Meaning of INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

The Indian knowledge systems (IKS) refer to

beliefs, practices and wisdom developed by human
civilization over several millennia. This elements of
knowledge include:

1. Education: Formal education systems, schools,

universities and research institutions that
cultivate and disseminate knowledge across
various fields such as science, humanities,
engineering and arts.
2. Science and Technology: Research and
development in scientific disciplines
technological innovations, engineering and
advancements, and application that drive
economic growth and social progress.

3. Culture and Heritage: Preservation and

promotion of cultural traditions, languages,
arts, literature, folklore and historical
narratives that reflects nation’s identity and
values.
4. Governance and Policy: Legal frameworks,
political systems, governance structural
policies and regulations that guide decision-
making and shaped public life.

5. Economic Systems: Financial Institutions,

markets, trade policies, industrial strategies
and economic theories that influence
economical activities, growth and
development.
6. Healthcare and Medicine: Healthcare systems,
medical research, public health initiative and
healthcare policies that address health
challenges and improve well-being of the
citizens.

7. Environment and Sustainability: Knowledge

and practices related to environmental
conservation, sustainable development,
climate change adaption and ecological
stewardship.
8. Social Systems: Social sciences research, social
welfare programs, community development
initiatives, and cultural norms that shape
societal behaviours, interactions and
inclusivity.

9. Information and Communication: Information

technology infrastructure, telecommunication
networks, media platforms and digital literacy
initiative that facilitate communication,
connectivity and access to information.
10. Security and Defence: Military strategies,
Défense technologies, national security
policies, intelligence systems and diplomatic
efforts that ensure national security and
international relations.

These knowledge systems are interconnected

and evolve over time to response to internal
and external factors, thereby shaping the
development of nations.
Characteristics/Features of IKS:
Indian knowledge system (IKS) encompasses a
wide range of disciplines, philosophies, sciences,
arts and cultural practices that have been
developed over several millennia (1000s years).
The IKS is preserved and transmitted through oral
traditions, written texts and practical applications.
The feature of IKS are:

1. Holistic approach to life: The IKS has a holistic

approach to life. The holistic approach
integrates various dimensions of human
existence, including physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual aspects. Practices such
as Yogas, Ayurveda and meditation exemplify
this holistic approach. The IKS aims to
harmonized and balance these dimensions to
achieve overall well-being.
2. Philosophical Foundations: The IKS renowned
for its depth and diversity encompassing a
wide range of schools and thought. Some of
the prominent philosophical schools include:

• Vedanta: Vedanta encompasses the

teaching founding a concluding part of the
Vedas (upnishads) emphasizes the unity of
the individual soul (Atman) with Universal
Consciousness (Bramhand)

• Samkya Philosophy: It focuses on the

dualistic natural existence, distinguishing
between purusha (consciousness) and
prakrit (nature).
• Yoga Philosophy: It provides a systematic
framework for spiritual practice, including
ethical guidelines, physical posture
(asanas), breath control (pranayama), a
meditation techniques.

• Nyaya and Vaisheshika: These schools are

concerned with epistemology (theory of
knowledge) and metaphysics (nature of
reality) respectively. Providing logical
frameworks for understanding the World.
3. Spiritual Wisdom and Textual tradition:
Central to the IKS is its rich texture tradition,
which includes ancient scriptures, epics, and
philosophical treatises. Key texts include:

• Vedas: The Vedas are the oldest scared

texts of Hinduism composed in Sanskrit
and consisting of hymns, rituals, and
philosophical insights. Rigveda, Samaveda,
Yajurveda and Samarveda arethe four
vedas.

• Upanishads: The Upanishads are

philosophical texts that explore the nature
of reality, the self (Atman) and ultimate
reality (Bramhand).
• Bhagavad Gita: A part of the epic
Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita presents
a dialogue between Arjuna and Lord
Krishna on Dharma (Duty), Bhakti
(devotion) and Jnana (Knowledge).

• Puranas: These are ancient texts that

contain mythological narratives,
cosmology and teaching on morality and
ethical conduct.
4. Scientific Contribution: Ancient India made
significant contribution to various fields of
science and technology. These include

• Mathematics: Indian mathematicians

developed the decimal system, including
the concept of zero, which revolutionized
mathematics worldwide. Notable
mathematicians include Aryabhata,
Bramhagupta and Bhaskara.

• Astronomy: the Indian astronomers made

pioneering discoveries in astronomy
including the calculation of length of the
solar year and discovery of celestial bodies.
• Medicine: Ayurveda the traditional system
of medicine emphasizes preventive and
holistic health practices using natural
remedies dietary guidelines and
therapeutical treatment.

• Metallurgy: Ancient Indians were skilled

metallurgists, producing high-quality steel
(wootz) that was highly prized globally but
now no longer available.
5. Cultural diversity and Artistic expression:
India’s cultural diversity is reflected in its
languages, traditions, customs and artistic
expression. The arts play a significant role in
Indian culture, encompassing.

• Literature: Indian literature spans epics (e.g.

Ramayana, Mahabharata etc), classical
Sanskrit texts, regional literature in various
languages and modern literary works.

• Music: Classical Music traditions such as

Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic
(south Indian) music which employ intricate
melodies (ragas) and rhythmic pattern
(talas).
• Dance: Classical dance forms like
Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi
and Manipuri which combines expressive
movement with storytelling and spiritual
themes.

• Visual arts: sculpture, painting, architecture

(monuments) forts, places) and traditional
crafts that reflect aesthetic beauty and
spiritual symbolism.
6. Yoga and Meditation Practices: India is
revered as the birthplace of Yoga and a
spiritual and physical discipline aimed at
integrating mind, body and spiritual Yoga
practices include:

• Asanas: Physical posture that promote

flexibility strength and balanced.

• Pranayama: Breathing exercises that

enhance respiratory efficiency and calm
the mind.

• Dhyana: Meditation techniques that

cultivate inner peaceful concentration and
spiritual awareness.
7. Ethical and Social values: IKS emphasize
ethical values such as non-violence (ahimsa),
truthfulness (satya), compassionate (karuna)
and respect all forms of lives. These values are
embedded in cultural practices, religious
teaching and social norms, influencing social
behaviour and interpersonal relationships.

8. Education and Transmission of knowledge:

Traditionally, knowledge in India was
transmitted through oral traditions, where
gurus (teachers) imparted teaching to disciples
(shishyas) in ashrams (monastic schools) or
gurukul (traditional resident schools). This
intimate teacher-student relationship fostered
deep learning and spiritual growth.
9. Impact and Legacy: The IKS has had a
profound impact not only within India but also
globally. Its contributions to philosophy,
mathematics, medicine and spiritually have
influenced scholars, scientists and
philosophers worldwide. Concepts such as
Yoga. Ayurveda and decimal system have left
an indelible mark on human civilization.

10. Modern Relevance and Adaption: In

current times India continues to draw from its
ancient knowledge systems while adapting to
modern challenges and opportunities.
Ayurveda and Yoga have gained popularity
globally for their holistic approach to health
and well-being. India’s scientific and
technological advancements continue to build
upon its rich legacy, contributing to global
innovation and development.
Conclusion: The IKS is a treasure trove of wisdom,
spanning philosophical insights, scientific
discoveries, artistic expressions and cultural
traditions. Its holistic approach, spiritual depth and
practical application continue to inspire and enrich
humanity, fostering a deeper understanding of
life’s mysteries and the inter-connectedness of all
existence.