The document discusses the application of technology to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), highlighting both its unique characteristics and the challenges faced in modernizing and preserving it. Key issues include fragmentation, loss of context, lack of scientific validation, and resistance to integration with modern disciplines. It suggests various technological solutions such as digitization, AI, immersive experiences, and collaborative platforms to understand, evolve, and promote IKS.

1. Application of Technology For IKS
Dr. Suresh G. Isave

2. Nature of IKS – Harmony
Cultures
Religions
Regions
Communities
Languages
Castes
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3. Scope of IKS
Philosophy
Spirituality
Health
Art
Astronomy
Mathematics
Literature
Agriculture
Governance
Social Sciences
Architecture
Climatology
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4. IKS
Challenges
Technology
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5. Challenges
• Fragmentation and Lack of Accessibility
Issue: IKS is often scattered across
ancient texts written in languages like
Sanskrit, Pali, or Prakrit, making them
inaccessible to the general population.
• Effect: Knowledge remains confined to
scholars, limiting its broader application.
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6. Challenges
• Loss of Original Context Issue: Over
centuries, many texts have been lost,
misinterpreted, or corrupted due to oral
transmission and lack of systematic
preservation.
• Effect: The original intent and
methodologies are often diluted or
misunderstood.
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7. Challenges
• Lack of Scientific Validation Issue: Many
IKS principles are not rigorously tested
through modern scientific methods.
• Effect: This leads to skepticism in
academia and among the general public,
reducing its credibility.
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8. Challenges
• Resistance to Modernization Issue:
Some proponents of IKS resist
integrating traditional knowledge with
modern science and technology.
• Effect: This creates a gap between
ancient wisdom and contemporary
application.
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9. Challenges
• Limited Documentation Issue:
Incomplete documentation and lack of
translations restrict the dissemination of
IKS globally.
• Effect: Many valuable insights remain
unexplored and underutilized.
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10. Challenges
• Decline in Traditional Learning Systems
Issue: Gurukulas and traditional modes
of teaching have been replaced by
modern education systems.
• Effect: Practical knowledge transfer has
weakened, and younger generations are
less familiar with IKS.
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11. Challenges
• Cultural and Regional Bias Issue: IKS
often reflects the socio-cultural context
of its time, which may not align with
modern values or global diversity.
• Effect: Some practices may seem
outdated or culturally specific, limiting
universal acceptance.
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12. Challenges
• Commercial Exploitation Issue: IKS,
especially in Ayurveda and Yoga, has
faced commercialization without proper
regulation.
• Effect: This dilutes authenticity and
undermines its core principles.
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13. Challenges
• Ethical Concerns Issue: Certain practices
(e.g., animal sacrifices in traditional
rituals) may conflict with modern ethical
standards.
• Effect: Such practices face criticism and
hinder acceptance in contemporary
society.
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14. Challenges
• Lack of Integration in Education Issue:
IKS is rarely included in mainstream
education curricula.
• Effect: Students lack exposure to this
rich heritage, resulting in a disconnect
with traditional wisdom.
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15. Technology for
Indian Knowledge System
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16. Role of Technology
Understand Research Evolve
Apply Preserve Promote
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17. Use of Technology for Understanding IKS
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18. Understanding IKS with Technology
Digitizing IKS Literature
• Scanning and OCR to preserve ancient
manuscripts.
• AI tools for translating and deciphering
Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other ancient scripts.
Scientific Validation
• Lab-based experiments to test IKS principles
(e.g., Ayurvedic medicines, metallurgical
techniques).
• Data analytics to correlate ancient knowledge
with modern scientific findings.
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19. Understanding IKS with Technology
Visualization and Simulations
• Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive experiences of
ancient monuments and practices.
• Simulations: Testing architectural designs from
Vāstu Shastra or engineering concepts in historical
texts.
Interactive Learning Platforms
• E-learning modules and MOOCs on topics like Yoga,
Ayurveda, and Vedic Mathematics.
• Mobile apps for accessible learning in regional
languages.
