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All auctions / Books, Maps & Manuscripts / The Constitution of India
The Constitution of India . Hathibarkala, Dehra Dun: Survey of India Offices, [1950]. First official edition of the Constitution of India , published by the Government of India in 1950 under the chairmanship of B.R. Ambedkar. Issued from the original calligraphed manuscript, this edition (comprising 1000 copies according to the Library of Congress) reproduces the Constitution's celebrated visual program, with text hand-lettered by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and illuminated by Nandalal Bose and artists of Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan. It includes the facsimile signatures of the original framers. More than a legal text, the volume is a landmark of Indian nation-building, uniting constitutional ideals with artistic traditions drawn from across the subcontinent. Its 22 illustrations trace Indian history from the Indus Valley to the independence movement, while the decorative borders and gold-embellished design reflect the influence of Ajanta and other classical traditions. It is one of the most significant and artistically distinguished publications of modern India and a fitting testament to the Constitution of the world’s largest democracy. This volume was once in the possession of Texas Senator Ralph W. Yarborough (1903-1996), according to the current owner who acquired it at his estate sale. Senator Yarborough was a noted Civil Rights advocate, being the only senator from a state that was part of the Confederacy to vote for all four Civil Rights bills (1957-1968) and Voting Rights Act. He was a member of the United States Congress delegation 51st Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference in Delhi, India, 1969, but his connection to this volume is unknown. Folio (418 x 305mm). Printed in colors and gold on thin paper. “List of Illustrations” leaf laid in separately, as issued. Original gilt-stamped leatherette, all edges gilt (gilt-edges slightly dinged, toning to endpapers); glassine jacket (partially adhered to covers); printed dust jacket (7 inch tear to lower edge, light shelf-wear); original printed paper box (worn, spine torn, darkened).
Estimate:£18,673.75
To the auctionView all items fromChristie'sorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts
Estimate:
£18,673.75
Bindings. Hotten (John Camden, editor), Bailey (N.), Moffat (Robert)
08/21/2026
£1,200
Est: £200
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