Composition of the Constituent Assembly

Constituted in November 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan, the Assembly was designed to reflect the nation’s diversity. Its total strength was fixed at 389 members: 296 from British India and 93 from the princely states. Members from the provinces were indirectly elected by members of the provincial legislative assemblies using proportional representation, while the princely state seats were nominated by their rulers. This structure ensured representation from various communities—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Anglo-Indians, Christians, Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and included women—despite not being directly elected by the general populace.

• 389 members in total; 296 from British India, 93 from princely states.
• Proportional representation based on population and community.
• A blend of indirect elections and nominations ensured diverse participation.