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20. Understanding IKS with Technology
Research Collaboration
• Open repositories for collaborative global
research on IKS.
• Blockchain for tracing manuscript authenticity
and intellectual property.
Social Media and Outreach
• Short videos, infographics, and podcasts to
popularize IKS among youth.
• Gamified apps to engage users in learning IKS
principles.
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21. Use of Technology for Research on IKS
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22. Technology Support Research on IKS
Digitization and Access
• High-resolution scanning and OCR for
ancient manuscripts.
• Digital archives (e.g., National Manuscripts
Mission) for global access to IKS texts.
AI and Machine Learning
• Decoding ancient scripts like Brahmi and
Grantha.
• Analyzing historical texts to identify
patterns, interpolations, and context.
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23. Technology Support Research on IKS
Scientific Validation
• Laboratory research on Ayurvedic
formulations and metallurgical techniques.
• Simulation tools to test architectural
principles and Vedic astronomical models.
Data Analytics
• Cross-referencing IKS concepts with
modern scientific findings.
• Insights into historical agricultural, medical,
and ecological practices.
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24. Technology Support Research on IKS
Blockchain for Provenance
• Ensuring authenticity of manuscripts
and tracing their historical origins.
Collaborative Research
• Cloud-based platforms for international
collaboration on IKS studies.
• Open-source repositories for sharing
data and resources.
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25. Technology Support Research on IKS
Immersive Technologies
• VR and AR to recreate historical
environments and practices for
experiential learning.
Outreach and Dissemination
• Publishing findings through e-books,
online journals, and digital
documentaries.
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26. Use of Technology to Evolve IKS
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27. Technology Helps to Evolve IKS
Modernizing Ancient Practices
• Integrating IKS with modern scientific innovations
(e.g., Ayurveda and biotechnology).
• AI-based enhancements in Vedic Mathematics for
computational advancements.
Digital Transformation
• Development of e-learning platforms and mobile
apps for teaching IKS.
• Use of VR/AR for immersive learning experiences,
like exploring ancient Indian architecture or rituals.
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28. Technology Helps to Evolve IKS
New Applications of IKS
• Applying IKS principles in sustainable
technologies (e.g., organic farming, waste
management).
• Using traditional water conservation methods
(step wells, tank irrigation) in modern urban
planning.
Data-Driven Insights
• Big data analytics to rediscover and reinterpret
IKS principles in contemporary contexts.
• Computational models to simulate and adapt
ancient ecological and medical knowledge.
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29. Technology Helps to Evolve IKS
Collaborative Innovation
• Open-source platforms for interdisciplinary
research (e.g., combining IKS with AI, robotics, or
renewable energy).
• Blockchain for creating transparent systems to
adapt and protect IKS knowledge.
Globalization of IKS
• Dissemination of IKS globally through digital
content like podcasts, videos, and webinars.
• Promoting Yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation
practices as global wellness solutions.
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30. Use of Technology to Apply IKS
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31. Applying IKS Through Technology
Sustainable Agriculture and Water Management
• Technology: IoT sensors and drones for precision farming.
• Application: Implementing techniques from
Vrikshayurveda and Krishi Parashara for organic farming
and natural pest control.
• Example: Smart irrigation systems based on traditional
tank and canal designs.
Modern Healthcare Solutions
• Technology: AI for diagnosing diseases and
recommending Ayurvedic treatments.
• Application: Personalized healthcare combining Ayurveda
with biomedical advances.
• Example: Apps providing herbal remedy suggestions
based on ancient texts like Charaka Samhita.
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32. Applying IKS Through Technology
Sustainable Urban Planning
• Technology: GIS and simulation tools for eco-friendly urban designs.
• Application: Integrating Vāstu Shastra principles for energy-efficient
buildings.
• Example: Smart cities inspired by ancient urban layouts like Mohenjo-
Daro.
Renewable Energy and Environmental Conservation
• Technology: Solar panels, wind energy, and green technology.
• Application: Leveraging ancient ecological practices for sustainable
energy use and resource management.
