INDIAN KNOWLEDGE LEGACY AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT

 INDIAN KNOWLEDGE LEGACY AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT

ERUM.QURESHI (MENTEE)
DR.PRATIMA MISHRA (MENTOR)
Associate Professor 
H.G.M Azam College of Education
Dr. P.A. Inamdar University, Azam Campus, Pune.

What Are Indian Knowledge Systems?

Why do some societies innovate with confidence while others struggle to find direction?

The answer is understanding your identity and your origins. Modern education offers the tools required to navigate a changing world, but does not account for the intellectual heritage that helped shape that world. A society that understands its heritage will always have a better vision of its future and how to shape it.

Indian Knowledge Systems is among the oldest knowledge Systems of the world. Developed over centuries, its various branches contributed to human understanding in fields such as medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and architecture.

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) encompass the entire spectrum of learning that has flourished across the Indian subcontinent for many thousands of years. There are various branches of knowledge under IKS.

Many of these academic disciplines delve into subjects concerning humanity, societal structures, or the cosmos. Ancient Indians acquired this knowledge by observation, experimentation, discussions and implementations of ideas. Through discussion and practical application, this knowledge was integrated into numerous areas of human existence.

Early Foundations: The Indus Valley Civilization

Indian Knowledge Systems were among the earliest forms, originating with the Indus Valley civilization. Excavations done in the region of India showed that the cities were built with a drainage system, advanced knowledge about weights and measures, and also about an artisan's craft.

The Vedic Period

The earliest documentation of knowledge within India occurred during the Vedic period. During this time, knowledge from the Vedas was shared and passed down orally before being written in the Vedas and other Vedic texts. Scholars explored subjects such as philosophy, language, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, ethics, and more.

The Classical Period

During the classical period, India experienced advancements in various fields of study. Fields of study included mathematics, astronomy, medicine, linguistics, logic, philosophy, architecture, and governance. Some of the most influential scholars of this period produced works that are still studied today.

Ancient Universities

India was an important center of learning during several historical periods due to the existence of renowned universities such as Takshashila, Nalanda, and Vikramashila. These institutions attracted students from across Asia whose fields of study included philosophy, medicine, mathematics, grammar, astronomy, and more.

Medieval Period

Even during the medieval period, there were efforts to produce and preserve knowledge of India. India’s monasteries, temples, and educational institutions contained manuscripts of knowledge. Additionally, various artisans, physicians, farmers, and teachers contributed to the preservation of knowledge during these centuries.

Modern Period

An interest in Indian Knowledge Systems in the modern period includes studying India’s knowledge Systems in relation to other disciplines within the modern world. For instance, many of India’s universities are investigating its ancient knowledge Systems using modern scientific methods. This revival of ancient knowledge aims to preserve this knowledge and contribute it towards the resolution of current challenges facing India and the rest of the world.

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CONCLUSION

Indian Knowledge Systems refers to our collective knowledge that we have acquired over the course of thousands of years. Whether it be medicine, the environment, mathematics or law of the civilized world, Indian Knowledge Systems have something to offer about every topic.

With many problems that exist in the world today, why shouldn't we educate children on not only the sciences, but also about our Knowledge Systems? Modern science as we know it today and India's Knowledge Systems are not rivals fighting for dominance. They both work hand in hand.

As the world changes around us tomorrow and today, we should be educating students to thrive in a globalized world while also teaching them about the history and knowledge that built one of the oldest civilizations on earth. By allowing students to learn about both the sciences as well as Indian Knowledge Systems, we can ensure that students have the necessary tools to not only succeed today, but to conquer what tomorrow throws at them.

Students will be able to use knowledge from both the past and present to help them succeed in the future by learning about India's Knowledge Systems as well as teaching them modern science.