Indian Traditional Knowledge

Unit 1 Notes

I. Introduction & overview of Indian Knowledge system

Indian knowledge system:
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is a methodical transmission of knowledge from one
generation to the next. It is a well-structured system and process of knowledge transfer, rather
than just a tradition. The Vedic literature – Upanishads, Vedas, and Upvedas are all part of the
Indian Knowledge System.

The Indian Knowledge Systems comprise of Jnan, Vignan, and Jeevan Darshan that have
evolved out of experience, observation, experimentation, and rigorous analysis. This tradition of
validating and putting into practice has impacted our education, arts, administration, law, justice,
health, manufacturing, and commerce. This has influenced classical and other languages of
Bharat, that were transmitted through textual, oral, and artistic traditions. “Knowledge of India”
in this sense includes knowledge from ancient India and, its successes and challenges, and a
sense of India’s future aspirations specific to education, health, environment and indeed all
aspects of life.

Objectives of Indian knowledge system:

1. The primary objective of IKS is to promote interdisciplinary research on all aspects of Indian
Knowledge Systems.
2. IKS aims to preserve and disseminate indigenous knowledge for further research and its
practical applications in society.
3. It plays a crucial role in spreading India’s rich heritage and traditional knowledge across
various domains, including Arts and Literature, Agriculture, Basic Sciences, Engineering &
Technology, Architecture, Management, Economics, and more.
4. The goal of IKS is to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern knowledge,
fostering a deeper understanding of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

Concept and importance of traditional knowledge

Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and
local communities around the world. Traditional knowledge is developed from experience
gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment, traditional
knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation.

What are the characteristics of Indian traditional knowledge?

Important characteristics of Traditional Knowledge are
1. It is learned through continuous observation, experience and practice.
2. It is inseparable part of communal and cultural life of its holders, and
3. It is not limited to any specific field of technology or the arts.
Why is it important to learn Indian traditional knowledge?

Understanding Indian Traditional Knowledge help the students to be proud of their culture. It
also helps them to connect to their culture and appreciate where they come from. Students learn
to respect elders, continue to uphold their traditions, and maintain the values passed on from
generations.
Indian civilization has placed a great deal of value on knowledge, as evidenced by its
astonishingly massive body of intellectual texts, the greatest collection of manuscripts in the
world, and its well-documented heritage of texts, thinkers, and schools in a wide range of subject
areas.
These knowledge systems, including Ayurveda,Yogaand Vedic sciences, are still applicable in
the modern world in several ways:
1. For Well-being: The comprehensive approach to well- being is emphasized in the traditional
Indian medical system known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda, an Indian traditional healthcare
knowledge system, is considered a soft power tool along with Yoga (Nature journal). In this era
of globalization where lifestyle and dietary food patterns are changing drastically, we are inviting
a range of new disorders, threatening our health. In such a scenario it is pertinent to explore and
establish the interrelationship among various Indian traditional sciences to offer comprehensive
and holistic healthcare. Ayurveda speaks about physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being
& personalized, preventive, protective, promotive, predictive, and participatory level of
healthcare. Exploring the interlinkages and cooperation between these diverse knowledge
sciences with Ayurveda will contribute immensely to effective healthcare solutions.
2. For Stress management: Yoga is a comprehensive approach to internal, physical, and
spiritual well- being that has its roots in ancient India. It comprises ways like asanas( postures),
pranayama( breath control) which helps to lower stress, promote internal health, and increase
general heartiness. These ways are especially helpful in coping with today’s stressful
ultramodern life.

3. For Sustainable living: Indian knowledge systems emphasized the interdependence of all
beings to attain sustainable living practices including the idea of" Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"( the
world is one family). Considering environmental issues and the demand for natural resource
conservation and preservation, these principles are getting more and more important.

4. For Spiritual Growth: The ancient books known as Vedas, which are a part of Indian
Knowledge System, have contributed towards the spiritual growth of human being.

5. For Innovation: Science has historically been advanced by Indian knowledge systems in
disciplines like mathematics, astronomy, and metallurgy. Ancient Indian generalities like zero,
the decimal system, and trigonometry are still extensively used in current wisdom and
technology, demonstrating the significance of Indian knowledge systems in fostering invention
and advancement.

The Indian knowledge system is still applicable in today's scenario, which gives practical
suggestions for dealing with issues similar like stress management, sustainability etc. It offers a
vast body of knowledge that may be used to advance people, communities, and humanity as a
whole.
What is the difference between traditional knowledge and modern knowledge (western
science and medicine)?
Traditional knowledge are practices and beliefs of indigenous communities that have developed
over generations through experience and observation. Traditional knowledge is often specific to
a particular culture or geographic region and can include a wide range of topics, including
agriculture, medicine, natural resource management, and cultural practices.

Modern systems (western science and medicine) of knowledge and practices are based on the
scientific method and the principles of rationality and objectivity.

