Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

The correct option is Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Formation of the Constituent Assembly:
The Constituent Assembly of India was formed to draft the Constitution of India. Its inaugural meeting was held on December 9, 1946.

2. Need for a Temporary Chairperson:
On the first day of the meeting, the assembly did not yet have a permanently elected President. Following the French practice, the oldest member of the assembly was invited to serve as the temporary or Provisional President to conduct the initial proceedings and oversee the election of a permanent President.

3. Appointment of Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha:
Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, being the oldest member of the assembly at the time, was appointed as the Provisional President on December 9, 1946.

4. Transition to Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
Two days later, on December 11, 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was formally elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly, taking over the duties from Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha.