"Indian Knowledge System: A Journey Through Time"

Mr. Vinod Salunkhe , Asst. Professor

 Lecture 16- Flow of Content

 Introduction – Indian Knowledge System

- Indian Education System
 Preservation Of Culture
 Preservation Of Tradition
 Preservation Of Dharma ......Through Education
 Introduction

The Indian Knowledge System is a vast and ancient repository of knowledge

that has been accumulated over thousands of years in the Indian
subcontinent.
 Rooted in diverse cultural, spiritual, and philosophical traditions, this
system encompasses a wide range of fields, including but not limited to
• Vedic Literature
• Ayurveda
• Yoga and Meditation
• Mathematics and Astronomy
• Philosophy and Spiritual Texts
• Art, Music, and Dance
modern education system - Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay 1830 – Link
 Cont.. Education System
Point Traditional Modern

Approach to Teacher-centric approach Student-centric approach

Learning
Curriculum and Rigid and focused on core subjects Flexible and diversified
Subjects
Teaching Methods It relies heavily on lectures, It employs various teaching methods,
textbooks, and written assessments including multimedia, ABL, GD, and PBL
Assessment and standardized exams and written Combination of exams, projects,
Evaluation tests, focusing on memorization presentations, portfolios, and continuous
evaluation
Technology Limited use of technology Embraces technology, integrating
Integration computers, interactive whiteboards,
educational apps
Teacher-Student Teacher is viewed as an authority Collaborative and interactive relationship
Relationship figure
Focus on treats all students as a homogeneous Recognizes and caters to the diverse
Individuality group learning styles, abilities
 Culture
Culture is an umbrella term which encompasses the social
behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well
as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and
habits of the individuals in these groups.
Culture is often originated from or attributed to a specific region
or location.
 Preservation Of Culture
Culture is the blood vein of a society, which needs to be conserved.
It is an important function of education to help in the preservation
of culture or social heritage.
Education, through its specialized agencies, tries to inculcate the
traditions, customs, values, arts, morals etc. into the tender minds
of learner.
Following are the different ways through which we can preserve our
culture or heritage
Transmission of Culture
It is a task of education to maintain the continuity of culture by
handing down the existing cultural experiences, values, traditions,
customs etc. from one generation to another through its various
programmers and practices
 Cont.. Preservation Of Culture
Promotion of Culture
• Another vital function of education is to modify the existing cultural
patterns in the light of changes visible in the needs and demands of the
society.
• New cultural patterns are formed by replacing and reorienting the old
outdated cultural forms to suit the changing needs of time and man.
Equips Man to Adapt to Changing Cultural Patterns
Education helps the individual to adjust himself or herself to the changing
cultural forms and patterns for better and successful living.
Moldings the Personality
Culture is an informal agency of social control which helps in molding and
shaping the behavior of the individuals in a desirable way.
Cont.. Preservation Of Culture
Restoring Unity of Mankind through Diffusion of Culture
Education should treat human culture as a whole like a full-blossom
flower whose different petals represent different groups.
Removing Cultural Lag
• Cultural lag refers to the time gap that can occur between changes
in material culture (technology, tools, infrastructure) and non-
material culture (values, norms, beliefs) within a society.
• Cultural lag is a concept that helps sociologists understand the
complexities of social change.
Preservation of tradition
Is an act to preserve, protect, and maintain traditional beliefs,
practices, values, and customs of a specific society, community, or
region.
Essentiality
• Cultural diversity
• cultures identity
• Continuity of Knowledge
• Strengthening Social Bonds
• Sense of Stability and Security
• Transmitting Values and Ethics
• Nurturing Resilience
Influence of Education on Traditions and
Culture
Education with its different dimensions’ influences civilizations
and cultures and impacts the minds of people. With the
preservation of culture, education passes the culture from one
generation to another through its various education modules and
practices.
Not preserved, then the survival of mankind will be at stake. Men
will not behave ethically and human relationships will not work
properly.
Impact of Tourism ,Language on Traditions
and Culture
• Developing countries strive to attract tourists from around the world so
that they can explore their traditions and culture.
• People when traveling share their memories and traveling experiences
with each other which helps in the preservation .
• Language- it helps in disseminating traditions and cultures from one
generation to another.
• Languages die, it results in mitigating tradition and culture
Modernization and the Culture Preservation
Global Diversity and Cultural Preservation
Economic Benefits and Culture Preservation
Wrapping Up
 Preservation of dharma
Is a vital aspect of maintaining cultural and moral values.
Here's how education can contribute to the preservation of dharma
• Understanding Dharma:
Through formal and informal education, people can learn about the
significance of righteousness, duty, compassion, and respect for all
living beings.
• Ethical Education:
Educational institutions can incorporate ethics and moral education in
their curricula. By emphasizing the importance of dharma in personal
and social life, students can cultivate a strong sense of right and wrong
and develop a moral compass.
 Cont.. Preservation dharma
• Living in Harmony with Nature:
Education can raise awareness about the interconnectedness of
humans and nature.
• Embracing Lifelong Learning:
Education encourages individuals to be lifelong learners,
continuously seeking wisdom and personal growth.
• Encouraging Social Responsibility:
Education can instill a sense of social responsibility in individuals.
By recognizing their role in society and working for the common
good, people uphold dharma through their actions.
 Lecture 17
 The Purpose of Knowledge in India
 Introduction

