Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Overview

• Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) have a rich and diverse corpus.
• Two broad categories:
  • Literary part
  • Non-literary part

Literary Part of IKS

1. Sanatana Dharma Corpus

   • Core Sanatana Dharma Literature:
     • Includes Veda and Vedangas.
     • Fundamental building block of Sanatana Dharma.
   • Other Sanatana Dharma Literature:
     • Mathematics, astronomy, aesthetics, engineering, and technology.
     • Aligned to the principles of Sanatana Dharma.
     • Examples include concepts of Yuga cycles in mathematics and astronomy.

2. Non-Sanatana Dharmic Literature

   • Includes significant Buddhist and Jain contributions.
   • Buddhist Literature:
     • From around 500 BCE.
     • Covers mathematical concepts, maritime activities, alchemy.
     • Example: Nagarjuna's "Rasa Ratnakara" on alchemy.
   • Jain Literature:
     • Includes sacred canonical texts and significant mathematical contributions.
     • Example: Tattvartha Sutra, Ganita Anioga, Madhavacharya's "Ganita Sara Sangraha".

3. Regional Languages

   • Retell and contextualize ideas from Sanatana Dharma literature.
   • Significant contributions in regional languages.

Non-literary Part of IKS

• Oral Traditions
  • Include health traditions, art forms, and 64 Kalas.

Detailed Subject Areas in IKS

• Basic and Applied Sciences
  • Mathematics, astronomy, plant sciences, Ayurveda, etc.
• Engineering and Technology
  • Metalworking, shipbuilding, watershed management, etc.
• Health, Wellness, Psychology
  • Ayurveda texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya.
  • Philosophical systems: Yoga, Sankhya, Vedanta.
  • Niti Shastras for societal behavior: Raja Niti and Samanya Niti.
• Aesthetics and Arts
  • Rich contributions in kavyas and performing arts.

Chatur Dasha Vidyastana

• A 14-part classification of core Sanatana literature:
  • Four Vedas, Six Vedangas, Puranas, Itihasas, Dharma Sutras, Smritis, Nyaya, and Mimamsa.

Modern Comparisons

• Vedas as core texts compared to the Income Tax Act.
• Smritis and Dharma Shastras as guides to the application.
• Puranas and Itihasas as case laws explaining practical applications.

Conclusion

• IKS have an extensive history and classification system that parallels modern systems of knowledge organization.
• Future discussion will delve into the historicity of Indian Knowledge Systems.