Shri Shivaji Science college, amravati

Department of languageS
B.Sc.-I, Semester 1
Subject: Indian Knowledge System (IKS)
NOTES
by
Dr. Vaishali Deshmukh, Dr. Manish Shrihari Gaikwad & Sonal Nirmal

Q.1. What do you understand by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)?

Answer: The Indian Knowledge System is the old knowledge of India.
It includes Vedas, Ayurveda, Yoga, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, philosophy, folk
wisdom, music, dance, and food.
This knowledge is still useful today.

Q.2. What is the importance of Indian Knowledge System (IKS)?

Answer: IKS is important because it:

• Teaches balance of body, mind, and spirit.

• Promotes living with nature.
• Preserves culture and traditions.
• Gives knowledge of Ayurveda, yoga, science, and math.
• Inspires pride in Indian heritage.

Q.3. Explain Bhartiya culture and civilization.

Answer: Indian culture is very old and rich.
It includes philosophy, many religions, languages, art, architecture, literature, science, food,
and festivals.
It shows unity in diversity and has influenced the world.

Q.4. What are the different methodologies in Indian Knowledge System?

Answer: IKS uses many ways to learn:

• Experience (doing).
• Listening.
• Thinking and reflecting.
• Meditation.
 • Logic and debate.
• Comparison.
• Self-study and group study.
These methods were used in Vedas, Ayurveda, Yoga, and science.

Q.5. Describe ancient education system in India.

Answer: In ancient India, education was given in the Gurukul system.
Students lived with their guru and learned by listening, reciting, and debating.
Subjects included Vedas, philosophy, science, math, art, and physical training.
Focus was on character, discipline, and spiritual growth.
Education was free; students gave guru dakshina at the end.

Q.6. Write a short note on Takshashila University.

Answer: Takshashila was one of the oldest universities (6th BCE–5th CE) in present-day
Pakistan.
It taught Vedas, philosophy, science, math, medicine, and arts.
Famous teachers were Chanakya, Panini, and Jivaka.
Famous students included Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
It had a big library and promoted debate.
It declined due to wars and invasions.

Q.7. Write a short note on Nalanda University.

Answer: Nalanda was a great university in Bihar (5th–12th CE).
It taught Buddhism, philosophy, science, math, medicine, and arts.
Famous teachers were Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, and Dharmapala.
Students came from many countries, like Xuanzang and Yijing.
It had a huge library and encouraged debate.
It was destroyed in the 12th century by Bakhtiyar Khalji.

Q.8. Write a short note on foundation literature of Indian civilization.

Answer: The main texts of Indian civilization are:

• Vedas – oldest scriptures.

• Upanishads – philosophy of life and self.
• Epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata.
 • Puranas – myths and legends.
• Bhagavad Gita – guide to spiritual growth.
• Manusmriti – law and ethics.
• Arthashastra – politics and economics.
• Natya Shastra – arts and dance.
These texts shaped Indian culture, religion, and knowledge.

Q.9. Elaborate oral tradition in Indian language.

Answer: Oral tradition means passing knowledge through speaking, songs, and stories.
Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata were first oral.
Folk tales, songs, bhajans, riddles, and proverbs carry wisdom.
Guru taught students orally in the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Folk theatre like Yakshagana and Tamasha used oral storytelling.
It helps preserve languages, culture, and values.

Q.10. Write a short note on Philosophical and Spiritual Heritage of India

Answer: India has many schools of thought like Nyaya, Yoga, Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism,
and Carvaka.
They teach about soul, karma, and liberation.
Spiritual life includes yoga, meditation, bhakti, Sufism, festivals, pilgrimages, and guru-
shishya tradition.
This heritage shaped India’s culture and inspired the world.

Q.11. Write a short note on India’s Classical Music, Dance, and Theatre
Answer: India has two main music styles: Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South), with
instruments like sitar, tabla, veena, and mridangam.
Classical dances include Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Manipuri.
Theatre forms are Sanskrit drama, Kutiyattam (Kerala), Bhaona (Assam), and Tamasha
(Maharashtra).
These art forms are rich and still practiced today.

Q.12. Write a short note on Indian Mathematics and Astronomy

Answer: India gave the world zero and the decimal system.
Mathematicians worked on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and even early calculus.
Aryabhata said Earth revolves around the Sun and calculated pi.
Bhaskara studied eclipses, Brahmagupta worked on zero, and Varahamihira explained cosmic
cycles.
These ideas shaped world science.