There are several key differences between traditional knowledge and modern knowledge:

1. Source of knowledge: Traditional knowledge is often based on the experiences and

observations of indigenous communities, whereas modern knowledge is based on empirical
(factual/real) evidence and systematic observation.

2. Method of inquiry: Traditional knowledge is often based on qualitative methods of inquiry,

such as storytelling and experiential learning, whereas modern knowledge rely on quantitative
methods, such as controlled experiments and statistical analysis.
We can say, Western science is objective and quantitative as opposed to
traditional knowledge, which is mainly subjective and qualitative.

3. Validity of knowledge: Traditional knowledge is often considered valid within the context of
the culture and community that it is derived from, whereas western science and medicine are
based on the principle of universal validity, which means that knowledge and theories are
considered valid if they can be tested and supported by evidence.

4. Role of tradition: Traditional knowledge is often passed down through generations and is
closely tied to cultural traditions and practices, whereas western science and medicine are more
focused on the pursuit of new knowledge and are less tied to tradition.

5. Transmission: Traditional knowledge is often passed on orally from one generation to the
next by the elders whereas Western science is based on an academic and literate transmission.

II. Vedas

The Vedas are a collection of hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that form the
foundation of Hindu religious and spiritual thought. Vedas contain a lot of knowledge and are
one of the ( ancient) oldest books in the library of humans. Veda is the base for all dharma,
philosophy, culture and elements of hinduism. The knowledge contained in the Vedas is
limitless. This is only possible because each mantra has a different meaning. The Veda is passed
from rishis, and it has been passed on from one generation to another generation orally and
transmitted in the same way till now. Hence, this is why Veda is called Shruti scripture.
The Vedic Literature is called shruti as they are considered to be secret knowledge that
comes from God. Though the hymns of Shruti are attributed to many Rishis, traditions maintain
that these hymns were mainly revealed to the rishis and not composed by them. That means the
Vedas were not made by man but exist in eternity. The rishis are known as Mantra Drashta,
meaning those who saw or received the mantras directly from God or supreme creator or
supernatural power.
Vedas
The word ‘Veda’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘vid’, which means knowledge.
 The Vedas are the primary sources of knowledge in Hinduism, and they are revered as
sacred texts that contain the secrets of the universe.
 According to Hindu belief, the Vedas were revealed by the gods to ancient sages known
as ‘rishis’ during deep meditation. These sages then passed on the knowledge to their
disciples through oral tradition, and the Vedas were preserved in this manner for
thousands of years.
 The four types of Vedas are the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
 Vedas is also considered the fountain head of Indian Culture and human civilisation
UNESCO has recognised Vedas as a Heritage for preservation.
 Vedas existed for a long time before. There was a need to organise them systematically,
so that it can be helpful to society. So Krishna Dvaipayana known as Ved Vyasa did the
important task of collecting all of them & putting it into certain sort of compartments &
this is how 4 vedas came- Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.

1. Types of Vedas

Name of the Veda Key Features of the Veda

Rig Veda It is the earliest form of Veda

Samaveda The earliest reference for singing

Yajurveda It is also called the Book of Prayers

Atharvaveda The Book of Magic and Charms

1 .Rigveda – The word Rigveda means Praise Knowledge

 The Rigveda is the oldest and most important Veda in Hinduism.
 It is believed to have been composed between 1500-1200 BCE in the north-
western region of the Indian subcontinent.
 The Rigveda is a collection of hymns, prayers, and rituals. It is in poetic form.
The hymns are known as Sukta that were composed to be used in
rituals.
 The Rigveda contains over 10,000 verses, is divided into ten books or
mandalas, and is written in Vedic Sanskrit.
 The Rigveda is also known for its philosophical and spiritual content, which
includes hymns that discuss the nature of the universe, the cycle of life and
death, and the concept of karma.
 The Rigveda is considered to be the foundation of Hinduism and has influenced
many other religious traditions in India and beyond.
 Indra is the chief deity cited in the Rig Veda.
 The sky God Varuna, fire God Agni, and the Sun God Surya were some of the
other chief deities who were important in the Rig Veda beside older Aryan
deities.
 The God of storms and mountains Rudra, as cited in the Rig Veda is the origin
for Lord Shiva, the Hindu God.
  Lord Vishnu who is one of the Trimurti of Hindu Gods was also a minor deity, as
mentioned in the Rig Veda.
 It contains famous Gayatri Mantra.

2. Samaveda – derived from sanskrit root word Sama- to please,pacify.

 The Samaveda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is considered to be the
second oldest after the Rigveda.
 It is believed to have been composed between 1200 -900 BCE in the north-
western region of the Indian subcontinent.
 The Samaveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and contains over 1,500 verses,
divided into two parts: the arcika and the gana.
 The arcika section contains the hymns and is similar to the Rigveda in content,
while the gana section contains the musical notation and instructions for
recitation.
 The Samaveda is also considered to have spiritual and philosophical
significance, with hymns that explore the nature of reality and the relationship
between the individual and the divine.
 The Samaveda is considered the root of Indian classical music & dance.
 It is considered as the storehouse of the melodious chants
 Samaveda Samhita is not meant to be read as a text, it is like a musical score
sheet that must be heard

3. Yajurveda - derived from sanskrit root word Yaju – to worship, to perfom a

sacrifice.

