Indian Knowledge Systems – Overview (UG Notes)
1. Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) are the traditional frameworks of knowledge in India.
Rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, and Shastras, they provide wisdom in
philosophy, science, mathematics, medicine, governance, and ethics. IKS emphasizes
that knowledge should not only be theoretical but also practical for the welfare of society.
2. Philosophy, Science, and Technology in IKS
- Philosophy: Indian philosophy addresses deep questions such as "What is real?"
(Ontology), "How do we know?" (Epistemology), and "What is right?" (Ethics). The six
classical systems (Darshanas) are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and
Vedanta. - Science: Contributions include mathematics (zero, decimal system, algebra,
trigonometry), astronomy (Aryabhata’s calculation of Earth’s rotation and eclipses),
medicine (Ayurveda, Sushruta Samhita on surgery), and metallurgy (the rust-free Iron
Pillar of Delhi). - Technology: Architecture (Vastu Shastra, temple design), town planning,
water management systems, and advanced metallurgy.
3. Computational Thinking in Ancient Indian Texts
Indian texts often expressed knowledge in compact, rule-based forms, similar to modern
algorithms in computer science. - Sutras: Short, formula-like statements that encode vast
knowledge in concise steps. They are like algorithms – simple, precise, and universally
applicable. Example: The Sutra "Ek■dhikena P■rvena" in Vedic Mathematics provides a
method for squaring numbers ending in 5. - Smritis: Texts that preserve applied
knowledge, focusing on ethics, law, administration, and social order. They act like manuals
or rulebooks that guide the application of knowledge in practical life. Example: Manusmriti
(law and ethics), Yagnavalkya Smriti (justice and administration).
4. Modern Relevance of Sutras and Smritis
- Sutras are comparable to algorithms in computer science. Just as algorithms break down
a problem into precise steps, Sutras compress large knowledge into memorable rules. -
Smritis are like coding standards and documentation that describe how knowledge should
be applied in real contexts, similar to user manuals in modern systems. - Example in
Computer Science: The positional number system from Indian mathematics forms the
basis of the binary system used in computing today.
5. Why This Matters for Students Today
- Shows that computational thinking existed in India long before modern computers. -
Encourages logical, algorithmic, and ethical thinking. - Bridges the gap between ancient
traditions and modern STEM education. - Helps in developing problem-solving skills by
learning how ancient scholars encoded complex systems into simple rules.
6. Summary
Indian Knowledge Systems combine philosophy, science, and technology with practical
application. Sutras function like algorithms (rules for computation), while Smritis serve as
applied manuals (guidelines for governance and ethics). Together, they highlight how
ancient Indian thought can inform modern problem-solving, data organization, and
computational logic.
