The Constitution of India, drafted by the Constituent Assembly starting on December 9, 1946, serves as the supreme law, outlining political principles, government structure, and citizens' rights. It includes 448 articles, 12 schedules, and has been amended over 100 times, reflecting influences from various international constitutions. The document establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic with a parliamentary form of government and enshrines fundamental rights and duties of citizens.