Constitution: Deep inside the heart of New Delhi within the secure walls of the Parliament Library lies one of India’s greatest heritage treasures: the original handwritten copies of the Constitution of India. These historic manuscripts are not simply stored they’re preserved under near-museum conditions, encased in a specially designed nitrogen-filled glass chamber.
It may sound technical, but the story behind this scientific safeguarding reveals just how precious and delicate these documents are.
The Constitution valuable. Know Why?
Unlike modern printed documents, India’s Constitution was meticulously handwritten, using black ink, and adorned with beautiful calligraphy and artwork by artists from Santiniketan. In both Hindi and English, each page is a work of art but paper and ink, over decades, remain vulnerable. Exposure to oxygen, moisture, dust, microbes, even tiny pollutants in air can slowly degrade the cellulose in paper, fade ink, or cause brittleness.
If left unprotected, this historic treasure might lose its clarity or in a worst-case scenario begin to deteriorate irreversibly.
The Science Behind the Nitrogen Chamber
In 1994, inspired by global practices for preserving precious manuscripts, the government with collaboration from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Getty Conservation Institute (USA) installed airtight glass display cases in the Parliament Library.
Here’s why the nitrogen-sealed chamber matters:
Less than 1 % oxygen: The chamber is filled with nitrogen gas and oxygen is kept extremely low, drastically reducing oxidation, the chemical reaction that gradually fades ink and weakens paper.
Humidity & climate control: Humidity is maintained at a stable 40-50%, preventing the paper from drying out or becoming moldy. Temperature and air quality are also regulated.
Protection from microbes, pollution, and insects: The sealed environment stops dust, airborne pollutants, microbes, and pests all of which could damage the document over time.
Regular maintenance & monitoring: The nitrogen is renewed annually, and the chamber undergoes periodic inspections to ensure long-term preservation.
In short the nitrogen chamber doesn’t just store the Constitution. It preserves it, safeguarding the document for generations to come.
More than just a legal record: A work of art & legacy
The Constitution isn’t only significant for its legal and historic value. The handwritten script, intricate artwork, and calligraphy make it a cultural treasure a piece of India’s artistic heritage. Keeping it intact isn’t just about preserving laws; it’s about honoring the vision and artistry of the nation’s founders.
As the country marks Constitution Day, the nitrogen chamber quietly stands as a silent guardian a high-tech vault that ensures future generations can still open those pages, read the Preamble, and feel the same awe and respect we do today.