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(GIST OF YOJANA) HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

(JANUARY-2025)

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

Introduction

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent a time-honored and perpetually evolving heritage that influences India's intellectual, cultural, and spiritual realms. Comprising both the tangible and intangible aspects, IKS has notably impacted worldwide perspectives. The creation of the IKS division within the Ministry of Education in 2020 signifies a revitalized commitment to documenting and rejuvenating this legacy for modern significance. As highlighted in the Ishavasyopanishad, genuine knowledge (vidya) is comprehensive, harmonizing spiritual insight and worldly comprehension to foster a balanced existence.

Characteristics of Indian Knowledge Systems

Holistic Knowledge: Merges spiritual (vidya) and material (avidya) comprehension, aspiring for liberation from distress (vimukti). Enhances both personal and community welfare.
Continuity and Adaptability: Transmitted orally for countless generations prior to being chronicled in works such as the Vedas and Puranas. Adapted over time to fulfill evolving needs while preserving foundational philosophies.

Key Components of IKS

Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda form the cornerstone of Indian intellect. Address spiritual, scientific, and practical realms, covering rituals, governance, and natural sciences.
Upvedas: Ayurveda (health), Dhanurveda (archery and combat), Gandharvaveda (performing arts), and Shilpaveda (architecture).
Upanishads: Philosophical discussions that delve into the essence of existence, consciousness, and freedom. They introduce ideas of paravidya (higher knowledge) and aparavidya (lower, material knowledge).
Puranas: Storytelling texts chronicling creation, devastation, and cultural narrative.

Contributions to Diverse Fields

Philosophy and Ethics: Indian philosophy intertwines materialism and spirituality. The Bhagavad Gita provides moral insight regarding duty, life balance, and responsibilities.
Mathematics and Astronomy: Insights from Aryabhatta, Varahamira, Baudhyana, among others in fields like trigonometry, calculus, and timekeeping. Ancient manuscripts investigate celestial dynamics and geometrical principles.
Medicine: Ayurveda: An all-encompassing health science; texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushrut Samhita. Sushruta was a pioneer in surgical methods, including cataract procedures. The Siddha approach from Tamil Nadu emphasizes the harmony of body, mind, and spirit through herbal remedies.
Arts and Culture: Natya Shastra authored by Bharat Muni: An exhaustive guide on drama, music, dance, architecture, and sculpture. Mirrors metaphysical ideas and religious motifs.
Technology and Crafts: Advances in metallurgy (e.g., the iron pillar of Delhi), weaving (Muga silk), and pottery in Assam and Meghalaya.

Historical Timelines and Documentation

Oral Tradition: Knowledge communicated orally for many centuries.
Documented Texts: The Vedas can be traced back to approximately 1500 BCE (contemporary estimate) yet are thought to be significantly older in Indian lore. Puranas began to be documented from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The Ramayana and Mahabharata function as historical and moral narratives.
Challenges During Colonial Period: A decline in IKS studies as a result of British educational policies. Led to misunderstandings and incomplete transmission of knowledge.

Modern Relevance and Revival

Acknowledgment and Integration: International Yoga Day (June 21) emphasizes mental and physical wellness. Organic agriculture and traditional medicine are increasingly valued for sustainable lifestyles.
NEP 2020 and Policy Frameworks: Encourages harmonizing IKS with education, merging traditional wisdom with contemporary sciences. Advocates for interdisciplinary studies and global partnerships.
Practical Applications: Eco-friendly architecture inspired by age-old practices. Ayurveda and Siddha approaches for preventative and holistic health practices. Ethical frameworks from texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads.
Interdisciplinary Research: Focus on areas like environmental preservation, artificial intelligence, and ethical technology, utilizing insights from IKS.
Tribal and Regional Knowledge: Revitalization of indigenous knowledge systems from Northeastern India, Tamil Nadu, and other locales.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

Scattered documentation.
Misunderstandings stemming from the loss of traditional knowledge stewardship.

Opportunities:

Coalitions among scholars, institutions, and communities.
Digitalization of texts and conservation of oral traditions.
Practical uses of IKS in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, public health challenges, and educational inequalities.

Conclusion

Indian Knowledge Systems embody a continuous legacy of wisdom that has influenced human thought over the ages. By merging IKS with contemporary disciplines, India can tackle global challenges sustainably while safeguarding its rich intellectual heritage. The NEP 2020 and additional initiatives pave the way for rejuvenating this age-old knowledge, ensuring its significance for future generations to come.