Reviving Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS): Bridging Tradition with Modernity

Abstract

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) have emerged as a central theme in contemporary discourses, cutting across various fields and disciplines, including education, history, science and technology, politics, and sociology. There remains, however, a striking absence of a structured, meaningful dialogue around IKS. The lack of clear boundaries and definitions opens IKS to the criticism of being an abstract concept rather than a coherent framework for understanding India’s glorious past and its achievements across history, strategy, politics, science, technology, and philosophy. In reality, IKS is a bridge between the rich traditions of India and the demands of modernity, serving as a pathway for India to reclaim its history and adapt the best practices of its past to meet contemporary challenges. IKS has the potential to function as a vital reference for contemporary Indian diplomacy, integrating cultural, philosophical, and strategic elements to define India’s role in its international relations and to foster a distinctive approach to global governance. This article aims to contribute to the creation of a foundational discourse on IKS, situating it within a modern context and underscoring its alignment with the larger vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. It critically examines the reservations about IKS, arguing that by fostering a debate around it, a more nuanced and informed discussion of India’s past, present, and future can be achieved. At a time when the School of International Studies (SIS), JNU is celebrating 70 years, the need to build interdisciplinary narratives based on IKS, as mandated in the National Education Policy (NEP), is more imperative than ever.