Indian Constitutional Documents, Vol. II
By Indubhusan Banerjee
Summary
This review discusses the second volume of ‘Indian Constitutional Documents,’ edited by Prof. Anil Chandra Banerjee and covering the period 1858–1917. Expanding upon the first volume, it compiles legislative acts, speeches, despatches, minutes, diaries, treaties and private correspondence related to the development of India’s constitutional framework. The volume includes key enactments such as the Government of India Act 1858 and the Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892 and 1909, as well as documents relating to Indian States. The reviewer praises Banerjee’s succinct introduction, explanatory notes and broad selection of sources. The book is deemed a valuable resource for students of constitutional history and for understanding the evolution of India’s political institutions.
Conclusion
The reviewer regards Banerjee’s compilation as an indispensable reference for colonial constitutional history. By assembling diverse documents and providing contextual commentary, the volume illuminates the debates and legislation that shaped modern India’s constitution.