Article 18 of the Constitution abolishes titles like “Maharaja,” “Raja,” and “Rao Bahadur” in order to promote equality in the country. This article discusses the regulations and acts related to Article 18, focusing on the abolition of titles and its significance. The study explores the meaning behind this abolition and its purpose in the country. Additionally, it highlights the exemptions to the title abolition and emphasizes the importance of maintaining social equality and avoiding generalizations.
Regulations and Acts: Article 18 contains the following regulations:
- “No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.”
- “No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State.”
Key Facts: The table below summarizes the key facts regarding the abolition of titles in India.
| Fact | Description |
| Abolition of Titles | Titles like “Maharaja,” “Raja,” and “Rao Bahadur” are abolished in India. |
| Exemptions | Academic and military distinctions are exempted from the abolition of titles. |
| Prohibition of Foreign Titles | Indian citizens are not allowed to accept any titles from foreign states. |
| Purpose | The abolition aims to establish equality and prevent oppression in society. |
| Significance | Maintaining social equality and avoiding generalizations are crucial. |
Meaning of Abolition of Titles
The abolition of titles, governed by Article 18, prohibits the use of various titles in India. Titles such as “Raja” and “Maharaja” are explicitly prohibited, and Indian citizens are not allowed to accept titles from foreign countries. However, awards like “Padma Bhushan” are given to individuals in recognition of their exceptional contributions in fields such as art, science, and literature. These awards are not covered by Article 18.
A title is defined as an appendage to a person’s name that signifies social status or honor. Democracy does not support the creation of titles as they promote social inequality. The regulation of title abolition aims to eliminate this inequality.
Article 18: Abolition of Titles
Article 18 states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion,” which includes the freedom to change beliefs and religious practices. In addition, the first regulation of Article 18 pertains to the abolition of titles. The initial draft of Article 18 was formulated in 1948 and later modified and published. The article restricts the recognition and conferment of specific titles that may negatively impact social equality and create insecurity within society. It does not, however, prohibit the use of awards bestowed upon Indian citizens for their outstanding work.
