Answer Key (Assignment 1) by Rohan Kumar Sahoo
Q1. Define the term 'Indian Knowledge System (IKS)'. Briefly explain each word in IKS.
- Indian: Reflects the cultural and historical heritage rooted in the Indian subcontinent.
- Knowledge: Represents the vast intellectual traditions, scientific thinking, and wisdom.
- System: Highlights an organized, structured, and interconnected body of knowledge evolved
through ages.
- Summary: IKS is a comprehensive, native, systematic collection of India's intellectual, spiritual, and
practical wisdom.
Q2. Explain the classification of IKS repository with details.
- Primary Sources: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Agamas.
- Secondary Sources: Commentaries, scholarly interpretations.
- Tertiary Sources: Modern research, adaptations.
- Cultural Practices: Rituals, traditions, oral knowledge.
- Overall: The repository is dynamic, covering sacred texts, practical sciences, art, architecture, and
oral storytelling traditions.
Q3. What do you mean by the term 'Caturdasa Vidyasthana'? Briefly explain the various component
- Meaning: 'Caturdasa Vidyasthana' refers to the fourteen branches of knowledge in ancient India.
- Components: Four Vedas, Six Vedangas, Meemamsa, Nyaya, Puranas, and Dharmashastra.
- Summary: These branches together provided a comprehensive curriculum, blending spiritual,
logical, ritualistic, and historical education models for holistic development.
Q4. Explain 'Caturadhikam satamastagunam dvasastistatha sahasranam ayutadvayaviskambhasyas
- Translation: It is an ancient Sanskrit mathematical description.
- Meaning: It discusses the calculation of circle's diameter and circumference relationship.
- Principle: Shows ancient understanding of pi and geometry.
- Summary: Demonstrates the depth of mathematical precision, engineering knowledge, and
advanced scientific outlook present in Indian heritage.
Q5. Do you think ancient knowledge is important for our society? Support your answer with examp
- Relevance: Ancient knowledge shapes modern science, medicine, and philosophy.
- Examples: Ayurveda inspires natural medicine; yoga influences wellness globally.
- Social Impact: Guides ethical living, sustainability, and holistic education.
- Summary: Ancient wisdom offers timeless frameworks for solving today's complex societal, health,
and environmental challenges.
Q6. What is the current status of IKS in India? Explain with reasons.
- Recognition: Government initiatives are reviving IKS through education policies.
- Awareness: Universities and research centers are promoting studies on ancient wisdom.
- Challenges: Modernization and globalization have diluted traditional practices.
- Summary: A positive but gradual revival is happening, blending ancient systems with modern
frameworks for future resilience.