Authors:

Ashokkumar Baldevbhai Prajapati

Abstract:

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent a sophisticated amalgamation of philosophical inquiry, scientific methodology, and practical application developed over millennia. This paper examines the historical evolution and philosophical foundations of Indian knowledge systems, exploring their development from Vedic periods through contemporary scholarship. The research investigates the epistemological frameworks that distinguish IKS from Western knowledge traditions, emphasizing holistic approaches to understanding reality. The study traces how Indian systems encompass diverse domains including mathematics, astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda), linguistics, logic, and metaphysics. A critical analysis reveals that IKS operate on principles of interconnectedness, non-dualism, and empirical observation integrated with philosophical inquiry. The paper demonstrates how traditional Indian systems maintained rigorous intellectual standards and contributed substantially to global knowledge advancement. Furthermore, it addresses contemporary challenges of decolonizing knowledge and integrating IKS with modern scientific frameworks. The research employs textual analysis of primary sources alongside secondary scholarly interpretations, examining both achievements and limitations of these systems. This examination is crucial for recognizing diverse epistemologies and fostering intellectual pluralism in contemporary academia. By understanding IKS within their historical contexts and philosophical underpinnings, scholars can better appreciate India's intellectual heritage and its continued relevance to addressing contemporary challenges in science, medicine, and philosophy. The paper concludes that acknowledging and integrating Indian knowledge systems enhances global understanding and promotes intellectual equity in knowledge production.

Keywords:

Indian Knowledge Systems, Epistemology, Vedic Philosophy, Ayurveda, Knowledge Pluralism, Intellectual Heritage

Vol & Issue:

VOL.17, ISSUE No.4, December 2025