Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Overview

• IKS divided into two main categories:
  • Literary Part
  • Non-Literary Part

Literary Part

Sanatana Dharma Corpus

• Core Sanatana Dharma Literature
  • Veda and Vedangas: Fundamental texts
• Other Divisions
  • Mathematics, Astronomy, Aesthetics, Engineering, and Technology
  • Aligns with Yuga cycles and other Sanatana Dharma principles

Non-Sanatana Dharma Literature

• Buddhist and Jain Contributions
  • Significant from 500 BCE
  • Includes applications in science and technology
  • Example: Nagarjuna’s work "Rasa Ratnakara" on alchemy
  • Mathematical contributions (e.g., Ganita Anioga in Jain literature)
  • Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswati

Regional Languages

• Retell, improvise, and contextualize ideas from Sanatana Dharma

Non-Literary Part

• Oral Traditions
  • Health traditions
  • Art forms (64 Kalas)

Detailed Topics in Sanathana Dharma and Others

Basic and Applied Sciences

• Mathematics, Astronomy, Plant Sciences (Vriksha), Ayurveda

Engineering and Technology

• Metalworking, Shipbuilding, Dam and Watershed Management
• Alchemy: Converting metals into gold

Health, Wellness, and Psychology

• Ayurveda Texts
  • Charaka Samhita
  • Sushruta Samhita
  • Ashtanga Hridaya
• Philosophical systems: Yoga, Sankhya, Upanishads, Vedanta

Social Codes and Governance

• Niti Shastras: Good code of behavior
  • Raja Niti (Public administration)
  • Samanya Niti (Ethics and morality)

Aesthetics

• Literature on Kavyas and Performing Arts

Buddhist and Jain Literature

Contributions to Science and Technology

• Mathematical concepts, Maritime activities, Shipbuilding, Alchemy

Jain Literature

• Sacred texts and mathematics (Ganita Anioga)
• Example: Number of species using powers of 2

Notable Works

• Madhavacharya's "Ganita Sara Sangraha"

Chatur Dasha Vidyastana

• 14-part classification of core Sanatana Dharma literature
  • Four Vedas
  • Six Vedangas
  • Puranas and Itihasas
  • Dharma Sutra Shastras and Smritis
  • Nyaya and Vaisheshika
  • Mimamsa (Purva and Uttara)

Modern Comparison

• Vedas -> Core text
• Smritis and Dharma Shastras -> Guide to application
• Puranas and Itiyazas -> Case laws (practical application)

Conclusion

• The classification of IKS has parallels in modern legal systems.
• Future videos will explore the historicity of IKS.