Relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in today’s scenario
New Delhi : India has been a centre for knowledge from the very beginning of civilisation—whether in the form of the Vedas or the universities of Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Vallabhi. Both its ancient scriptures and institutions played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the region, drawing scholars from across the globe.
What made these ancient centres of learning remarkable was not merely their academic output but the holistic approach to education they represented. These institutions cultivated not only technical skills but also moral character, ethical reasoning, and a harmonious relationship between the individual, society, and nature. The Indian Knowledge System (IKS), rooted in centuries of indigenous thought, offers a framework of learning that remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges.
The thing that still appeals is the variety of subjects the Indian Knowledge System offers. It encompasses a wide range of domains, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, architecture, linguistics, philosophy, and governance. More than a collection of facts, it is a way of thinking that values interconnectedness, sustainability, and balance. And at the times when the environmental crisis, technological disruption, and social fragmentation are at their peak, these principles are of utmost importance.
Among these the Ayurveda is a great example of IKS with continuing relevance. Its preventive healthcare model and emphasis on lifestyle and nutrition have attracted global attention. Rather than viewing Ayurveda in opposition to modern medicine, many researchers and practitioners now explore integrative models that combine the strengths of both. This approach can contribute meaningfully to public health frameworks, especially in the context of chronic diseases and mental wellness.
Similarly, Indian contributions to mathematics extend beyond the introduction of zero or the decimal system. It includes pedagogical traditions of inquiry and logic, such as Tarka and Nyaya, which encouraged debate and critical reasoning, and have the ability to enhance modern STEM education, especially when aiming to foster analytical thinking from a young age.
Now, coming to the philosophical and linguistic traditions of India, particularly those embedded in systems like Vedanta, Mimamsa, and Vyakarana, offers a model of integrated thinking. These disciplines did not operate in isolation but in dialogue with each other, creating a culture where language, logic, metaphysics, and ethics coexisted. In contrast to the compartmentalization seen in many modern educational systems, this holistic perspective nurtures a more well-rounded intellect.
Environmental ethics embedded in the Indian Knowledge System offer further lessons for contemporary society. The idea of the earth as Bhoomi Devi, a living being, fosters a sense of stewardship rather than exploitation. Ancient texts from Arthashastra to Vrikshayurveda provide insights into water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community governance—insights that are increasingly relevant in the face of climate change and resource scarcity.
The revival of IKS is not an exercise in nostalgia. It must be grounded in rigorous scholarship, critical inquiry, and relevance to current global contexts. This requires academic institutions to actively support research, translation, and cross-disciplinary dialogue. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes the value of IKS and calls for its integration into mainstream curricula.
Universities play a central role in realising this vision. Incorporating IKS into higher education involves more than offering optional courses or holding seminars. It demands structural commitment—dedicated research centres, faculty development programmes, peer-reviewed publications, and partnerships with modern scientific disciplines. Such integration enables students to appreciate diverse knowledge systems and equips them to contribute to global conversations with rooted perspectives.
To enable this, scholarly infrastructure must evolve. Multilingual academic resources, digital archives of manuscripts, and international collaborations are crucial. Indian knowledge traditions must be examined with the same academic rigour applied to Western theories. This includes validating claims through empirical research, encouraging debate, and revising interpretations where necessary.
Importantly, the value of IKS should not be measured by its conformity to modern Western paradigms alone. Instead, it should be seen as a complementary body of knowledge that offers alternative ways of understanding health, society, nature, and self. This pluralism of thought enriches global scholarship and strengthens the intellectual sovereignty of the Indian education system.
The Indian Knowledge System is not frozen in the past. It is a dynamic tradition with the potential to inform the future. Its relevance lies in its ability to inspire sustainable practices, interdisciplinary learning, ethical reasoning, and a global outlook rooted in cultural identity.
In an era that often prizes speed over depth and consumption over reflection, the IKS offers a reminder of what it means to learn with purpose. Its revival and integration into contemporary education are not only a tribute to India’s intellectual heritage but also a necessary step towards a more balanced, inclusive, and thoughtful global society.
