Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and
Its Importance
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) refers to
the traditional body of knowledge in India
covering philosophy, science, art, architecture,
medicine, mathematics, ethics, and spirituality.
It represents a holistic understanding of life
and the universe developed through centuries
of experience and reflection.
In short: IKS is the collective wisdom of India’s
intellectual, spiritual, and cultural traditions
guiding sustainable living and human
development.
Scope of IKS
IKS is multidisciplinary, covering:
Philosophy and Metaphysics (Darshanas)
Language and Literature (Vyakarana, Kavya, Natya)
Mathematics and Astronomy (Ganita, Jyotisha)
Medicine and Health (Ayurveda, Yoga)
Politics and Economics (Arthashastra, Rajniti)
Ethics and Spirituality (Dharma, Moksha)
Art, Architecture, and Music (Silpa, Sangita, Natya)
It integrates material, intellectual, and spiritual
dimensions of life.
Characteristics of IKS
Holistic: Life as a unified whole where
science, art, and spirituality are
interconnected.
Experiential: Based on direct experience
(Anubhava).
Sustainable: Promotes balance with
nature.
Value-based: Rooted in ethics (Dharma)
and social harmony.
Universal yet contextual.
Continuous and adaptable.
Importance of IKS
Preserves India’s cultural heritage.
Contains advanced ancient science and
philosophy.
Promotes holistic education blending
moral, intellectual, and spiritual
learning.
Offers ecological wisdom for
sustainability.
Revives self-identity and national pride.
Encourages blending of ancient wisdom
with modern science.
IKS Corpus – Literary and Non-
Literary
Literary Corpus:
Vedas & Upanishads (Philosophy)
Smritis & Sutras (Law, rituals)
Itihasas – Ramayana, Mahabharata
Puranas (Cosmology, traditions)
Scientific Treatises – Charaka Samhita,
Aryabhatiya, Vastu Shastra
Non-Literary Corpus:
Oral traditions, folk art, architecture,
festivals
These reflect India’s living wisdom and
cultural continuity.
Chaturdasha Vidyasthana (14
Knowledge Domains)
Ancient Indian education recognized 14
main fields:
Four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva
Six Vedangas – Shiksha, Vyakarana,
Chandas, Nirukta, Kalpa, Jyotisha
Four Upangas – Mimamsa, Nyaya,
Dharma Shastra, Purana
These together covered language, logic,
science, and philosophy.
Categories of Knowledge –
Para and Apara Vidya
As per Mundaka Upanishad:
Apara Vidya (Lower Knowledge):
Worldly knowledge – Vedas, sciences,
arts, skills. Enables material
advancement.
Para Vidya (Higher Knowledge):
Knowledge of the Self (Atman) and
Brahman – leads to liberation and
spiritual awakening.
Both are essential: Apara for external
Interconnectedness of Knowledge –
Holistic Worldview
All knowledge domains in IKS are
interconnected and aim at discovering truth
(Satya).
Example:
• Ayurveda integrates biology, psychology,
and spirituality.
• Jyotisha connects mathematics, cosmology,
and human life.
This holistic vision promotes harmony
between body, mind, society, and nature.
Sources of IKS
Shruti (Heard): Vedas, Upanishads – divine
revelation.
Smriti (Remembered): Manusmriti, Sutras,
Epics – social guidance.
Itihasa: Ramayana, Mahabharata – blend of
history and ethics.
Puranas: Mythological stories explaining
philosophy.
Regional Texts: Sangam, Kannada, Bengali,
Assamese literature.
Together they preserve India’s diverse wisdom
traditions.