 The Yajurveda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is believed to have been
composed between 1200 -900 BCE in the northwestern region of the Indian
subcontinent.
 The Yajurveda is primarily a collection of mantras or verses that were recited
during the performance of yajnas or sacrificial rituals. It is in prose form.
 The Yajurveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and contains over 2,000 verses,
divided into two parts: the Shukla Yajurveda and the Krishna Yajurveda.
 The Shukla Yajurveda contains the verses in their original form, while the Krishna
Yajurveda includes additional commentary and explanations.
 The Yajurveda is known for its emphasis on ritual and the performance of yajnas,
which were seen as a way to connect with the gods and gain their favor.
 The Yajurveda contains detailed instructions for the performance of various
types of yajnas, including the soma sacrifice, the ashvamedha, and the
vajapeya.

4. Atharvaveda
 The Atharvaveda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is believed to have
been composed between 1200-1000 BCE in the northwestern region of the
Indian subcontinent.
  Unlike the other three Vedas, the Atharvaveda focuses more on practical aspects
of life, including healing, magic, and domestic rituals. The daily procedures of
life are very well enumerated in this Veda
 The Atharvaveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and contains over 6,000 verses,
divided into twenty books or kandas. The 20 books are arranged by the length of
hymns they contain.
 The Atharvaveda also includes prayers for long life, wealth, and success, as
well as invocations of various gods and goddesses.
 The Atharvaveda also contains detailed instructions for performing various
domestic rituals, such as marriage ceremonies, childbirth, and funerals.
 The Atharvaveda is considered to be an important text in Hinduism, and has
influenced many other religious and philosophical traditions in India and
beyond.

Upvedas

 The term upaveda (Applied Vedas) is used to designate the four technical
disciplines which are the supplementary of 4 Vedas.

 Ayurveda is a upveda associated with Rigveda,

Gāndharvaveda is a upveda associated with the Samaveda
Dhanurveda is a upveda associated with the Yajurveda and
Sthapatyaved/Shilpaveda/ Arthshastra is a upveda associated with the
Architecture.
 This classification is provided in vedic text called Charanavyuha.
 Upavedas in totality address various aspects of health, security, aesthetic culture
and literature and civic comforts needed for a civilization.

1. Ayurveda ( upveda associated with Rigveda)

 Ayurveda is a discipline of the upaveda or “auxiliary knowledge” in Vedic

tradition.
 The origins of Ayurveda are also found in the Atharvaveda, which contains 114
hymns and incantations described as magical cures for disease.
 There are also various legendary accounts of the origin of Ayurveda, e.g., that it
was received by Dhanvantari (or Divodasa) from Brahma-founder deity.
 Ayurvedic practices include the use of herbal medicines, mineral or metal
supplementation (rasa shastra), surgical techniques, opium, and application of
oil by massages.
 Ayurveda names three elemental substances, the doshas (called Vata, Pitta and
Kapha), and states that a balance of the doshas results in health, while
imbalance results in disease.
 Charaka and Sushruta are great names associated with this Science of life.

2. Gandharvaveda (upveda associated with the Samaveda )

 Sacredness of art and literature is presented in relation to Vedas in

Gandharvaveda.
  The highest experience of aesthetic bliss – rasa is compared to the experience
of the Supreme Divine in a flash mode.
 All art and literature, music and dance are considered sacred and to be used for
soul elevation and emotional refinement.
 Bharat Muni, the composer of Natyashastra is the name to be associated
with here.

3. Dhanurveda ( upveda associated with the Yajurveda)

 Dhanurveda technically known as a part of śastra-vidyā, weapon knowledge.

 Dhanurveda derives from the words for bow (dhanushya) and knowledge
(veda), the “science of archery.
 The Vishnu Purana text describes dhanuveda as one of the traditional eighteen
branches of “applied knowledge” or upaveda, as a military science.
 The use of vedic chants to mystically empower the weapons is a one of the
popular concepts and a part of ‘faith ’anchored to the purana works.
 The divinity of the weapon is an integral part of faith of a warrior.
 Rudra is considred to be the main deity of Dhanurveda.

4. Sthapatyaveda/ Shilpaveda ( upveda associated with the Atharvaveda )

 Architecture or Sthapatyaveda is linked with the deity Vishwakarma.

 The science materials and constructions, smithy and metallurgy, civil
engineering and textiles are a part of disciplines under this topic.
 Arthashatra also comes as a upveda , which deals with management of resource
of life and wealth.
 The names associated with are Brihaspati, Shukracharya & Kautilya
(Chanakya)