
Constitution of 1857
The Constitution of 1857 was India's fundamental law that replaced the Government of India Act 1858, establishing India as a formal, independent empire under the British Crown. It provided a framework for governance, emphasizing parliamentary sovereignty, civil liberties, and legal reforms. It aimed to modernize administration, promote justice, and expand rights for Indians while maintaining British control. However, it did not grant full political sovereignty to Indians, and its provisions were often tailored to British interests. Overall, it marked a shift towards a more structured constitutional governance, setting the stage for future reforms and independence movements.