Indian Knowledge System

Dr. Poonam Mirwani

Indian Knowledge System
Course Objectives:
1. To sensitize the students about context in which they are embedded
i.e. Indian culture and civilization including its Knowledge System and
Tradition.
2. To help student to understand the knowledge, art and creative
practices, skills and values in ancient Indian system.
3. To help to study the enriched scientific Indian heritage.
4. To introduce the contribution from Ancient Indian system & tradition to
modern science & Technology.
Indian Knowledge System

Course Outcome:
1. Learner will understand and appreciate the rich Indian Knowledge
Tradition
2. Learner will understand the contribution of Indians in various fields
3. Learner will experience increase subject-awareness and self-esteem
4. Learner will develop a comprehensive understanding of how all
knowledge is ultimately intertwined
Indian Knowledge System
Module I:
1. Introduction to IKS
2. Why IKS?
3. Scope of IKS
4. Tradition of IKS
5. Relevant sites in the vicinity of the Institute
Indian Knowledge System
Lecture I :

 Introduction to IKS
o What is knowledge System
o Characteristic Features of Indian Knowledge System
Knowledge System

Beliefs, practices
and wisdom
developed by
human
civilization over
the period
Knowledge System: Education
Knowledge System:
Science and Technology
Knowledge System:
Culture and Heritage
Knowledge System:
Governance, Policy & Economic System
Knowledge System:
Healthcare and Medicine
Knowledge System:
Environment and Sustainability
Knowledge System:
Social Systems
Knowledge System:
Information & Communication
Knowledge System:
Security & Defense
Indian Knowledge Traditional Cultural
System Knowledge Heritage
Aspects of IKS

Vedas
Philosophy
& Buddhism
Religion
Upanishads

Jainism
Bhagwad Gita
Aspects of IKS

Science
Astronomy &
Mathematics
Ayurveda

Mathematics
Aspects of IKS

Literature
Sanskrit
&
Language
Classical Poetry

Epic Literature
Aspects of IKS

Art
&
Classical Dance
Architecture

Temple
Architecture
Music
Aspects of IKS

Economics
&
Politics
Aspects of IKS

Environment
&
Ecology
Aspects of IKS

Education
&
Pedagogy
FEATURES
of
IKS
Indian Knowledge System:
Holistic Approach to Life

Spritual
Emotional

Mental

Physical

https://youtube.com/shorts/XTxbTO_-id4?feature=shared
Indian Knowledge System:
Philosophical Foundation
Vedanta

Samkya Philosophy

Yoga

Nyaya and Vaisheshika

Indian Knowledge System:
Spiritual Wisdom and Textual
Tradition
Vedas Puranas

Upanishads Bhagwad
Gita
 Indian Knowledge System:
Scientific Contributions
Mathematics Medicine

https://bit.ly/4fNyosW http://bit.ly/4cwvbLN
https://bit.ly/4dJb8uo

Astronomy Metallurgy

https://bit.ly/3As3B53
https://bit.ly/4cxubqB
Indian Knowledge System:
Cultural Diversity

Literature Dance

Music Visual
Arts
https://bit.ly/3WO5ujJ
Indian Knowledge System:
Yoga & Meditation

Asana Pranayama Meditation

Indian Knowledge System:
Ethical & Social Values

Ahinsa Satya Karuna

Indian Knowledge System:
Education
Impact &
Legacy
Indian Knowledge System
Lecture 2 :

 Why IKS?
o Importance of IKS
Indian Knowledge System: Why?
Indian Knowledge System:
Why?
• INDIAN: Undivided Indian subcontinents
• KNOWLEDGE: Gained by
o Personal experiences
o Observations and analysis
• SYSTEM:
o Structured scheme to access the knowledge,
o Vast repository of knowledge
Indian Knowledge System: Corpus

Literary Non-Literary
• Sanatana Dharma • Oral Traditions
• Core
• Other
• Other Dharmik Traditions
• Regional
Knowledge Morality &
/ Wisdom values

