Indian Constitution scholar Granville Austin dies

Granville Austin, an eminent biographer of India's Constitution and a Padma Shri awardee, has passed away in Washington at the age of 87.

Austin, author of two celebrated political histories of the Indian Constitution -- 'The Indian Constitution: A Cornerstone of A Nation' and 'Working A Democratic Republic: The Indian Experience', died on Sunday. He was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2011.

According to his website, Austin worked as a journalist and a photographer and later served with the United States information service, department of state, department of health, education and welfare, and on the staff of a US senator.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Austin, four children and three grandchildren.

Image: Granville Austin