BET’S
BASAVAKALYAN ENGINEERING COLLEGE
BASAVAKALYAN
DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING
Subject:
INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (BIKS609)
Seminar topic on
Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems(IKS)-
Overview, Vedic Corpus, Philosophy
Submitted by :
PRAVEEN (3BK22EC034)
Under the guidance of HOD ECE
Prof. Harika K Prof . Sanjivkumar Jalde
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INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
IKS is generic phrase that covers practically everything about
India.
We have recorded history, abundant culture, literature and social
and community practices defining what Indian knowledge.
Knowledge assets available in India from the prehistoric times to
the current day will all qualify to be part of the IKS.
The term IKS has three words in it: Indian Knowledge System.
Indian- By this term, we mean the indigenous sources of
knowledge generated by Indian society. The term ‘Indian’ points
to the undivided Indian subcontinent (Akhanda Bharata).
The name 'India' has its roots in 'Indus,' the Sanskrit term 'Sindhu,'
referring to the mighty river that traversed this ancient land. The
Greeks and Iranians adapted it as 'Hindos' or 'Indos,' signifying
the region east of the Indus River. Notably, the name 'Bharat' also
played a role.
"Bhārat" gained popularity in India during the nineteenth century.
It is the shortened form of the term "Bhāratavarṣa" which is
extensively used in the literature of the native religions.
"Bhāratavarṣa" is derived from the name of the Vedic tribe
of Bharatas who are mentioned in the Rigveda as one of the
principal peoples of Aryavarta (the part of the Indian subcontinent
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settled by Aryans). At first the name Bhāratavarṣa referred only
to the western part of the Gangetic Valley. In 1949, it was adopted
as an official name for the Republic of India by the Constituent
Assembly along with "India".
"Hindustān" is another common name for the Republic of India
and is also derived from the name of the river Indus. It gained
popularity in India in the 11th century in Islamic literature and
became the common name for the northern Indian subcontinent
in Indian languages, though it has been in Persian usage since at
least the 3rd century CE while its earlier form "Hindush" was
used as early as 6th century BCE. The term 'Hindu' was the Old
Persian adaption of "Sindhu" (another name for the river Indius).
"Hindustan" is still commonly used in the subcontinent to
refer to the modern day Republic of India by Hindustani
speakers.
Knowledge- It is obtained by the insights gained by personal
experiences with life situations, facing problems and coming up
with means of solving them. Knowledge may or may not be
converted to a literary format. The tacit knowledge can be
preserved and transmitted through an oral tradition without loss.
System- Means a structured methodology and a classification
scheme to access the available corpus (कोष) of knowledge.
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Why Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) for
Engineering students?
Pride in Cultural Heritage:
Introducing young people to Indian knowledge systems instills a
sense of pride and appreciation for their cultural heritage. India
boasts of diversity of traditions, philosophies, and practices that
have endured for centuries, reflecting the country's rich cultural
diversity. By learning about ancient Indian texts such as the
Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Mahabharata and
Ramayana, young learners gain insight into the profound wisdom
and intellectual achievements of their ancestors.
Solving Modern-Day Problems:
Indian knowledge systems offers valuable insights that can
address contemporary challenges in various domains. From
sustainable agriculture practices advocated in ancient texts like
the Artha shastra to the holistic healthcare system of Ayurveda,
these traditions offer solutions that are both time-tested and
environmentally sustainable. By integrating traditional
knowledge with modern science and technology, young people
can contribute to innovative solutions for pressing issues such as
climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development.
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Holistic Pedagogy:
The pedagogical approach of Indian knowledge systems is
inherently interesting and holistic, engaging learners on multiple
levels. Rather than rote memorization, these systems emphasize
experiential learning, critical thinking, and the cultivation of
practical skills. Through storytelling, debates, and interactive
discussions, students are encouraged to explore complex ideas
and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world
around them. A great change in the current educational process
where children are feeling stressed out can be brought when
traditional pedagogy is used.
Value-Based Education:
Indian knowledge systems are deeply rooted in values such as
compassion, respect for nature, and the pursuit of truth and
righteousness. By imparting these values, education based on
Indian knowledge systems nurtures ethical leadership, empathy,
and social responsibility in young learners. This value- based
approach not only fosters personal growth but also contributes to
the development of a more compassionate and sustainable
society.
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Vedic corpus
What is Veda? The word Veda is derived from the root vid which
means ‘to know’. The word Veda means the sacred knowledge
contained in the texts known as Vedic text. Careful studies have shown
that the Vedic texts reflect two stages of development in terms of
literature as well as social and cultural evolution. The Rigveda which
is the oldest Vedic text reflects one stage of social and cultural
development whereas the other three Vedas reflect another stage. The
first stage is known as the Rigvedic period, or Early Vedic period and
the later stage is known as the Later Vedic period.
