Indian Knowledge System Overview

Indian Knowledge System (IKS)

• Definition of IKS: Represents the traditional and classical knowledge developed in the Indian subcontinent over millennia, rooted in cultural, philosophical, and spiritual heritage.
• Scope of IKS: Encompasses disciplines such as science, technology, arts, humanities, medicine, and spirituality.

Key Terminologies

• India: Refers to the undivided Indian subcontinent (Akhanda Bharata), stretching from Burma in the east to Afghanistan in the west, and surrounded by the Himalayas to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south.
• Knowledge: Includes various forms of traditional, indigenous, and classical knowledge existing in literary and non-literary formats.
• System: A well-organized methodology and classification for accessing the knowledge developed in this region.

Characteristics of IKS

• Spiritual Foundation: Rooted in philosophical traditions such as the Vedas and Upanishads, exploring metaphysical questions and transmitted orally through the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
• Diversity: Incorporates multiple schools of thought, languages, and regional practices, reflecting a pluralistic character that supports coexistence of various literary, artistic, and scientific traditions.
• Practical Knowledge: Integrates science with ethical considerations, encompassing everyday life practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, and architecture, alongside scientific disciplines like mathematics and astronomy.
• Community Emphasis: Focuses on collective welfare and cultural preservation, noting the significance of inner experiences, meditation, and self-discipline for higher understanding.
• Cyclic View of Time: Concept of Yugas and rebirth influences cosmology, ethics, and the interconnectedness of knowledge across disciplines.

Macaulay's Education Policy

• Establishment of British Education: Initiated by the British East India Company to educate Indians for administrative roles.
• Promotion of English: Advocated in Macaulay’s 1835 minute, deeming indigenous languages and literature as inferior, aiming to create a class of Indians as intermediaries between British rulers and locals.
• Impact on Knowledge Systems: Led to the decline of native knowledge institutions (Gurukuls, Madrasas, Pathshalas) and marginalized classical Indian education in philosophy, mathematics, and medicine.

Effects of Macaulay’s Education Policy

• Cultural Estrangement: Created a disconnection among educated elites from their indigenous culture and practices, leading to a social divide between English-educated individuals and the broader population.
• Stratification in Society: English-speaking individuals gained greater socio-economic mobility, exacerbating inequalities as access to English education was limited to upper classes and urban areas.
• Legacy in Modern Education: Continued influence of Western educational models with ongoing debates regarding the relevance of the curriculum to India's cultural context.

Need to Revisit Ancient Indian Traditions

• Insights for Contemporary Challenges: Ancient teachings promote respect for nature, conservation, and resource utilization, advocating practices like organic farming and Ayurveda as solutions to modern issues.
• Mental and Physical Health: Tradition-based practices in Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation are seen as effective means for health and well-being in today’s context of rising stress and mental health disorders.
• Ethical Principles: Concepts like Ahimsa (non-violence), Dharma (justice), and Karma (action/reaction) provide guidance on moral and ethical behavior for contemporary society.
• Advanced Contributions: Ancient Indian civilization known for innovations in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture provides a basis for new inspirations in contemporary science and technology.
• Cultural Continuity: Festivals and rituals foster community unity and connection to the past, helping to combat social loneliness and strengthen family-centered cultural values.

Explore the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), which encompasses the rich traditions of knowledge developed over millennia in the Indian subcontinent. This quiz covers its definition, scope, key terminologies, and the philosophical foundations that underpin this vast body of knowledge.