Washington: 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/photographer and later served with the US 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.