Indian Knowledge System (IKS) – Notes
(Course Code: IKS 101HIS – History of Knowledge Production in India)
Unit 1: Introduction to Indian Knowledge System (06 Hours)
a) Definition, Scope, and Importance of Knowledge
• Knowledge: Awareness, understanding, and interpretation of facts, truths, and principles.
• In the Indian context, knowledge is both material (science, medicine, astronomy) and
spiritual (philosophy, self-realization).
• Scope: Covers physical sciences, life sciences, arts, languages, literature, philosophy,
spirituality, and governance.
• Importance:
o Preserves cultural heritage.
o Provides indigenous methods of problem-solving.
o Bridges past wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
Example: The preservation of Ayurveda texts in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita shows the
systematic approach to health and medicine in ancient India.
b) Nature of Indian Knowledge System
• Holistic: Combines physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
• Practical: Application-based (e.g., metallurgy, medicine).
• Interdisciplinary: Philosophy, science, arts were interconnected.
• Evolving: Adapted to different ages (Vedic → Classical → Medieval).
Case Study:
• The Surya Siddhanta (Astronomical text) combined mathematics, astronomy, and
spirituality, showing the holistic nature of Indian science.
c) Evolution of Scientific Approach
• From ritual-based knowledge (Vedic hymns) → systematic observation (Upanishads,
Vedangas) → empirical study (Classical scientists like Aryabhatta, Sushruta).
• Use of logic and debate (Nyaya & Buddhist philosophy) promoted critical thinking.
Case Study:
• Nalanda University (4th Century CE): Taught logic, medicine, astronomy, mathematics,
and philosophy. It attracted students from China, Korea, Tibet. Shows the structured
scientific approach of ancient India.
Unit 2: Development of Sciences (12 Hours)
a) Astronomy
• Aryabhatta (476 CE):
o Proposed the heliocentric theory – Earth rotates on its axis.
o Wrote Aryabhatiya (mathematics + astronomy).
o Calculated value of π (3.1416 approx).
• Varahamihira (505 CE):
o Author of Brihat Samhita (astronomy, astrology, geography, architecture).
o Predicted solar and lunar eclipses.
• Sawai Jai Singh II (1688–1743):
o Built Jantar Mantar observatories in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi.
o Introduced modern instruments for celestial calculations.
Case Study:
• Jantar Mantar (Jaipur): UNESCO World Heritage site, used giant sundials and yantras for
astronomical measurements.
b) Medicine
• Ayurveda:
o Based on Tridosha theory (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
o Charaka Samhita (Charaka – father of medicine).
o Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta – father of surgery).
o Techniques: Plastic surgery, cataract surgery, herbal treatments.
• Yunani Medicine:
o Introduced during the medieval period (Greek-Arab influence).
o Focused on humor theory (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile).
Case Study:
• Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) described in Sushruta Samhita is still referenced in modern
plastic surgery.
c) Metallurgy
• Copper, Iron, Bronze, and Alloys: India excelled in metallurgy.
• Examples:
o Iron Pillar of Delhi (4th century CE) – rust-resistant.
o Bronze statues in Chola period (Nataraja).
o Zinc smelting at Zawar Mines (Rajasthan).
• Techniques included forging, alloying, and mining.
Case Study:
• Iron Pillar of Delhi (Mehrauli, 1600 years old): Shows advanced iron extraction and
corrosion-resistant technology.
Unit 3: Development of Humanities (12 Hours)
a) Language
• Prakrit: Common spoken language in ancient India (used in Jain & Buddhist texts).
• Sanskrit: Classical scholarly language (Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana).
• Farsee (Persian): Came during medieval period, enriched literature and administration.
Example: Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed in Prakrit, showing its use as a common man’s language.
b) Philosophy
• Vedic Philosophy: Six schools (Darshanas – Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Purva
Mimamsa, Vedanta).
• Lokayat (Carvaka): Materialist philosophy, emphasized perception as the only valid
knowledge.
• Buddhist Philosophy: Emphasis on Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
• Jaina Philosophy: Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), Ahimsa (non-violence).
Case Study:
• Buddha’s Teachings at Sarnath (Dhammachakrapravartana): Practical philosophy
influencing ethics, governance, and daily life.
c) Education System in Ancient India
• Takshashila University (5th century BCE, now in Pakistan): 68 subjects, including
medicine, law, military science.
• Nalanda University (4th century CE, Bihar): Residential university, 10,000 students, 2,000
teachers.
• Valabhi University (6th century CE, Gujarat): Specialized in Buddhist studies.
Case Study:
• Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), Chinese traveler, studied at Nalanda and praised its library and
curriculum.
d) Architecture
• Vedic Period: Simple wooden structures.
• Buddhist Architecture: Stupas (Sanchi), rock-cut caves (Ajanta, Ellora).
• Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara (North), Dravida (South), Vesara (Deccan).
• Medieval Architecture: Indo-Islamic style – Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal.
Case Study:
• Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore, 11th century): Built by Raja Raja Chola I. UNESCO
heritage site, an example of Dravidian architecture.
✅ Conclusion (Linking with Modern Context)
• Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems were scientific, practical, and sustainable.
• The integration of philosophy, science, and art made knowledge holistic.
• Case studies like Nalanda, Jantar Mantar, Ayurveda, and Iron Pillar show India’s
legacy in knowledge production.
• Today, these systems inspire research in medicine, sustainable technology, architecture,
and education models.