Q.13. Write a short note on Metallurgical Discoveries in India

Answer: Ancient Indians extracted copper, bronze, and iron.
India made high-quality steel like Wootz, famous worldwide.
They used forging, casting, and alloy-making.
The Iron Pillar of Delhi shows their skill.
Texts like Rasaratna Samuccaya recorded this knowledge.

Q.14. Write a short note on Indian Architecture and Town Planning

Answer: Indus Valley cities had good roads and drainage.
Vastu Shastra guided building design.
Hindu temples (Nagara, Dravida) and Mughal works (Taj Mahal) show rich styles.
Colonial and modern times brought European and new designs.
Cities like Varanasi, Shahjahanabad, and Chandigarh show planned layouts.

Q.15. Write a short note on Indian Military and Weaponry Science

Answer: Ancient India used chariots, elephants, bows, and forts.
Medieval India made swords, mastered archery, and used cannons.
Modern India developed guns, tanks, and missiles.
India’s military grew from simple weapons to advanced technology.

Q.16. Write a short note on Yoga and Ayurveda

Answer: Yoga means "union" of body, mind, and spirit.
It uses asanas, breathing, and meditation for health.
Ayurveda means "science of life."
It keeps balance through diet, herbs, yoga, and panchakarma.
Both focus on natural health and harmony.

Q.17. Write a short note on Science and Practice of Indian Traditional Knowledge
Answer: It includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Vastu, Jyotish, and Yajna.
Other parts are Panchakarma, Rasayana, Shilpa Shastra, and Gandharva Veda.
These help in health, harmony, crafts, music, and environment.
It connects old wisdom with modern life.

Q.18. Write a short note on Agriculture, Trade, and Commerce in Ancient India
Answer: Farmers used crop rotation, organic methods, and irrigation.
India grew rice, wheat, cotton, and spices.
India traded by land (Silk Road) and sea (Rome, China).
Coins were used, and business ethics were stressed.
Ayurvedic and Yogic farming improved productivity.

Q.19. Write a short note on Administration and Governance in Ancient India

Answer: India had monarchies, republics, and village councils.
Texts like Manu Smriti and Arthashastra guided rulers.
Kings followed Dharma and Raja Dharma.
Guilds managed trade, and taxes supported the state.
Leaders like Chandragupta, Ashoka, Akbar, and Shivaji shaped governance.

Q.20. Who had composed some hymns of Vedas?

Answer: some hymns of Vedas were composed by Rishis (Sages and seers). These include
sages like Vishvamitra, Vashishth, Kanwa and Agastya. Many hymns are attributed to their
families or lineages known as Gotras.

Q.21. Why did the bhakti movement become so popular among people?

Answer: The Bhakti movement became popular because it promoted devotion to God over
rituals, rejected caste discrimination, and emphasized equality and love. Saints preached in
local languages, making spiritual teachings accessible to common people, which inspired unity,
simplicity, and social harmony.

Q.22. Name any one of the silent features of Indian culture.

Answer: One silent feature of Indian culture is unity in diversity – despite differences in
religion, language, traditions, and lifestyles, people live together with harmony and shared
cultural values.

Q.23. Where was Nalanda University located?

Answer: Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century CE in Bihar, was one of the world’s
first residential universities. It attracted scholars from India, China, Tibet, Korea, and Southeast
Asia. Renowned for Buddhist studies, philosophy, medicine, and astronomy, it housed vast
libraries until its decline in the 12th century.

Q.24. What is the philosophy of Sāṁkhya?

Answer: The Sāṁkhya philosophy, founded by Sage Kapila, is one of the six orthodox schools
of Indian philosophy. It explains reality through two eternal principles: Purusha
(consciousness) and Prakriti (primordial matter). Liberation (moksha) is attained by realizing
the distinction between the two, ending ignorance and bondage.

Q.25. What is Aryabhatta's contribution to astronomy?

Answer: Aryabhatta (5th century CE) made pioneering contributions to astronomy. He
proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, explained solar and lunar eclipses scientifically, and
calculated the length of the solar year with remarkable accuracy. His work Aryabhatiya greatly
influenced later Indian and Islamic astronomy.

Q..26. Who was Bhaskara and what is the name of his famous book?
Answer: Bhaskara, also known as Bhaskara II or Bhaskaracharya (1114–1185 CE), was a great
Indian mathematician and astronomer. His most famous book is the “Siddhanta Shiromani”,
which is divided into four parts: Lilavati (arithmetic), Bijaganita (algebra), Grahaganita
(astronomy), and Goladhyaya (sphere/geometry).

