The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) encompasses a vast and sophisticated body of intellectual traditions that span a wide spectrum of disciplines, including philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, art, and spirituality. Deeply embedded in the fabric of ancient Indian civilization, IKS integrates scientific inquiry with spiritual wisdom and practical application, offering a holistic worldview that emphasizes the interconnectedness of life. At the core of IKS lie the Vedas-among the oldest surviving texts in human history-which provide profound insights into cosmology, ethics, metaphysics, and knowledge systems. This foundational corpus was further developed through Indian philosophical traditions such as the Upanishads, as well as through the doctrines and insights of Buddhism and Jainism. Fundamentally, IKS promotes critical reasoning, empirical observation, introspection, and experiential learning as èssential tools in the pursuit of knowledge. As a dynamic and adaptive system, it continues to offer meaningful perspectives and solutions to modern global challenges, including sustainability, healthcare, and ethical innovation. Studying IKS not only illuminates India's profound intellectual legacy but also reveals its enduring relevance in navigating contemporary issues in a complex, interconnected world.
Dr. M.K. Singh is a highly qualified person obtained his all higher degrees from Delhi University Ramjas College in Political Science is widely acclaimed name and Political Scientist, worked in Various capacities such Regional Resident Manager Bihar(Express Bureau), Astt. Director (Project, CRP), authored several books which are being studied at various universities of India including Delhi University. I did authorship for Encyclopedia of Great Indian Political Thinkers ( 10 Vols.). In view of the popularity of these books Govt. of Pakistan invited me to write the books with dignified Post and Vice Chancellor of Papua New Guinea offered to join his University as Professor.
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is a profound and expansive intellectual tradition that has matured over thousands of years, encompassing an extraordinary range of disciplines and philosophies. Far beyond a mere collection of academic fields, IKS offers a holistic paradigm that weaves together philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, linguistics, and the arts into a unified vision of life and learning. It represents a worldview that seeks to create harmony among the individual, society, and the environment, making it a reservoir of ethical, philosophical, and ecological wisdom.
Deeply rooted in ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, IKS presents a comprehensive cosmological and philosophical framework. These foundational scriptures reflect a blend of spiritual insight and empirical observation, offering early glimpses into scientific inquiry. The Vedas, for instance, explore astronomy, metaphysics, and ecological principles, revealing a tradition where science and spirituality coexisted and complemented each other from the beginning.
Over time, IKS was enriched by the contributions of legendary scholars and thinkers. Philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya, Maitreyee, Patanjali, and Bhaskara shaped its metaphysical core, while mathematical giants such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara II laid the foundations for algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Similarly, Ayurvedic practitioners and ancient surgeons developed holistic health systems that continue to influence modern medicine with their emphasis on balance and well-being.
A defining feature of IKS is its integrative and ethical orientation. In ancient India, knowledge was not pursued for intellectual prestige alone but as a guide for purposeful living. The pursuit of Dharma (moral duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation) was central to human life, and education was crafted to support these life goals. Unlike compartmentalized Western models, Indian education combined intellectual development with spiritual insight, aiming to cultivate both critical thinking and inner wisdom.
The resilience and adaptability of IKS also stand out. Over centuries, Indian knowledge systems absorbed, interacted with, and influenced other traditions across Asia and beyond. The diffusion of Buddhist and Jain thought spread Indian philosophies throughout East and Southeast Asia. During the medieval period, Indian knowledge fused with Islamic scientific traditions, preserving and transmitting texts through Arabic translations-many of which later influenced European Enlightenment thought.
In the modern era, IKS is being re-examined as a source of sustainable and ethical practices. Ancient Indian solutions such as organic agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and holistic healthcare are being recognized for their ecological relevance. Moreover, IKS informs new models of education that emphasize experiential learning, emotional intelligence, and moral development-offering alternatives to mechanistic and test-centric approaches in today's schools and universities.
Looking to the future, there is great promise in integrating IKS with contemporary science and technology. By merging traditional wisdom with modern research, we can create innovative and sustainable responses to complex global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and social justice. In a time marked by material excess and ecological crisis, IKS offers a path grounded in balance, interconnectedness, and collective well-being.
This book provides a comprehensive examination of the Indian Knowledge System-its origins, evolution, and enduring relevance. It invites readers to explore a tradition that not only shaped ancient Indian civilization but continues to offer valuable insights for building a more equitable, harmonious, and sustainable global future.
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