Eternal
Law
Rik - Mantras
The oldest Veda
Collection of hymns
Praise and worship of cosmic forces
and natural elements
10 books – Mandalas
1,028 Hymns - Suktas
Surya, Agni, Vayu and Rudra
Formula and the mantras
Sacrificial fire (yajna) rituals
sprouted from Brahm’s
(creator’s) southern face
Krishna (black/dark) and Shukla
(white/bright)
1875 verses taken from Rigveda
Melodies and chants
1,549 verses, 75 from rigveda
Most important of the four
Vedas
Root of indian classical music
and dance
 Treatment of diseases
 Ayurvedic medicine and Indian
philosophical contributions
 730 hymns and 6,000 stanzas
 Breathing techniques
Practice of yoga
Indian Knowledge System
 Indian Knowledge System :
Importance
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Scientific and Technological Contribution
Philosophical and ethical foundation
Educational value
Environmental sustainability
Economic and administrative insight
Social harmony and wellbeing
Global influence and exchange
Innovation and adaptation
National and international recognition
Indian Knowledge System
Lecture 3 :

 Scope of IKS?
o Macaulay's Education Policy
o The Universality of IKS (from Micro to Macro)
o Development from earliest time to 18th Century CE)
 MACAULAYS
EDUCATION POLICY
(MEP)
• Introduced in 1835 by
Thomas Babigton Macaulay
• Document "Minutes on
Indian Education"
• Intended to create a class of
Indians educated in western
knowledge to serve British
administration
MACAULAYS EDUCATION POLICY (MEP):
FEATURES
Introduction to English Language
Western Curriculum
Establishment of Schools And Colleges
Focus On Utility and Practical Knowledge
Impact on Traditional Knowledge System
Neglect of Indian Language
Social and Cultural Impact
Role of Colonial Administration
Legacy and Continued Influence
MACAULAYS EDUCATION POLICY (MEP): IMPACT

POSITIVE NEGATIVE
Spread of modern education Marginalization of Indian languages
Promotion of English language Undermining of indigenous knwoledge system
Global knowledge Social Hierarchies and exclusion
Development of western educated elite Disruption of traditional livlihoods
Intergration into global economy Limited scope of curriculam
Cultural exchange & Hybridization Colonial control and dependency
Legacy of educational institutions Resistance and cultural backlash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTooX6aMJIs
MACAULAYS EDUCATION POLICY (MEP):
ARTICLES
https://thewire.in/education/lord-macaulay-superior-
view-western-hold-back-indian-education-system

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-macaulays-
education-policy-indias-traditional-gurukul-mundhra-
dth0f/
Need of Revisiting Ancient
Indian Culture
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Spiritual and Philosophical Wisdom
Holistic Health and Well Being
Sustainable Living and Environmental
Stewardship
Social Harmony and Ethics
Cultura Exchange and Global
Understanding
Educational Enrichment and
Academic Research
Revitalization of Artistic and Cultural
Expressions
Promotion of Peace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEseHkMwPSM
Universality of IKS
(Micro to Macro)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTIKoD9E3ug
Philosophical Foundations
• Vedas and Upanshads
• Nyaya and vaisheshka
• Samkhya and yoga
• Mimasa and vedanta
Scientific and Technological contributions
Mathematics​ Ayurveda & Medicine Astronomy​
Scientific and Technological contributions
Metallurgy Urban Planning​ Architecture
Spiritual and Cultural Traditions
Yoga and Meditation Practices Gurukul Traditions​ Cultural Heritage
Literary and Artistic Traditions
• Epics and literature
• Performing arts
• visual arts and crafts
Social sciences and Governance

• Arthashastra
• Dharmashastra
Environmental • Respect for nature
Wisdom and • Traditional ecological
Sustainability knowledge
Indian Knowledge System
Lecture IV :

