Describe the process of writing the Indian Constitution, including key figures and timeline.

Process of writing the Indian Constitution:

• The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 with 389 members (later reduced after Partition). It included representatives from different provinces and communities, including 15 women.
• The Assembly began its work on 9 December 1946. Members were chosen by provincial assemblies to ensure a representative process.
• A Drafting Committee, headed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, prepared the initial draft. Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the Chairman of the Assembly.
• After debates, revisions and approvals, the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950, the day India became a republic.

The final document combined ideas from India's freedom movement, its cultural traditions, and useful elements from other constitutions to make a practical rulebook for governance.