Traditional knowledge
for sustainable living
By: Vyas Maitri C
Class: 11th A (Reg.)
What Is Traditional Knowledge?
Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous
and local communities around the world developed from experience gained over the
centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment.
Traditional knowledge (TK), indigenous knowledge (IK) and local knowledge generally
refer to knowledge systems embedded in the cultural traditions of regional, indigenous,
or local communities.
Traditional knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation.
It closely interlinks cultural and biological diversity, forming an essential basis for the
conservation and sustainable use of global biodiversity.
Most indigenous and local communities are situated in areas where the vast majority of
the world’s genetic resources are found.
It also helps in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The skills and techniques provide
valuable information to the global community.
Components Of Traditional Knowledge
Soil and water management systems,
Traditional forest management systems,
Traditional water management systems,
Soil fertility management,
Pest management,
Organic manuring,
Soil management,
Agricultural and horticultural crops,
Traditional foods & beverages, etc.
Some Ways Of Traditional Knowledge Practices
Using the crop rotation technique.
Crop Thrashing With the Help of Domesticated Animals
Construction of Water Channels
Indigenous Drip Irrigation
Small Ponds for Spring Water Collection
Roof Water Harvesting
Harvesting of Water from Snow Melting
Removal of Weeds and grasses
Organic manuring, collection and management
Bamboo drip irrigation
Traditional housing
Three Main Practices Of TK:
1. Traditional Water Harvesting Practices
There are many age-old-practices of harvesting water in the country, basically to collect
rainwater, restore surface flow of water, ground water recharging, etc. These are based
on simple technology and defined management principles.
A step well is exactly what it sounds like- steps down to a well. The earliest step wells
date back to about 550 AD were developed in India as a necessity for areas suffering
from torrential seasonal rains.
Though originally found in the desert towns, the system has since gained immense
popularity in rural areas.
Centuries ago, the village evolved a self-organizing system to take care of its water,
forest and farm management Johad, an ancient practice of Rajasthan Zabo a traditional
practices among the Naga communities 128 Surangas continue to be one of the relatively
less known and gradually disappearing traditional water harvesting systems of Kasargod
district of Kerala.
2. Bamboo Drip Irrigation
In different states of North-Eastern part of India Bamboo drip irrigation is a common
practice.
The design of the Bamboo pipe for irrigation varies with variation of rainfall, which
reflects the uniqueness of traditional knowledge system of the local communities.
The Traditional Bamboo drip irrigation practiced by the Karbi communities (known as
Longsor in Karbi) in the rain-shadow area of Karbi-Anglong, Assam.
A different Traditional Bamboo drip irrigation is practiced in high rainfall area of
Meghalaya.
Surangas a traditional practice in Kerala.
3. Traditional Housing
A reflection of STI Usually these are called Vernacular Architecture, which is an architectural style and design
based on local needs, availability of construction materials and reflecting local traditions.
Originally, vernacular architecture relied on the design skills and tradition of local builders/ skilled labours. It
tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural, technological, economic, and historical context
in which it exists.
In case of environmental factors major aspects are – geology, land and soil; weather and climate; availability of
the building materials in the locality. On the other hand, family size, family structure (joint or nuclear), food
habits, materials, cultural practices, belief system etc.
Based on the building materials used in wall construction it can be categorised as:
• Adobe (mud blocks or whole walls),
• Masonry (stone, clay, or concrete blocks),
• Timber,
• Bamboo etc.
SThe layout of the building also varies, like Circular plan, Rectangular plan and linear plan. Similarly, there may
be Single story or multi-storied buildings.
In Indian condition such vernacular housing are very common in rural context and its design, plan and building
material vary with geographical regions.
THANK YOU