Vedic corpus
The Vedas are the primordial source of knowledge in the scheme
of the Sanatana- dharma literature.
They are also known as Sruti.
Vedas provides the overall defining framework for living.
The upa-vedas are typically associated with the vedas on account
of the material being found in the respective Vedas.
Vedangas & Darshana's
To benefits fully from the Vedas some complementary tools and
skills are required.
These helps to understand the exact meaning an intent of what is
presented in the Vedas and follow them based on specific instructions
provided.
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These are collectively referred to as Vedangas. Darshana's
It is a natural quest for everyone to understand three forces that
operate and interact with one another: an individual (Jiva), the
Universe (Jagat), and a larger force governing the other two (variously
referred to as Isvara, Brahman etc.)
Darsana essentially means a philosophical thought or view.
There are six schools of philosophy in the sanatan-dharma literature.
Dharma-shastras and Smritis
A guide to lead a dharmic life based on the principles of the Veda
is required.
The dharmic principles engrained in the Vedic corpus are
presented in multiple formats in our knowledge traditions.
Smritis are rule books with specific operating guidelines of how
to put the dharmic principles into action and what are the
consequences of not doing so.
Puranas and Itihasas
Puranas contains a rich repository of ideas that seek to
explain various aspects of the Vedic thoughts using detailed
stories and anecdotes (उपाख्यानोोोों).
They present several socio-cultural ideas and practices of living.
The stories in the puranas related to per-historic events.
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Itihasas, related to historical events that have taken place which
can be associated with specific timelines.
As we know, Mahabharata and Ramayana are two well known
itihasas.
VEDAS
The word Vedas is generally derived from the Sanskrit root vid.
The word Veda can be derived from five verbal roots, these means:
1. To exist
2. To discriminate
3. To obtain
4. To know
5. To make
Veda is transmitted orally and preserved intact from time
immemorial.
Vedas have well-developed system of phonetics that has ensured its
preservation.
Recognized by UNESCO as heritage.
It is well-known that the Vedas are the oldest surviving literary
works in the whole world.
Types of Vedas:
Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda
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Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda
Ṛigveda is the oldest, largest and the main repository.
Ṛigveda should be studied by one who want to understand Indian,
Literature and spiritual culture.
Lofty and interesting set of ideas found in Rigveda makes it
contextually relevant.
Yajurveda mainly focus on Yajna and a list of various Yajnas are
found in this Veda.
Yajurveda is in two major branches: Krsna (Black)-Yajurveda and
Sukla (White) -Yajurveda.
Yajurveda include anatomy, metals, constellation, seasons,
numbers and geometry, grains and yogic insights.
The word Sāmaveda is derived from the Sanskrit word Sama
indicating ‘to please pacify or satisfy’, it refers to the singing
of Rig Veda mantras.
Sāmaveda has currently three branches: Kauthuma, Ranayaniya
and Jaiminiya.
Sāmaveda is used to please the devatas by singing mantras
after making the offering.
Atharvaṇaveda has details on diseases and their cure.
Vedangas
Vedangas texts help us decipher the Vedic texts and know their
practical applications, they have other values of practical applicability
in other fields also.
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There are six vedangas:
Siksa
Vyakarana
Chandas
Nirukta
Kalpa
Jyotisa
Philosophical Systems
The Philosophical systems provide a true worldview and a vision
for life and helps us resolve the issues that we face in our life.
The teaching of the Upanishads suggest that attainment of the
knowledge of Brahman is the highest goal of human life.
Indian Philosophical Systems Development and Unique Features
The beginning of the Philosophical inquiry in India can be
traced to the Vedic literature.
Unlike the western counterpart, the indian Philosophical thought
closely intertwined with religious thought.
The ultimate goal of the human life is clearly spelt out and the
path for attaining the same is also articulated in all the darsanas.
Two generic classes of philosophical systems could be thought
about; Vedic schools of Philosophy and non-vedic schools (Jaina
Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy etc).
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Indian Philosophical Systems Development and Unique
Features.The beginning of the Philosophical inquiry in India
can be traced to the Vedic literature.
Unlike the western counterpart, the indian Philosophical thought
closely intertwined with religious thought.
The ultimate goal of the human life is clearly spelt out and the
path for attaining the same is also articulated in all the darsanas.
Two generic classes of philosophical systems could be thought
about; Vedic schools of Philosophy and non-vedic schools (Jaina
Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy etc).
Yoga-darsana
Yoga as a school of philosophy is said to have been founded
by Patanjali through his Yoga-sutras.
According to Yoga Philosophy to attain liberation, an individual
must focus on the physical, psychological and moral states of his
being.
Yoga provides a structured and practical eight-step process
gradually reach a stage of complete cession of the activities of
Citta.
Yoga can help an individual address the vexing problem of
stress-induced lifestyle leading to health and wellness
challenges that modern society is facing.
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