Q1.
The Indian Knowledge System refers to the vast knowledge, that was developed over
the time in ancient India (Bharat). Vedic Era is roughly estimated roughly to around
1500-500 BCE. It is composed in the ancient texts about ancient Indian History, Vedas.
In this era, knowledge was considered sacred and was often connected to Dharma. In
Vedic Era its culture was completely different from what it is today.
Vedic Culture emphasized harmony with nature, spiritual wisdom, oral tradition,
gurukul system and shastrarth (debate battles). All of these was taught through books
like Upanishads, Vedas, Granth, Purana and Ayurveda.
The qualities that helped knowledge to be survive despite going through modernization,
globalization, colonialism, suppression, invasion by British and Mughals, they tried their
best to destroy this culture, but these qualities helped survive Indian Knowledge
System: Philosophical depth, Holistic Approach, Oral and Written traditions that are
passed on and Spiritual approach.
Lately because of leaders like Swami Vivekananda, Dayanand Saraswati and
organizations like RSS, Bhagwat Press are trying to revive and making sure the Indian
Knowledge System is not faded in today’s era. Govt bringing initiatives like NEP 2020
and trying to bring global recognition to practices like Yoga and bringing awareness to
everyone.
This is what Albert Einstein had to say- “We owe a lot to the ancient Indians, teaching
us how to count. Without which most modern scientific discoveries would have
been impossible”.
Q2.
The six limbs of Art & Architecture are:
1. Rupabheda (Form and Proportion): It refers to the knowledge and understanding
of different forms and the ability to depict them accurately.
2. Pramana (Measurement): It refers to accurate representation of proportions and
ensures that figures and objects are sized accurately.
3. Bhava (Emotions): This refers to the ability of the artist to express the appropriate
emotions.
4. Lavanya Yojana (Aesthetic Composition): It refers to the creation of beauty and
aesthetic grace, ensuring that overall design is pleasing.
5. Sadharana (Depiction of everyday life): It refers to the ability of artist to ensure
that his painting is accurate and is depicting his vision.
6. Varnikbhanga (Use of colour): It refers to the ability of artist to differentiate and
combine colors for creating impact.
Q3.
Here are four manuscripts:
1. Artha shastra: A guide on politics, statecraft, diplomacy, economy and ethics by
author Chanakya written in Sanskrit. It shows his advanced understanding of
governance and economy, which is still implemented in today’s world of politics
and diplomacy.
2. Upanishads: They are said to be the core book of Vedas. It deals with questions
about life, death, soul and God. This manuscript is all about philosophy and
spirituality.
3. Manu smriti: Written by Sage Manu in Sanskrit, that outlines social norms, caste
duties and legal system. It was major manuscript in ancient India, however, it is
irrelevant in today’s world.
4. Sushruta Samhita: Detailed description on surgical techniques, anatomy and
medical instrument. Written by Sage Sushruta, who is said to be earliest known
about Surgery. When world didn’t know about Surgery, India had whole detailed
book written on it.
Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta: A spiritual-philosophical book, that explains about duty,
karma, and self-realization. It is said to be that this book contains the knowledge
that Lord Krishna gave it to Arjun during Mahabharat when he was not sure about his
duty and karma. He gave this teaching to Arjun during Dwaparyug, but these
teachings are relevant in today’s time.
Q4.
Here are some initiatives launched by Government of India for awareness about Indian
Knowledge System:
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasizes the integration of IKS in
school, aiming to revive and teach its relevance in society.
• IKS Centres: Government is establishing and funding IKS centres to encourage
research in field.
• UGC Initiatives: It has incorporated the IKS in higher education or credited in UG
or PG programs.
• Digital Manuscript Library Projects: Preserving ancient texts digitally.
Q5.
Time in Vedic scripture “Kaal” is stated as cyclical, eternal and relative. It is believed
that time is not linear but cyclical. Unlike modern science where it is said that it is linear
Vedic scriptures views it as a vast cycle of time that is repeating cycles known as
“Kalpas”. For example, single day of Brahma is equivalent to 4.32 billion human years,
which in modern science is estimated age of Earth.
Space in Vedic scripture “Akaash” is infinite and filled with consciousness and
metaphysics. Modern science states space is 4-dimensional continuum which is linear,
infinite, and vast. To this Vedic Science adds spiritual dimension to cosmology.
For example, in one of the incidents of Mahabharat, King Kakudmi goes to meet lord
Brahma in his adobe to find and consult about a suitable husband for his daughter
Revati. After short stay in Brahma’s adobe, Lord tells him that all the name which the
king shortlisted have been dead and thousands of years has been passed, and world
has changed drastically in his short stay. This in modern science, astronauts experience
time moving slightly slower in space compared to earth. This phenomenon is called
time dilation.
Thus, the Vedic concept of Space and Time not just aligns with moder science
discoveries but also add philosophical and spiritual context and broadens the
understanding of the universe.
Q6.
Mud forts also known as “Killa” were built with an aim to protect the city from the
animal, intruders and enemies. Forts built with stones, straws and bounding material
such as clay were called Mud Fort. These shows the early knowledge of Civil
Engineering and Defence.
There’s no evidence to this but mostly they are only found in India indicating cultural
uniqueness. Some of the great examples are Mud fort at Damroo, Malhar, Kashigarah,
Kotagarah, Kotmi, Purana Killa in Delhi-believed by some experts that it is linked to
ancient city of Indraprastha from Mahabharat.
Interestingly this concept still survives symbolically for example: In Gujarat during
Navratri people make Gabbar with same concept as mud fort. Historically mud forts
were considered epitome centre of power, so communities often used to attack
enemies fort to conquer them and extend their power. In modern world we can say that
Mud forts have been replaced by Under Ground Bunker who serves same purpose.
