Prem Behari Narain Raizada

Prem Behari Narain Raizada was an Indian calligrapher best known for hand-writing the final copy of the Constitution of India, one of the most significant documents in the nation’s history. His contribution gave the Constitution its distinctive handwritten form, making it not only a legal text but also a work of art.

Early Life and Background

Prem Behari Narain Raizada was born in 1901 in Delhi, into a family with a rich tradition of calligraphy. He learned the art of writing from his grandfather, who trained him in the elegance of the italic style. Though calligraphy was his family heritage, Raizada pursued modern education, studying at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
He never married and was known to have lived a simple, disciplined life, dedicating himself to the pursuit of calligraphy.

Role in the Constitution of India

When the Constituent Assembly of India decided that the final version of the Constitution should be hand-written rather than printed, Raizada was chosen for the monumental task. His mastery of calligraphy and reputation for precision made him the ideal candidate.

• The Constitution was hand-written in English, using a specially prepared ink and high-quality parchment sheets.
• Raizada completed the work in about six months, filling more than 1,000 pages with his elegant calligraphy.
• He did not charge any fee for this task, considering it a service to the nation. His only request was that his name be inscribed on every page as the calligrapher.

The Hindi version of the Constitution was later written by Vasant Krishan Vaidya, another distinguished calligrapher.

Artistic Features

Raizada’s work was not limited to mere writing; it was also a form of artistry:

• The script used was based on italic calligraphy, carefully adapted for legibility and elegance.
• The manuscript was richly decorated with illustrations and borders, many inspired by the Ajanta frescoes and Mughal miniature art, created by artists from Shantiniketan under the guidance of Nandalal Bose.
• The combination of Raizada’s calligraphy and these artworks turned the Constitution into a visual and cultural masterpiece.

Legacy and Recognition

Prem Behari Narain Raizada’s contribution holds immense symbolic value in Indian history. By hand-writing the Constitution without monetary gain, he underscored the spirit of service and dedication during the formative years of the republic.
The original hand-written Constitution is preserved in the Library of the Parliament of India, housed in special cases filled with inert gas to prevent deterioration.
Raizada passed away in 1966, but his work remains immortalised as an inseparable part of India’s democratic heritage. He is remembered not only as a master calligrapher but also as an artist whose penmanship became a defining feature of the world’s lengthiest constitution.
Prem Behari Narain Raizada thus occupies a unique place in India’s cultural and political history, embodying the artistry, dignity, and solemnity with which the nation’s foundational text was crafted.