THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CRITICAL REVIEW OF TRADITIONAL WISDOM, PRACTICES, AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE, PHILOSOPHY, AND CULTURE

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) encompasses a diverse body of philosophical, scientific, medical, linguistic, artistic, ecological, educational, and community-based traditions developed across the Indian subcontinent. Rather than constituting a single or uniform framework, it reflects multiple regions, languages, schools of thought, social groups, and modes of transmission. This critical integrative review examines the historical, conceptual, and epistemological foundations of IKS and evaluates its contributions to Philosophy, logic, Mathematics, Astronomy, Ayurveda, Metallurgy, Architecture, Agriculture, Environmental Knowledge, Literature, Music, Dance, Education, Governance, and Social Life. The review also considers the role of oral traditions, Indigenous communities, artisans, women, and occupational groups in preserving practical and lived knowledge. Particular attention is given to the distinction between historically documented achievements, empirically supported practices, promising but incomplete claims, and assertions requiring further validation. The review identifies major concerns relating to colonial interpretation, nationalist romanticisation, pseudoscience, translation, caste and gender exclusion, intellectual property, and community ownership. It argues that IKS should neither be glorified uncritically nor dismissed because it developed outside modern Western disciplinary frameworks. Its contemporary relevance depends on historical accuracy, interdisciplinary inquiry, appropriate scientific evaluation, ethical documentation, social inclusion, and meaningful participation of traditional knowledge holders. Such an approach can strengthen cultural continuity, academic understanding, and sustainable human development in changing contemporary social contexts.