization, the judiciary has upheld that states cannot secede from the Union and that the central government retains the authority to alter state boundaries as per the Constitution.

Conclusion

Article 1 of the Indian Constitution succinctly yet profoundly encapsulates the essence of India as a unified and sovereign entity. It not only defines the name and territorial scope of the Union but also lays the groundwork for India’s political and administrative framework. By balancing historical heritage with modern governance, Article 1 continues to symbolize the nation’s unity and strength amidst its remarkable diversity.

Harshvardhan Mishra

Harshvardhan Mishra is a tech expert with a B.Tech in IT and a PG Diploma in IoT from CDAC. With 6+ years of Industrial experience, he runs HVM Smart Solutions, offering IT, IoT, and financial services. A passionate UPSC aspirant and researcher, he has deep knowledge of finance, economics, geopolitics, history, and Indian culture. With 11+ years of blogging experience, he creates insightful content on BharatArticles.com, blending tech, history, and culture to inform and empower readers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *