imported>Harshdaank at 02:59, 22 April 2026

2026-04-22T02:59:57Z

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{{Short description|Government division for indigenous knowledge}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Indian Knowledge System (IKS)
| bgcolor = 
| fgcolor = 
| image = AboutusLogo.jpg
| image_border =
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| image_alt = 
| caption = Logo of Indian Knowledge System, India
| map = 
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| map_alt = 
| map_caption = Sahitya Akademi main building
| abbreviation = IKS
| formation = {{Start date and age|2020|10||df=y}}
| extinction = 
| type = [[Governmental organisation]]
| status = 
| purpose = 
| headquarters = [[Vasant Kunj]], [[Delhi]], India
| location =
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| region_served = [[India]]
| membership =
| language = [[English language|English]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| publication =
| leader_title = National Coordinator
| leader_name = Prof. Ganti S. Murthy
| main_organ = 
| parent_organisation = [[Ministry of Human Resource Development (India)|Ministry of Education, Govt. of India]]
| affiliations = 
| num_staff =
| num_volunteers =
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| website = {{URL|https://iksindia.org/}}
| remarks =
}}

The '''Indian Knowledge Systems''' ('''IKS'''), or the '''Bhāratīya Jñāna Paramparā Vibhāga''' is a division of the [[Ministry of Education (India)|Ministry of Education]] of the [[Government of India]] which purports to promote Indian systems of knowledge.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=about |url=https://iksindia.org/about.php |website=iksindia}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Chakrabarty |first=A. M. Jigeesh & Sreeparna |date=2023-10-07 |title=UGC to train over 1,000 teachers to teach Indian knowledge systems from degree level |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/education/over-1000-teachers-being-trained-to-teach-indian-knowledge-systems/article67393182.ece |access-date=2023-10-25 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Established in October 2020, it is located in the [[AICTE]] headquarters in [[New Delhi]].<ref name=":3" />

Critics of the IKS division have asserted that its curricula peddle [[pseudoscience]] and [[pseudohistory]], do not constitute a genuine scholarly "decolonisation" programme, are a tool of indoctrination by the [[Hindutva]] ideology of the ruling [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), and will economically and professionally disadvantage Indian graduates in the workforce.

== History ==
The Indian [[National Education Policy 2020|National Education Policy]] (NEP), as enacted in 2020, emphasizes the inclusion of IKS into curriculums at all levels of education;<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Mamidala Jagadesh |date=2023-07-29 |title=Embrace Indian Knowledge System, enrich higher education |url=https://sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/embrace-indian-knowledge-system-enrich-higher-education |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=The Sunday Guardian Live |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IIT Madras workshop for educators to implement Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) |url=https://www.edexlive.com/news/2023/oct/16/iitmadrasworkshopforeducatorstoimplementindianknowledgesystems-iks-38221.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Edex Live |date=16 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhagavad Geeta to be taught in NCERT textbooks: Centre |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/dec/19/bhagavad-geetato-be-taught-in-ncert-textbooks-centre-2529732.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=The New Indian Express|date=19 December 2022 }}</ref> in line with this, the National Credit Framework (NCF) has made it possible for students to earn credit in courses relating to ancient Indian sciences and arts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philosophy is necessary: Exploring Indian knowledge systems beyond Science |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/philosophy-is-necessary-exploring-indian-knowledge-systems-beyond-science |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> IKS is also being included under the ''Vision 2047 for Bharatiya Rasayanasastra'' initiative.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-14 |title=Conference on ancient Indian knowledge system commences in Varanasi |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/conference-on-ancient-indian-knowledge-system-commences/articleshow/97899918.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-25 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In the 2022-2023 budget, IKS's financial allocation was doubled to {{INRConvert|20|c}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Union Budget 2023-24: Promotion of Indian languages receives impetus |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/union-budget-2023-24-promotion-of-indian-languages-receives-impetus-101675363111810.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

Under [[University Grants Commission (India)|University Grants Commission]] (UGC) guidelines, it is advised that 5 per cent of a student's total credits should be in IKS courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-27 |title=Mandatory 'Indian knowledge' course seen as 'indoctrination' |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/mandatory-indian-knowledge-course-seen-indoctrination |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref> The UGC aims to train 1.5 million teachers in IKS by 2025,<ref name=":0" /> and has launched an online IKS [[Massive open online course|MOOC]] course.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-27 |title=UGC Launches Indian Knowledge System Online Course For Students; Classes From July 31 |url=https://www.news18.com/education-career/ugc-launches-indian-knowledge-system-online-course-for-students-classes-from-july-31-8183971.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

IKS has also spearheaded and funded certain research initiatives relating to traditional Indian knowledge,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-12 |title=Impact of ragas on humans among proposals selected for govt funding |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/impact-of-ragas-on-humans-among-proposals-selected-for-government-funding-101644688967877.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> such as in relation to agriculture and architecture.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-04 |title=Charaka Samhita to using dung as biofertiliser: 11 topics picked for govt funds |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/government-funds-ayurvedic-solutions-for-bovine-health-sustainable-agriculture-101680546839951.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-09 |title=Education ministry identifies 9 areas of research under IKS programme this year |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/education-ministry-identifies-9-areas-of-research-under-iks-programme-this-year-101665316772644.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanskrit language use, modern applications of ancient knowledge among research topics selected by AICTE for IKS |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/aicte-selects-15-research-proposals-for-indian-knowledge-systems-iks-check-full-list-1914826-2022-02-18 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=India Today |date=18 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

== Topics ==
[[Indian mathematics#Vedic period|Vedic mathematics]], various [[shastra]]s such as the [[Arthashastra]], and [[Indian astronomy]] will be taught under the IKS initiative.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=UGC releases draft guidelines on Indian knowledge systems in higher education |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/story/ugc-releases-draft-guidelines-on-indian-knowledge-systems-in-higher-education-2359734-2023-04-13 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=India Today |date=13 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandra |first=Jagriti |date=2022-12-15 |title=UGC recommends training in Indian Knowledge Systems |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/faculty-training-in-indian-knowledge-systems-required-under-new-draft-guidelines/article66267777.ece |access-date=2023-10-25 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023 |title=Indian Knowledge Systems to focus on Sanskrit texts, Indian math proofs |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/apr/14/indian-knowledge-systemsto-focus-on-sanskrit-texts-indian-math-proofs-2565728.html}}</ref> IKS topics for students taking UG medicine courses will include [[yoga]], meditation, and [[ayurveda]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=UGC issues guidelines on integrating Indian Knowledge System with UG, PG syllabi |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2023/06/25/ugc-issues-guidelines-integrating-indian-knowledge-system-pg-ug-education.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=OnManorama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=UGC pushes for IKS courses in UG, PG, MBBS programmes |url=https://news.careers360.com/ugc-guidelines-indian-knowledge-systems-iks-in-ug-pg-mbbs-courses-credits |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=news.careers360.com |date=23 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

== Initiatives ==

=== Bharatiya Khel ===
{{Excerpt|Bharatiya Khel|paragraphs=1}}

=== Implementation in Universities ===

* In January 2024, [[IIT Roorkee]] and [[IIT Bhilai]] signed an MoU on 29 December 2023 to strengthen the academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. MoU includes promoting Indian culture, IKS, and developing projects across domains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-02 |title=IIT Roorkee, IIT Bhilai partners to preserve and promote Indian Knowledge Systems |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/iit-roorkee-iit-bhilai-partners-to-preserve-and-promote-indian-knowledge-systems-2483062-2024-01-02 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
* In July 2024, [[IIT Mandi]] launched MS (research) And [[PhD]] programs in [[Music]] and Musopathy. The programs aim to explore therapeutic values and science behind [[Indian music]] for the overall well-being of human body, mind, and consciousness by leveraging the connection between music, technology, and health.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-06 |title=IIT Mandi introduces first-of-its-kind MS, PhD programmes in Music and Musopathy |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/iit-mandi-introduces-first-of-its-kind-ms-phd-programmes-in-music-and-musopathy-2563189-2024-07-06 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/news/iit-mandi-introduces-m-s-phd-programs-in-music-and-musopathy-applications-open/ar-BB1ptcs1 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>
* In July 2024, [[Department of Higher Education (India)|Department of Higher Education]] ([[Madhya Pradesh]]) included political concepts from [[Ramayana]], [[Mahabharata]], and [[Arthashastra]], and problem solving skills from Vedic text and [[Chanakyaniti]] in its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. DHE confirmed creation of "Indian Knowledge Tradition Centres" in government and private universities across the state.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-23 |title=Indian knowledge system to be part of UG, PG curriculum |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/indian-knowledge-system-integrated-into-ug-and-pg-curriculum-in-madhya-pradesh/articleshow/111941298.cms |access-date=2024-07-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* In August 2024, [[IIT Mandi]] introduced a compulsory course for its BTech fresher students. The course is developed under the IKS division of the institute and it is called 'Introduction to Consciousness and Wellbeing'. The course covers a wide range of topics including theories of [[consciousness]], [[anatomy]] and functionality of the physical body, [[reincarnation]] and [[out-of-body experience]]s. Some topics sparked controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=IIT Mandi's mandatory 'Consciousness' course teaches reincarnation, sparks debate |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/iit-mandis-mandatory-course-teaches-reincarnation-out-of-body-experience-2581711-2024-08-13 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2024 |title=IC-181: Course Modules {{!}} IKSMHA |url=https://iksmha.iitmandi.ac.in/assets/Courses/IC%20181%20Course%20syllabus.pdf |access-date=14 August 2024 |website=IKSMHA, IIT Mandi}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
=== Criticism ===
{{See also|Saffronisation|Hindutva pseudohistory}}
Critics of the IKS division have asserted that its curricula pedal [[pseudoscience]] and [[pseudohistory]], do not constitute a genuine scholarly "decolonisation" programme, are a tool of indoctrination by the [[Hindutva]] ideology of the ruling [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), and will economically and professionally disadvantage Indian graduates in the workforce.

Writing for [[The Wire (India)|The Wire]], Vasudevan Mukunth criticised the introduction of a new textbook under the auspices of IKS as a "Trojan horse of pseudoscience".<ref name="Mukunth2018">{{cite web | title=The Modi Government's Pseudoscience Drive Is More Than an Attack on Science | website=The Wire | date=2018-03-30 | url=https://thewire.in/the-sciences/the-modi-governments-pseudoscience-drive-is-more-than-an-attack-on-science | access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> The textbook in question dismisses as a myth the commonly accepted belief that "aeronautics was developed by [[Wright Brothers]] in 1903," asserting instead that 5,000 years before the Wright Brothers, "Maharshi Bhardwajan wrote an epic called Yantra Sarvasva and aeronautics is a part of the epic [...] Yantra Sarvasva is not available now but out of whatever we know about it, we can believe that planes were a reality in Vedic age." The textbook also asserts that "It’s a Myth that [[Theory of Gravity]] was discovered by [[Isaac Newton]] in 1666 AD; the truth is that thousands of years before Newton, a number of epics were written on the gravitational force and we can find the evidence in the [[Rig Veda]]".<ref name="Sharma 2018 d867">{{cite web | last=Sharma | first=Kritika | title=In engineering courses soon: Wright brothers didn't invent plane, batteries existed in Vedic age | website=ThePrint | date=2018-09-26 | url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/in-engineering-courses-soon-wright-brothers-didnt-invent-plane-batteries-existed-in-vedic-age/124540/ | access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref>

Manasi Thapliyal Navani, a professor in the School of Education Studies at [[Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi]], has criticized the IKS curriculum as not being genuinely decolonial, stating that "Indigenous knowledge education or decolonisation projects begin with a critical dialogue with history and with the dominant forces that have shaped modern disciplines," and because IKS curricula lack such critical engagement, "the whole project essentially boils down to becoming one of indoctrination."<ref name="TimesHigherEd">{{cite web | last=Thomas-Alexander | first=Tiya | title=Mandatory 'Indian knowledge' course seen as 'indoctrination' | website=Times Higher Education (THE) | date=2023-06-27 | url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/mandatory-indian-knowledge-course-seen-indoctrination | access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref>

