Lecture 18- Flow of Content

 Methodology of the Indian Knowledge System

 Systematization of knowledge fields as Sastra
 Introduction

IKS-oldest -diverse systems of knowledge in the world, encompassing

various fields such as philosophy, spirituality, science, mathematics,
medicine, literature, and arts.
Shaped over thousands of years through the contributions of
numerous scholars, sages, and thinkers across different regions and
historical periods in India.
The methodology is characterized by certain principles and practices
that have been followed traditionally.
 Systematization of knowledge fields as Sastra
• systematization of knowledge fields is often referred to as "Sastra" or
"Shastra.
• " Sastra is a Sanskrit term that broadly translates to "treatise," "science,"
or "knowledge."
• It represents a systematic and comprehensive body of knowledge in
various fields, including but not limited to philosophy, arts, sciences,
medicine, mathematics, and more.
• The concept of Sastra is deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, and it
reflects the systematic organization and transmission of knowledge from
generation to generation.
• Each Sastra is typically attributed to a specific sage, scholar, or school of
thought, and it often serves as a guide for understanding and mastering a
particular field.
 Key characteristics and examples of Sastra
Vedic Sastras:
most ancient and foundational scriptures
Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
Each Veda comprises various Sastras, encompassing hymns, rituals,
philosophy, and cosmology.
Dharmasastras:
treatises that deal with moral, ethical, and legal principles governing
individual conduct, societal norms, and governance.
Examples include Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti.
 Count……….. Keys Characteristics
Ayurveda:
• traditional system of medicine
• It has various Sastras that address principles of health, diagnosis,
treatment, and herbal remedies, among others.
Arthasastra:
• text attributed to Chanakya deals with principles of statecraft,
governance, economics, and politics.
Natyasastra:
• treatise attributed to sage Bharata, it is a comprehensive work on
performing arts, encompassing drama, dance, music, and aesthetics.
 Count……….. Keys Characteristics
Vastu Shastra:
• deals with principles of architecture, town planning, and spatial
arrangement to create harmonious living spaces.
Yoga Sutras:
• Attributed to Patanjali, this Sastra presents principles and practices of
yoga for spiritual and mental development.
Nyaya Sutras:
• foundational text on Indian logic, epistemology, and reasoning
attributed to Gautama.
 Count……….. Keys Characteristics
Samkhya Karika:
• A philosophical text that expounds on the nature of reality and the self.
Vedanta Sutras:
• known as Brahma Sutras, these discuss the philosophical tenets of
various Vedanta schools.
just a few examples of the vast array of Sastras. Each Sastra follows a
systematic approach to organize, explain, and transmit knowledge within its
respective field.
The systematization of knowledge through Sastras has played a significant
role in preserving and propagating India's cultural and intellectual heritage
over millennia.
 The importance of Pratyaksha and Agama in relation to Anumana
Introduction - The Indian epistemological concepts

Pratyaksha (Perception):
• refers to direct perception or knowledge gained through the five senses
(sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell).
• It is immediate and intuitive way of gaining knowledge about the external
world.
• For example- seeing a tree, feeling the warmth of the sun, or tasting food
are all examples of pratyaksha
• Pratyaksha is considered to be basis for all other forms of knowledge and
serves as a reference point to validate or question the knowledge gained
through other pramanas like Anumana and Agama.
Introduction - The Indian epistemological concepts

Anumana ( Inference)
Arriving at knowledge about something based on other known
information or evidence.
Involve drawing conclusion, it extend our knowledge
Agama ( Testimony)
Based on testimony.
Accepting information from trust sources- scriptures, experts etc.
 Indian Architecture and Town Planning
 The importance of Sthapatya-Veda.
 The ancient cities of the Indus Saraswati region.
 Town planning and drainage systems
 Fine Arts:Basic concepts of Indian music and dance
 Introduction - Indian Architecture and Town Planning

captivating history that spans thousands of years

From ancient civilizations to modern times, India's architectural heritage is
a testament to its diverse cultures, religious beliefs, and evolving design
philosophies.
Ancient Indian Architecture:
• Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BCE): Mohenjo-daro and Harappa
demonstrated remarkable town planning with well-organized streets,
drainage systems, and multi-story buildings.
• Rock-Cut Architecture: Intricately carved caves at Ajanta and Ellora
showcase early Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain architecture, emphasizing the
integration of art and spirituality.
 Count….
Medieval Indian Architecture:
• Hindu and Dravidian Styles: Temples like Khajuraho and Meenakshi
Amman exhibit intricate sculptures and towering gopurams (entrance
towers).
• Indo-Islamic Architecture: The Qutub Minar in Delhi and the Jama Masjid
in Delhi exemplify the fusion of Indian and Islamic architectural elements.
3. Mughal Architecture:
• Taj Mahal: A masterpiece of Mughal architecture, this white marble
mausoleum is renowned for its symmetrical layout and intricate
detailing.
• Red Forts: Structures like the Agra Fort and Red Fort in Delhi showcase
Mughal forts' grandeur and strategic designs.
 Count….
Colonial and Post-Independence Periods:
• British Influence: European architectural styles merged with Indian
elements, leading to structures like the Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus) in Mumbai.
• Modernist Movement: Architects like Le Corbusier introduced modernist
principles in projects like Chandigarh's urban planning.
Contemporary Significance:
• Preservation: Efforts to conserve historical architecture contribute to a
sense of identity and cultural continuity.
• Urban Planning: Insights from ancient and traditional planning inform
modern city design, emphasizing sustainability and community spaces.
The importance of Sthapatya Veda- Establishment
 Importance
 Harmony with Nature:
• Sthapatya-Veda aligning architectural and town planning designs with
natural elements and cosmic forces.
• This harmony is believed to promote positive energy, well-being, and
balance within living and working spaces.
Vastu Shastra:
• provides guidelines for the spatial arrangement, layout, and proportions
of buildings.
• Spiritual Significance:
• Sthapatya-Veda integrates spiritual and religious beliefs into architectural
design. Temples, for example, to create a conducive environment for
worship and meditation, fostering a deeper connection to the divine.
Conti…
Environmental Sustainability:
.Ancient Indian architecture, as guided by Sthapatya-Veda, emphasizes sustainable
design practices. The incorporation of natural ventilation, solar orientation, and
efficient use of resources aligns with modern-day concerns for ecological balance and
energy efficiency.
Cultural Preservation:
.Sthapatya-Veda plays a role in preserving cultural heritage by ensuring the continuity
of traditional architectural and town planning practices. This contributes to the
uniqueness and identity of different regions and communities.
Aesthetic Appeal:
.The principles outlined in Sthapatya-Veda contribute to aesthetically pleasing designs
that are visually appealing and architecturally significant. The intricate carvings,
sculptures, and layout of ancient structures continue to inspire contemporary
architects and designers.
 Count…
Holistic Approach:
• Sthapatya-Veda's holistic approach considers the overall well-being of
individuals, communities, and the environment.
• Modern Relevance:
• Many of the principles in Sthapatya-Veda, such as orientation, spatial
arrangement, and use of natural elements, align with modern concepts of
sustainable architecture and urban planning. As society seeks more
sustainable and holistic design solutions, these ancient principles find
renewed relevance.
 Cultural Identity:
• Sthapatya-Veda helps in maintaining cultural identity by promoting
traditional architectural styles, which often carry historical and cultural
significance. This identity is a source of pride and connection for
communities.
The ancient cities of the Indus Saraswati region.
 Notable cities in this civilization include
Harappa:
• Located in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, One of the two most prominent cities of the
civilization.
• Well-planned streets, drainage systems, and multi-story buildings.
• Evidence of standardized brick sizes and a central granary.
Mohenjo-daro:
• Situated in Sindh, Pakistan, One of the largest and best-preserved cities.
• Complex urban layout with wide roads and organized neighborhoods.
• Great Bath: An impressive public water tank believed to have had ritual significance.
Dholavira:
• Located in Gujarat, India, Features an elaborate water management system, including
reservoirs and a unique stepwell.
• Impressive city planning with well-defined residential and commercial areas.
• Large inscription in the form of the world's earliest known signboard.
 Conti…
• These cities were characterized by their advanced urban planning, with well-
structured streets laid out in a grid pattern, well-designed drainage systems,
and standardized brick sizes.
• The cities had central citadels, possibly indicating administrative or religious
centers, surrounded by residential areas.
• The presence of public buildings, granaries, and advanced water management
systems highlights the civilization's social organization, trade, and agricultural
practices.
• The decline of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization is still debated among scholars,
with factors such as environmental changes, shifts in river courses, and socio-
political disruptions being proposed as potential causes.
• Despite the decline, the legacy of these ancient cities continues to intrigue
researchers and offers valuable insights into the early urbanization and cultural
development of the Indian subcontinent.
Town planning and drainage systems
during civilization
• Town planning and drainage systems were significant features of ancient
civilizations, showcasing their advanced engineering and organizational
capabilities. Here's an overview of town planning and drainage systems in
some notable civilizations
Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE):
• Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro had well-planned layouts with grid-like
streets.
• Houses were constructed using standardized brick sizes, maintaining
uniformity.
• Advanced drainage systems: Streets sloped toward covered drains that
emptied into larger sewers, ensuring effective waste disposal and sanitation.
Conti..
 Indian Fine Arts: Basic concepts of Indian music
 and dance
Introduction to Indian Fine Arts

Indian fine arts

These arts hold profound cultural, spiritual, and social significance
. They reflect the intricate interplay between tradition and
innovation, embodying the essence of India's cultural heritage.
 The various forms of Indian fine arts include music, dance, visual
arts, theater, literature, and more.
Importance of music and dance in Indian
culture
Spiritual and Religious Significance
Cultural Expression and Identity
Social Bonding and Festivities
Artistic and Aesthetic Values
Storytelling and Communication:
Health and Well-being
Education and Transmission of Knowledge
 Indian Music: An Overview
Indian music is a rich and diverse tradition
that spans centuries and encompasses a wide
It holds a central place in Indian culture and has
had a profound impact on the global music
landscape.
 Indian music is deeply rooted in spirituality,
philosophy, and the social fabric of the country.
Instruments used in Indian music:
Tabla - Used to create complex rhythms and patterns
Flute (Bansuri):Used in classical, devotional, and folk
music traditions.
 Fundamental Elements of Indian Music
Raga (Melody):
• A raga is the foundational melodic framework in Indian music.
• It consists of a specific set of notes (swaras) and is associated with a unique
emotional and aesthetic expression.
Tala (Rhythm):
• Tala is the rhythmic cycle or pattern in Indian music.
• It organizes musical time and is characterized by a fixed
number of beats grouped into specific divisions.
Classification of Indian music: Hindustani and
Carnatic traditions
 Indian Dance: An Introduction
Dance was created by the gods, according to Indian mythology.
Because it integrates song, drama, shape, and line, dancing is one of
the most renowned Hindu arts.
 Indian dance emphasizes gestures, body positions, and head
movements.
Dance is a genre of performance art that consists of improvisational
or pre-planned movement routines. This trend has both aesthetic and
symbolic significance
Classical Dance Forms
Dance forms Location Significance

 Nandikesvara's Abhinaya Darpana is one of the most important texts for studying
the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu
 Bharatnatyam is an ekaharya dance genre in which a single dancer performs
multiple characters in a single performance..

 Kuchipudi is the name of a village in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district with a rich
history of dance-drama. Yakshagaana was the generic name given to it.
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh
 Siddhendra Yogi created the Kuchipudi style of Yakshagana in the 17th century. It's
done as a dance drama, which means it's done in groups.

 Kathakali is a dramatisation of stories drawn from Indian epics that combine dance,
music, and acting.
 Distinct facial colors denote different mental stages and personalities, such as
Kathakali Kerala
green for nobility, black for wickedness, and red patches for monarchy and evil.
 The importance of hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements cannot
be overstated.