IKS II

IKS Corpus

Defining Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

There are multiple ways to define what constitutes the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). Each method brings a unique lens to understanding its content.

1. Topic-Based Approach:

●       Selects key knowledge areas like Vedas, Yoga, Vāstu, Śilpa Śāstra, Ayurveda, Buddhism, and Jainism.

●       Focus is on foundational Indian traditions and classical texts.

2. Thematic or Phrase-Based Approach:

●       Uses themes like Indian Psychology, Indian Arts, Dance, Architecture, etc.

●       Groups related works under broader cultural and intellectual categories.

 These approaches help highlight the components of IKS.

However, whether they serve as a framework depends on how well they meet the criteria for classification.

Criteria for an Effective Classification Framework

A good classification of IKS must meet three essential qualities: completeness, compactness, and inter-connectedness.

1. Completeness:

●       All major components of IKS should be included.

●       A framework that omits important areas becomes non-exhaustive and non-representative.

2. Compactness:

●       Topics should be logically grouped and well-organized.

●       Results in simplicity, clarity, and ease of understanding.

3. Inter-connectedness:

●       Components should show meaningful, logical relationships. 

●       Helps in understanding IKS as a coherent whole rather than isolated fields.

IKS Repository: Nature and Sources

A closer study of the IKS repository reveals that knowledge exists in both written and oral forms.

A. Two Main Forms:

1. Literary Sources (formal, written)

2. Non-Literary Sources (oral, informal)

Categories of Literary Sources

Among literary sources, there are three broad categories based on language, tradition, and origin.

1. Sanātana Dharma Literature:

●       Based on Vedas and allied Sanskrit texts.

●       Includes religious, philosophical texts.

●       Also covers other domains like science, aesthetics, and architecture.

2. Literature of Other Dhārmic Traditions:

●       Includes major works from Buddhism and Jainism.

●       Represents a diverse yet complementary tradition to Vedic thought.

3. Regional Textual Traditions:

●       Found in Indian regional languages and dialects. 

●       A vast source of practical, cultural, and local knowledge.

Non-Literary (Oral) Sources of IKS

Much of India’s knowledge survives in non-written forms through oral traditions, especially in rural and tribal contexts.

Examples of Oral Sources:

1. Folk stories and songs

2. Performing arts and rituals

3. Craft knowledge and practices

4. Community memory and transmission

These sources are rich, dynamic, and often adapted to regional cultures.

Below is a simple figure to show the classification of IKS:

                                                                                        INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (IKS)

                                                                                                                   ↓

                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                              ↓                                                                                                              ↓

                            LITERARY SOURCES                                                                  NON-LITERARY SOURCES

                                              ↓                                                                                                              ↓

  -------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                   ↓

  ↓                                 ↓                     ↓                                                            Oral Traditions (folk,

Sanātana                Other Dharmic              Regional                                                 craft, ritual, performance)

Dharma                           Texts                 Languages

(Vedas,                       (Buddhist,             and Dialects

Śāstras,                      Jain, etc.)

Ayurveda)

This framework offers a structured way to view IKS as a complete, compact, and interconnected system rooted in diverse sources and traditions across India.