The purpose of knowledge in India, as well as in the Indian

knowledge system, has deep historical and cultural roots.
India has a rich and diverse tradition of knowledge that spans
several millennia. Throughout its history, the pursuit of
knowledge has been highly valued and considered essential for
personal growth, societal progress, and spiritual enlightenment.
 The Indian knowledge system encompasses various fields,
including philosophy, spirituality, science, mathematics, arts,
literature, medicine, and more.
 Purpose of knowledge in India can be
understood through the following aspects
Spiritual Enlightenment:
Social Welfare and Harmony:
Holistic Education:
Scientific and Technological Advancements:
Cultural Preservation and Evolution:
Adaptation and Synthesis:
Personal Growth and Fulfilment:
 Count……….. Purpose of knowledge
Spiritual Enlightenment:
• In India, knowledge has traditionally been seen as a means
to attain spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
• Ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and other
philosophical treatises provide insights into the nature of
existence, consciousness, and the path to liberation
(moksha).
• The pursuit of knowledge is intertwined with a quest for
understanding the ultimate truths of life and the universe.
 Count……….. Purpose of knowledge
Social Welfare and Harmony:
• Knowledge in India has often been used for the betterment
of society and the welfare of its people.
• From ancient times, scholars and sages have contributed to
creating social harmony, peace, and ethical values through
their teachings.
• Knowledge is seen as a tool to create a just and
compassionate society where individuals work together for
the greater good.
 Count……….. Purpose of knowledge
Holistic Education:
• Indian knowledge systems have historically emphasized
holistic education that fosters not just intellectual growth
but also emotional, moral, and spiritual development.
• The traditional Guru Kula system, where students lived with
their teachers in an immersive learning environment,
exemplifies this approach.
Count……….. Purpose of knowledge
Scientific and Technological Advancements:
• India has made significant contributions to various
scientific and technological fields, including astronomy,
mathematics, metallurgy, medicine (Ayurveda), and more.
• Knowledge played a crucial role in these advancements,
helping ancient Indian scholars understand natural
phenomena, develop effective medical treatments, and
create architectural wonders.
 Count……….. Purpose of knowledge
Cultural Preservation and Evolution:
• Knowledge in India has been a means of preserving and passing
down cultural heritage, traditions, and customs from generation
to generation.
• The oral tradition played a vital role in this regard, with ancient
texts, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and classical
arts being transmitted orally for centuries.
 Count……….. Purpose of knowledge
Adaptation and Synthesis:
Indian knowledge systems have demonstrated a unique ability to
adapt and synthesize ideas from various sources. Over the centuries,
India has absorbed knowledge from neighboring regions and cultures,
leading to a diverse and eclectic blend of ideas.
Personal Growth and Fulfilment:
In India, the pursuit of knowledge is often seen as a lifelong journey
towards personal growth, wisdom, and self-improvement. Education
is not merely about acquiring information but about understanding
the self and the world at a deeper level.