Q.27. Write two key points about architecture beauty of Viharas.

Answer: Here are two key points about the architectural beauty of Viharas:
1. Monastic Design – Viharas were rock-cut monasteries with spacious halls, meditation cells,
and living quarters for monks, reflecting simplicity and functionality.
2. Artistic Carvings – Many viharas featured beautifully carved pillars, sculptures, and intricate
motifs, blending spiritual purpose with artistic excellence.

Q.28. What are Stupas and what were they used for?
Answer: Stupas are dome-shaped Buddhist monuments built over relics of the Buddha or other
revered monks. They were used as places of meditation and worship, symbolizing the
enlightened mind. Stupas also served to preserve sacred relics and spread Buddhist teachings
across India and other parts of Asia.

Q.29. What are stupas and what are they used for?
Stupas are dome-shaped Buddhist monuments built over the relics of Buddha or monks. They
were used for meditation, worship, and preserving sacred relics. They symbolized the path to
enlightenment and spread Buddhist teachings.

Q.30. What is the concept of Agni in Ayurveda?

Answer: In Ayurveda, Agni refers to the "digestive fire" responsible for digestion, absorption,
and assimilation of food. Proper balance of Agni ensures good health, while imbalance causes
disease. It also symbolizes the transformative power of metabolism and life energy.

Q.31. Name two types of crop produced in ancient India.

Answer: Food crops: Rice, Wheat, Barley, Millets
Commercial crops: Cotton, Sugarcane, Indigo, Sesame

Q.32. Explain Buddha’s theory of Law of Karma

Answer: Buddha’s Law of Karma states that every action (good or bad) has consequences.
Good deeds bring happiness and progress, while bad deeds lead to suffering. Karma operates
across lifetimes, influencing rebirth. Liberation (Nirvana) is possible only by overcoming
desires, ignorance, and attachment through ethical living, meditation, and wisdom.

Q.33. What is folklore and folksong and how were they cultivated in Indian languages?
Answer: Folklore includes traditional stories, myths, and customs passed orally through
generations. Folksongs are simple songs expressing emotions, festivals, and daily life. In Indian
languages, they developed regionally, reflecting local culture, values, and beliefs. They were
cultivated through oral traditions, village gatherings, rituals, and festivals, preserving cultural
heritage and identity.

Q.34. Write a note on the system of education in Nalanda and Takshashila Universities.
Answer: Nalanda University (Bihar) was a major Buddhist center (5th–12th century CE) with
thousands of students from India and abroad. It taught philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and
Buddhist texts. Takshashila University (modern Pakistan, 6th century BCE) specialized in
medicine, politics, military science, and law. Both were residential universities with libraries,
global students, and eminent teachers, shaping India’s ancient knowledge system.

Q.35. What are the salient features of Ancient Indian Military and Weaponry Science?
Answer: Ancient Indian military used chariots, elephants, cavalry, and infantry. Weapons
included bows, spears, swords, and maces. Advanced metallurgy produced strong arms.
Military strategy and training were taught at Takshashila. Use of elephants in war was unique.
Science of warfare (Dhanurveda) highlighted discipline, organization, and ethical conduct in
battles.

Q.36. How efficient was the system of Ancient Indian administration? Comment on its
utility in modern world.
Answer: Ancient Indian administration was efficient and well-organized. Kings ruled with
councils of ministers. Village administration was the base, with officials ensuring justice, tax
collection, and law enforcement. The Mauryan empire had centralized bureaucracy, while
Gupta rule balanced local autonomy. Its utility today lies in local self-government, ethical
leadership, and welfare-based governance, which modern systems still follow.

Q.37. Why is Indus Valley Civilization known as Bronze Age Civilization?

Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization (2500–1500 BCE) is called the Bronze Age Civilization
because people used bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) for making tools, weapons, ornaments,
and household items. Bronze technology gave them durable tools and advanced craftsmanship,
marking their age as the Bronze Age.

Q.38. When did Buddhism and Jainism rise?

Answer: Buddhism and Jainism arose in the 6 century BCE in eastern India. They develop as
reform movements against ritualistic Vedic practices emphasizing ethical living, nonviolence
and spiritual liberation. Both religions gained followers among common people, challenging
Brahmanical dominance and shaping Indian philosophical traditions.