Question:

Who described Constituent Assembly of India as a ‘ microcosm in action’ ?

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Granville Austin's writings are crucial study material for understanding the democratic and consensual history of India's constitution-making process.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
  • Glanville Williams
  • Granville Austin
  • Ivor Jennings
  • Edward Coke
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the scholar who described the Constituent Assembly of India as a "microcosm in action."

Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:

The composition and working of the Indian Constituent Assembly have been commented on by many historians.
We need to identify the scholar who praised the Assembly for representing the diverse interests of the vast Indian subcontinent.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:


Granville Austin's Analysis: In his comprehensive study "The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation," Austin analyzed how the Constituent Assembly functioned.

A Microcosm in Action: Austin used this phrase to describe how the Assembly, despite being dominated by the Congress party, represented a cross-section of Indian society (including diverse religions, regions, castes, and political beliefs).

Consensus Decision-Making: He praised the Assembly's commitment to decision-making by consensus and accommodation, which allowed a highly diverse group of delegates to agree on a single document.

Contrast with Critics: Unlike Winston Churchill, who dismissed the Assembly as representing "only one major community in India," Austin viewed it as a highly representative and democratic body.

Step 4: Final Answer:

The description of the Constituent Assembly as a "microcosm in action" was given by Granville Austin. Thus, Option B is correct.
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