Indian Knowledge System - Full Notes
Unit I: Indian Knowledge System - An Overview
1. Importance of Ancient Knowledge
- Ancient Indian knowledge gave foundation for science, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and
spirituality.
- Helped in building moral values, sustainable living, and cultural unity.
- Examples: Ayurveda (health), Yoga (wellness), Vedas (spiritual knowledge).
2. Defining Indian Knowledge System
- Holistic system of knowledge developed in India from Vedic age till medieval period.
- Based on harmony of spiritual knowledge and practical knowledge.
- Includes philosophy, medicine, agriculture, astronomy, arts, governance.
3. Historicity of Indian Knowledge System
- Vedic Period: Knowledge in form of Vedas, Upanishads.
- Classical Period: Ayurveda (Charaka, Sushruta), Astronomy (Aryabhata), Mathematics
(Brahmagupta).
- Medieval Period: Literature, fine arts, architecture, and Sufi/Bhakti knowledge.
Unit II: Foundational Concepts
1. Framework of Valid Knowledge
- Knowledge classified into Pramanas (means of valid knowledge):
• Pratyaksha (Perception)
• Anumana (Inference)
• Upamana (Comparison)
• Shabda (Verbal testimony)
2. Deductive and Inductive Knowledge Framework
- Deductive: From general to specific (e.g., All humans are mortal → Ram is mortal).
- Inductive: From observation to theory (e.g., seeing smoke → inferring fire).
3. Potential Fallacies and Learning Process
- Hetvabhasa (fallacies in reasoning): false cause, contradiction.
- Learning process: Shravana (listening), Manana (thinking), Nididhyasana (practice).
4. Indian Philosophical System: Development and Uniqueness
- Astika (Vedic): Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta.
- Nastika (non-Vedic): Buddhism, Jainism, Charvaka.
- Unique feature: Integration of logic, spirituality, and practical life.
Unit III: Reflection of Indian Knowledge System
1. Science and Technology
- Disease Management: Ayurveda (Charaka, Sushruta), Yoga, Unani.
- Mathematical System: Zero (Aryabhata), Decimal system, Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy.
- Metallurgy: Iron pillar of Delhi, zinc and bronze extraction.
2. Commerce and Management
- Economics: Kautilya’s Arthashastra (taxation, trade, economy).
- Public Goods & Finance: Irrigation systems, roadways, temples, land revenue.
- Governance: Mauryan & Gupta administration, village panchayats.
3. Humanities
- Language Composition: Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit.
- Knowledge Triangle: Teacher–Student–Text relationship.
- Governance & Administration: Value-based governance for justice & harmony.
Unit IV: Tribal and their Culture of Gondwana Region
1. Belief and Social Customs
- Rituals, ornaments, festivals, folktales of tribes (e.g., Gond tribe).
2. Health and Wellness, Healing Practices
- Herbal medicines, local healers, spiritual healing.
3. Tribal Science and Technology
- Farming methods, iron tools, hunting equipment.
4. Study of Warfare and Weaponry
- Wooden/bamboo weapons, traditional bows & arrows.
5. Biodiversity
- Forest preservation, sacred groves, coexistence with nature.
6. Preservation and Management of Forest Produce
- Minor forest produce: honey, bamboo, herbs.
- Indigenous languages preserve tribal wisdom.
