VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“Jnana Sangama”, Belgaum-590014, Karnataka.

A IKS Report On
“TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE VS
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE”
Submitted In the Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for The Award of The Degree Of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE

Submitted by
CHRISTEN F - (1EW22AD010)
Under the Guidance of
Mrs. Akshatha K S
Asst. Prof, Dept. ISE,
EWIT Bangalore

DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AND DATA SCIENCE

EAST WEST INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Bangalore - 560091
2025-2026
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objective and Scope
1.2 Need for Comparative Understanding
1.3 Key Themes and Structure

2. DEFINITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 Traditional Knowledge: Meaning and Sources
2.2 Indigenous Knowledge: Community and Environment
2.3 Commonalities and Differences
3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS
3.1 Historical Evolution of Knowledge Systems
3.2 Examples from Indian Context
3.3 Role in Cultural Preservation and Sustainability
4. CASE STUDIES AND APPLICATIONS
4.1 Ayurveda vs. Tribal Herbal Practices
4.2 Vedic Mathematics vs. Local Numeracy Techniques
4.3 Vastu Shastra vs. Tribal Housing Practices
4.4 Integration with Modern Practices

5. CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

5.1 Misrepresentation and Loss of Knowledge
5.2 Intellectual Property and Protection Mechanisms
5.3 Bridging Gaps through Education and Policy
6. CONCLUSION
6.1 Comparative Insights
6.2 Recommendations for Coexistence
6.3 Future Scope

7. REFERENCES
Indian Knowledge System

1. INTRODUCTION
Objective and Scope
This report aims to explore and distinguish the concepts of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and
Indigenous Knowledge (IK), with a focus on their relevance in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they differ in their origin, transmission, and
application. This study seeks to understand their individual strengths and how they can collectively
contribute to modern challenges.
The primary objective is to critically analyze the relevance of these knowledge systems in
contemporary domains such as agriculture, medicine, environmental conservation, and education. By
comparing TK and IK through historical, theoretical, and practical lenses, the report underscores their
importance in sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Need for Comparative Understanding
Understanding the distinction between TK and IK is vital for designing inclusive, sustainable, and
culturally respectful development policies. Both forms of knowledge hold valuable insights into
biodiversity, health, agriculture, and community governance, yet are often overlooked or
misrepresented in mainstream discourse.
Understanding the distinctions and overlaps between TK and IK is essential not only for academic
purposes but also for policy-making, resource management, and community empowerment.
Comparative understanding helps foster cross-cultural respect and supports the integration of diverse
knowledge systems into mainstream development discourse.

Structure
The report is structured to first define and analyze both knowledge systems, followed by case studies
and applications. It concludes with challenges, future prospects, and recommendations for integrating
both systems.
Key Themes
 Cultural sustainability
 Knowledge transmission
 Local-global knowledge integration
 Policy and legal protection

2. DEFINITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Traditional Knowledge
Traditional Knowledge (TK) refers to the cumulative body of knowledge, skills, beliefs, and practices
that have evolved within a specific cultural context over long periods of time. It is typically codified
in ancient texts, scriptures, epics, and orally transmitted wisdom. In the Indian context, TK is deeply
embedded in Vedic literature, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas, and classical
treatises such as the Charaka Samhita (medicine), Arthashastra (governance), and Surya Siddhanta
(astronomy).

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Indian Knowledge System

This knowledge system is often multidisciplinary—covering philosophy, health sciences, agriculture,

architecture, linguistics, and spiritual practices. It is preserved through formal learning environments
like Gurukuls, scriptures, and oral transmission from gurus to disciples. Traditional Knowledge tends
to be institutionalized, structured, and widely practiced across broader cultural and geographic
domains.

Indigenous Knowledge
IK Indigenous Knowledge (IK), on the other hand, refers to localized knowledge that is developed and
maintained by indigenous or tribal communities, based on their close and sustained interaction with
the natural environment. This knowledge is highly context-specific, intuitive, adaptive, and generally
transmitted through oral traditions, rituals, customs, and everyday practices.
Examples from Indian tribal communities include:
 Bamboo drip irrigation practiced by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya
 Zabo farming (integrated farming system) used in Nagaland
 Herbal remedies passed down among communities like the Irulas and Kurumbas
 Use of natural dyes and weaving techniques in Northeastern tribes

Comparison
While TK often has textual backing and broader cultural spread, IK is community specific, localized,
and more experiential. However, both are crucial for understanding human-nature relationships and
sustainable living.

3. CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Historical Evolution
• TK systems like Ayurveda and Sanskrit grammar were institutionalized through formal
education, while IK was preserved through rituals, folklore, and direct experience.
• Examples from India –
• TK: Charaka Samhita (Ayurveda), Arthashastra (governance), Surya Siddhanta
(astronomy)
• IK: Bamboo drip irrigation in Meghalaya, Zabo farming in Nagaland
Cultural and Environmental Significance
Both TK and IK ensure community cohesion, resource conservation, and resilience
against external challenges. Their holistic approaches offer valuable lessons in ethics,
biodiversity, and ecology.

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Indian Knowledge System

4. CASE STUDIES AND APPLICATIONS

Case Study 1: Ayurveda vs. Tribal Herbal Practices

Ayurveda offers a structured medical system, while tribal communities use locally available herbs for
treating ailments like wounds, fevers, or infections, often with oral documentation.

Case Study 2: Vedic Mathematics vs. Local Numeracy

Vedic mathematics emphasizes speed and mental calculation. In contrast, indigenous communities
have developed practical numeracy methods tailored to trade and agriculture.

Case Study 3: Vastu vs. Tribal Architecture

While Vastu Shastra emphasizes spatial harmony using cardinal directions and cosmic elements, tribal
housing focuses on ecological materials and climate adaptation (e.g., stilt houses in the Northeast).

Case Study 4: Modern Integration

Efforts are being made to integrate both forms into education, healthcare, and agriculture. CSIR and
NIF work to validate indigenous practices, while AYUSH promotes TK in wellness.

5. CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Loss and Misrepresentation
Globalization and modernization often marginalize these systems. TK is sometimes
dismissed as superstition, while IK remains undocumented and vulnerable to extinction.
Many indigenous communities are losing their languages, rituals, and land due to socio-political and
economic pressures. With the loss of native languages and cultural practices, a significant amount of
knowledge—especially oral knowledge—is at risk of extinction. Modern development projects,
deforestation, and forced migration also disrupt the ecological and cultural environments that sustain
these traditions.

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Indian Knowledge System

Intellectual Property Issues

Another major challenge is the lack of proper legal frameworks to protect TK and IK from exploitation.
Biopiracy—where traditional knowledge about medicinal plants or healing practices is patented by
corporations without consent or benefit-sharing—is a serious concern.
Many communities do not have the resources or literacy to document their knowledge formally,
making it vulnerable to theft or misuse. The absence of clear intellectual property rights (IPR) also
means that indigenous innovators often remain unrecognized and uncompensated.

Education and Policy Bridging

A promising way to preserve and revitalize TK and IK is through inclusive education policies,
institutional support, and community engagement. Integrating these knowledge systems into
mainstream curricula not only validates their importance but also encourages young learners to respect
cultural diversity and sustainability.
 Educational Integration: Schools and universities can include elective modules on Indian
Knowledge Systems, regional practices, and environmental ethics.
 Research and Validation: Interdisciplinary research, especially in ethnobotany, public health,
and anthropology, can scientifically validate and promote traditional practices.
 Policy Interventions: Governments and NGOs can offer grants, fellowships, and legal aid to
tribal and rural communities for documentation and protection of their knowledge.
 Community Participation: Any effort to preserve or apply TK/IK must be community-led and
respectful of cultural ownership. Collaborative platforms that allow knowledge holders to
participate in decision-making are vital for ethical implementation.

Future Outlook :
Policy Support and Legal Frameworks:

There is a growing movement to recognize and protect the intellectual property rights of communities
holding indigenous and traditional knowledge. International organizations like WIPO, and national
initiatives like India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), are steps toward preventing
biopiracy and ensuring benefit-sharing.

Integration into Education and Research:

Future curricula are likely to blend traditional wisdom with scientific understanding, especially in
disciplines like medicine (e.g., Ayurveda), agriculture (e.g., organic and regenerative farming), and
architecture (e.g., Vastu Shastra and vernacular designs). Research institutions are also expanding their
focus on documenting and validating IK practices.

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Indian Knowledge System

Technology-Enabled Documentation and Dissemination:

With the help of digital tools, mobile apps, and AI, efforts to document, translate, and preserve oral
traditions and local knowledge are becoming more scalable and accessible.

6. CONCLUSION
Comparative Insights
Both TK and IK offer unique and complementary perspectives. TK is broader and often
institutionalized, while IK is localized and intuitive. Together, they provide a rich
foundation for sustainable development.

Recommendations
 Encourage documentation and digitization
 Protect rights through legal mechanisms
 Promote integration with modern science

Future Scope
With the right support, both knowledge systems can lead innovation in health,
agriculture, and climate resilience, fostering a culturally inclusive future.

7. REFERENCES

 Indian Knowledge Systems Unit-1, VTU

 UNESCO on Indigenous Knowledge
 CSIR Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
 Ministry of AYUSH and National Innovation Foundation (NIF)