Jaheer Mukthar, an assistant professor of economics at [[Kristu Jayanti College]] in [[Bangalore]], asserted that "the government is clearly using the textbook as a tool for propagating the Hindutva agenda".<ref name="TimesHigherEd"/>

Another criticism is that the IKS curricula may deprive students of access to useful Western knowledge, or bias them against it.<ref name="Indian Express G.N. Devy">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-18 |title=G N Devy writes: Replacing 'western knowledge' with 'Indian knowledge' could result in intellectual disaster |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/g-n-devy-writes-replacing-western-knowledge-with-indian-knowledge-could-result-in-intellectual-disaster-8561778/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> In his article for The Wire, Mukunth also warned that an IKS education "would render [Indian] graduates even more unemployable, or under-employed, than they already are".<ref name="Mukunth2018"/> Some critics have urged that IKS courses be made optional so as to not create issues for students who want to take courses that are better for their employment prospects.<ref name="Indian Express 04242033">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title='UGC credit courses on Indian Knowledge Systems relevant, should be optional for students, not burden students': Stakeholders react |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/credit-courses-indian-knowledge-systems-optional-students-experts-on-ugc-new-draft-guidelines-8563333/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

Critics have also alleged that it serves to disseminate propaganda to further the political agenda of India's ruling [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) and its far-right [[Hindutva]]/Hindu nationalist ideology.<ref name="Indian Express 04242033" />

=== Support ===
The work of the IKS division has been interpreted by some as being guided by a mission to preserve Indian heritage,<ref name=":22"/> apply ancient knowledge to modern problems such as climate change,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-06 |title=Reviving India's knowledge systems for modern Indian education and society |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/jobs-career/education-reviving-indias-knowledge-systems-for-modern-indian-education-and-society-2376952/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Merge indigenous knowledge systems with modern technology for a better planet |url=https://www.theweek.in/leisure/society/2023/07/10/merge-indigenous-knowledge-systems-with-modern-technology-for-a-better-planet.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> and decolonise Indian education in a way that reduces undue Western influences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=Autonomous colleges in state face challenges in implementing Indian Knowledge System |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/autonomous-colleges-in-state-face-challenges-in-implementing-indian-knowledge-system-101695582233165.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=2023-04-22 |title='Indian Knowledge Systems' in the Curriculum | journal=Economic & Political Weekly | url=https://www.epw.in/journal/2023/16/letters/%E2%80%98indian-knowledge-systems%E2%80%99-curriculum.html |language=en |volume=58 |issue=16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Opinion {{!}} Indigenising Education: Ancient Indic Knowledge is Finally Getting its Due in New India |url=https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-indigenising-education-ancient-indic-knowledge-is-finally-getting-its-due-in-new-india-8610983.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

Talking to [[India Today]], [[IIT Mandi]] director Laxmidhar Behera said, "Principles from IKS, such as dharma-centric design, ecological balance, and cognitive awareness, can enrich technological thinking by aligning it with human values and environmental sustainability." He further added, "IKS emphasises harmony between human activity and nature."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chauhan |first=Rishabh |date=2025-08-05 |title=Ancient wisdom, modern tech: IIT experts decode Indian Knowledge Systems |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/iit-experts-explain-how-indian-knowledge-systems-are-powering-innovation-2766554-2025-08-05 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[History of education in the Indian subcontinent]]
* [[Vedic Heritage Portal]]
* [[Traditional Knowledge Digital Library]]
* [[Traditional knowledge]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website|https://iksindia.org/}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Education policy in India]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2020]]
[[Category:2020 establishments in Delhi]]
[[Category:Ministry of Education (India)]]
[[Category:Hindutva]]

Indian Knowledge Systems - Revision history

imported>Harshdaank at 02:59, 22 April 2026