SEMESTER I
Introduction of Indian Knowledge System
Course Name Course Code LTP Credit Semester
INDIAN Knowledge System PSYH 2:1:0 2 I
A. COURSE OUTCOMES (COS)
CO1 Creating awareness amongst the youths about the true history and rich culture of the country
CO2 Understanding the scientific value of the traditional knowledge of Bhārata
CO3 Promoting the youths to do research in the various fields of Bhāratīya knowledge system.
CO4 Explore the Bhartiya wisdom related to life sciences.
CO5 Adding career, professional and business opportunities to the youths.
B. SYLLABUS
Course Aim:
India's knowledge system, developed since the Vedic period and Saraswatī-Sindhu
Civilization, remains influential today, reflecting a rich cultural heritage.
This course emphasizes the historical origins of ideas and their impact on material, religious,
social, and cultural beliefs in ancient society.
Religion, culture, and science in India are deeply interconnected, revealing a unique
epistemological framework.
India's contributions span various fields including aeronautics, astronomy, mathematics, life
sciences, medical sciences, architecture, polity, trade, art, music, dance, literature, and drama.
The Indian knowledge system has provided invaluable insights and advancements across
multiple disciplines, benefiting both society and the world.
Course Contents:
Module I: The Purpose of Knowledge in India (4 hours)
Para Vidya and Apara Vidya: Exploring spiritual knowledge (Para Vidya) and worldly knowledge (Apara
Vidya).
Sciences and Technologies: Understanding the role and nature of various knowledge fields in society.
Concepts: Rita, Dharma, the cycle of mutual dependence, Yajna, and sharing and caring.
Module II: Introduction to the Vedas and Upaniṣads (5 hours)
Vedic Literature: Structure and Gurukul system (Aṣrama Dharma).
Upaniṣads: Overview, philosophical ideas, ethics, Ṛna, Puruṣārtha, Varṇa Dharma, Brahman, Ātman, Mokṣa.
Module III: Essence of Indian Knowledge (5 hours)
Bhagavadgītā: Jñānayoga, Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Niskāma Karma ethics, Law of Karma, freedom of will,
Svadharma, Sādharana Dharma, Lokasaṁgraha, Sthitaprajña.
Module IV: Interdisciplinary Approaches in Indian Knowledge Systems (4 hours)
Fields of Knowledge: Logic, philosophy, language, technology, crafts, polity, economy, ethics, architecture, pure
sciences, poetics, law, grammar, mathematics, agriculture, medicine, geography, military science, etc.
Module V: Methodology of Indian Knowledge System (5 hours)
Systematization: Knowledge fields as Sastra with specific purposes.
Means of Valid Knowledge (Pramanas): Perception (Pratyaksha), Inference (Anumana), and Textual Tradition
(Agama). Importance of Pratyaksha and Agama in relation to Anumana.
Text and Reference:
1. Baladev Upadhyaya, Samskrta Śāstrom ka Itihās, Chowkhambha, Varanasi, 2010.
2. D. M. Bose, S. N. Sen and B. V. Subbarayappa, Eds., A Concise History of Science in India,
2nd Ed., Universities Press, Hyderabad, 2010.
3. Astāngahrdaya, Vol. I, Sūtrasthāna and Śarīrasthāna, Translated by K. R. Srikantha Murthy,
Vol. I, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 1991.
4. Dharampal, Some Aspects of Earlier Indian Society and Polity and Their Relevance Today,
New Quest Publications, Pune, 1987.
5. Dharampal, Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century: Some Contemporary
European Accounts, Dharampal Classics Series, Rashtrotthana Sahitya, Bengaluru, 2021.
6.Chatterjee S. & Datta D. (2010) Introduction to Indian Philosophy. Rupa Publications India.
Examination Scheme:
Components MTE CT/H/P/V/Q FC/MA/CS/ A EE
DP
Weightage (%) 15 15 15 5 50
MTE- Mid Term Exam; CT-Class Test; H-Home Assignment; P-Presentation; V-Viva; Q-Quiz; FC-
Flip class; MA- Movie Analysis; CS- Case study; DP- Discursive paper; A-Attendance; EE-End
Session Exam