 Tradition of IKS
o Development from earliest time to 18th Century CE)
o Ancient Education System
o Universities and ancient educational centers
 Development of IKS
(Earliest times to 18th Century CE)
Vedic Literature
Philosophical Beginnings
Jainism and Buddhism
 Classical Period

Dharmashstra and
Arthashastra
Mathematics and Astronomy
Medical and Health Sciences
Christianity and IKS

(6th Century BCE to 6th Century CE)

Medieval period (6th Century CE to 18th Century)

• Development of Regional
Languages and Literature
• Bhakti Movement
• Islamic Influence and Syncretic
Traditions
• Art, Architecture and Cultural
Flourishing
 Ancient Indian
Education System
 HOME EDUCATION
FOUNDATIONS OF METHODS AND
LEARNINGS: APPROACHES
• Informal Nature • Storytelling and Oral
• Role of Parents and Elders Tradition
• Moral and Ethical • Observational Learning
Education • Rituals and Religious
• Practical Skills Practices
Development
 HOME EDUCATION
CULTURAL AND LIMITATIONS
LEGACY &
SOCIAL AND
INFLUENCE
CONTEXT ADAPTATION
• Transmission Of • Limited Formal • Foundational
Cultural Heritage Instructions Learning
• Socialization and • Gender Roles • Continued
Community and Disparities Relevance
Values
GURUKUL EDUCATION
GURUKUL EDUCATION
 Structure &
Organization
o Guru Shishya
Parampara
o Residential Setting
o Curriculum

 Teaching Methods:
o Oral Traditions
o Dialogue & Debate
o Practical Application
GURUKUL EDUCATION

 Social & Spiritual

Development
o Character Building
o Spiritual Guidance

 Admission &
Governance:
o Admission Process
o Governing Structure
GURUKUL EDUCATION

 Social & Spiritual

Development
o Intellectual Legacy
o Educational
Philosophy
PATHSHALA EDUCATION
PATHSHALA EDUCATION

Structure &
Organization
oCommunity Support and
Governance
oAccessibility and Inclusivity
Curriculum
oLanguages & Literature
oArts & Humanities
oMathematics & Sciences
oPhilosophy & Ethics
PATHSHALA EDUCATION
Teaching Methods &
Pedagogy
oLecture based Instruction
oPractical Learning &
Apprenticeships

Cultural & Social

Impact
oCultural Preservation and
transmission
oCommunity Integration &
Social Cohesion
PATHSHALA EDUCATION

Legacy & Influence

oContinued Relevance
& Evolution
oEducational
Philosophy and
Pedagogical Principles
 TAXILA
UNIVERSITY
VIKRAMSHILA
UNIVERSITY
PUSHPAGIRI
UNIVERSITY
Internal Assessment
SITE VISIT: Historical & Cultural
• Gateway Of India • Sion Fort
• Elephanta Caves
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus • ISKCON Chowpatty
• Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple
• Asiatic Library/Town Hall • Elephanta Caves
• Banganga Tank • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Vastu Sangrahalaya
• Mount Mary Church
• Jehangir Art Gallery
• Haji Ali Dargah • Kanheri Caves
• Rajabai Tower • Ganeshotsav
SITE VISIT: Natural & Ecological
• Maharashtra Nature Park
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Four Rivers of Mumbai
• Powai Lake
• Thane Creek Flamingo
Sanctuary
Graded Questions
1 What is knowledge system? What are its elements?

2 Describe the characteristic features of Indian Knowledge System.

3 Briefly explain the importance of Indian Knowledge System

4 Explain the features of Macaulay's Education Policy.

5 Discuss the positive impacts of Macaulay's Education Policy.

6 Why there is a need of revisiting Ancient Indian Traditions?

7 Briefly explain the scope of Indian Knowledge System.

8 Describe the Universality of Indian Knowledge System.

9 Explain the developments in Indian Knowledge System during Medieval Period (6 th Centry CE to 18th
Century CE)
10 Explain the tradition of Indian Knowledge System

11 Write short note on Gurukul education.

12 Write a note on Nalanda University