Calligraphy and artistic decoration and printing of the original authoritative copy of the Constitution of India by Nandlal Bose

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Calligraphy and artistic decoration and printing of the original authoritative copy of the Constitution of India

At the suggestion of Prof. K. T. Shah the question of calligraphy and artistic decoration and printing of the original authoritative copy of the Constitution of India was taken up.  The matter to be calligraphed consisted of about 300 pages of 6½" x 9½", each page containing about 40 lines. It was also proposed to use parchment paper of the size of 14" x18" and a margin of 2½" was to be left 2 at the top and the sides for illumination work and of l½" at the bottom. The rest of the space in the middle of the sheet was to be covered by the calligraphist. The cover was to bear the seal and emblem of the Union with a description in general and concise terms of the contents of the manuscript. At the suggestion of Krishna Kriplani the President wrote to Acharya Nandalal Bose of the Shantiniketan asking if he would undertake the work of supervision and decoration and illumination of the authoritative copy of the Constitution. Acharya Nandalal Bose agreed to make designs covering the whole period of Indian civilization. A decision was also taken to photoprint the calligraphed Constitution bearing signatures of Members at the end.

Source: RTI