Constitution Day: Why India's priceless document rests in a high-tech nitrogen chamber

New Delhi: Every year on November 26, India celebrates Constitution Day, paying tribute to the monumental document that laid the foundation of the world’s longest handwritten constitution. But have you ever wondered how this priceless masterpiece is kept safe from time’s ravages? The answer lies in a high-tech nitrogen-filled chamber tucked inside the Parliament Library in New Delhi.

Crafted with exquisite calligraphy by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and beautifully adorned by artists from Shantiniketan like Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose, the Constitution is vulnerable to fading because it’s written entirely in black ink. This ink oxidises quickly when exposed to air, threatening to erase history. To combat this, the handwritten Constitution rests sealed in an airtight glass case filled with nitrogen that contains less than 1% oxygen. This inert environment essentially freezes time by preventing oxidation and other chemical reactions that could deteriorate the paper and ink.

The chamber doesn’t stop there; it’s engineered to maintain optimal humidity between 40-50% to prevent the paper from drying out or becoming mouldy. Continuous sensors keep tabs on these conditions, nitrogen gas is replenished annually, and the entire setup is under constant CCTV surveillance with physical inspections every two months.

This scientific preservation method was established in 1994 through a collaboration between India’s National Physical Laboratory and the Getty Institute of America, inspired by the preservation practices used for the U.S. Constitution. Before this, the Constitution was wrapped in flannel cloth with naphthalene balls—hardly suitable for long-term care.

The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. Each member signed two copies of the document, one in English and one in Hindi. The intricate artwork and calligraphy make it not only a legal document but also a unique work of art.