In which year did the Indian Constitution declare Hindi in Devanagari script to be the official language of the Union? 

Key Points

• Hindi in Devanagari script was declared the official language of the Union of India in 1949.
• This declaration is enshrined in Article 343 of the Constitution of India.
• According to this article, Hindi in Devanagari script would be used for official purposes of the Union, while the international form of Indian numerals would be used for official purposes.
• The Constituent Assembly adopted this provision on 14th September 1949, which is now celebrated as Hindi Diwas every year.
• The Constitution also allowed for the continued use of English for official purposes for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution, which could be extended by legislation.

Additional Information

• The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
• It establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.
• The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any country in the world.
• It declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavors to promote fraternity.
• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contains three lists which delineate the subjects under the Union, State, and Concurrent lists.
• Amendments to the Constitution can be made through a process outlined in Article 368.