• Example: Bio-composting techniques from IKS to manage urban
waste.
Education and Awareness
• Technology: E-learning platforms, AR/VR, and gamification.
• Application: Teaching Vedic Mathematics, Yoga, and Sanskrit to
modern learners.
• Example: VR experiences of ancient monuments and rituals for
cultural immersion.
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33. Applying IKS Through Technology
Cultural Preservation and Tourism
• Technology: AR/VR and AI-driven apps for tourism.
• Application: Promoting heritage sites and practices
such as traditional crafts and performing arts.
• Example: Virtual tours of historical sites like Nalanda
and Hampi.
Food and Nutrition
• Technology: Nutritional analysis tools and
databases.
• Application: Promoting traditional Indian diets
based on Ayurvedic principles.
• Example: AI-powered apps recommending diets
based on Dosha types.
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34. Use of Technology to Preserve IKS
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35. Use of Technology for Preserving IKS
Digitization of Manuscripts:
• How: High-resolution scanning, optical
character recognition (OCR), and digital
archives can preserve ancient manuscripts.
• Example: Initiatives like the National Mission
for Manuscripts (NMM) in India use
technology to digitize and catalog thousands
of manuscripts.
Cloud Storage and Backups:
• Ensures secure and long-term preservation of
digital copies, preventing loss due to physical
decay.
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36. Use of Technology for Preserving IKS
AI for Language Deciphering:
• AI algorithms can help decode and
translate ancient scripts like Brahmi,
Devanagari, and Tamil-Brahmi into
modern languages.
3D Scanning:
• Digitally preserving ancient
monuments, artifacts, and
architectural marvels related to IKS.
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37. Use of Technology to Promote IKS
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38. Technology-Driven Ways to Promote IKS
Digital Platforms and Social Media
Websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, and social media
platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).
How: Sharing engaging content like tutorials on Vedic
Mathematics, Yoga practices, or Ayurveda tips.
Example: Platforms like "AYUSH" and "Yoga with
Adriene" popularizing ancient wellness practices globally.
E-Learning and MOOCs
Online courses on platforms like SWAYAM, Coursera, and
edX.
How: Developing certified courses on Ayurveda, Vāstu
Shastra, and Sanskrit language learning.
Example: MOOCs offering lessons in Vedic sciences or
traditional Indian art forms.
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39. Technology-Driven Ways to Promote IKS
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Immersive technologies for interactive learning.
How: Recreating ancient monuments, rituals, and
techniques for experiential education.
Example: Virtual tours of Nalanda University or ancient
astronomical observatories like Jantar Mantar.
Mobile Applications
Apps focusing on IKS topics such as meditation,
Ayurveda, and learning Sanskrit.
How: Delivering accessible tools for users to explore and
practice IKS-based knowledge.
Example: Apps like "ThinkRight.me" for mindfulness and
"Daily Ayurveda" for health guidance.
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40. Technology-Driven Ways to Promote IKS
Blockchain for Authenticity
Blockchain technology to verify and protect IKS
knowledge.
How: Preventing unauthorized usage and ensuring
authentic dissemination of ancient texts and
formulations.
Example: Digital watermarks for IKS manuscripts and
ayurvedic product traceability.
AI and Machine Learning
Language translation and content generation tools.
How: Translating ancient Indian texts into modern
languages and creating engaging, localized content.
Example: AI tools for decoding and explaining complex
Sanskrit verses in simple terms.
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41. Technology-Driven Ways to Promote IKS
Gamification and Edutainment
Interactive games and edutainment platforms.
How: Teaching IKS concepts like Vedic Mathematics or
Yoga through fun and engaging formats.
Example: Games based on ancient Indian epics and
educational apps for children.
Collaborative Knowledge Hubs
Online repositories and research networks.
How: Platforms for scholars, practitioners, and
learners to share and access IKS resources.
Example: Digital libraries like the National Mission for
Manuscripts (NMM).
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42. Use of Technology For IKS
Illustrations
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43. Technology Ventures
• https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/6436045_Gui
delines-IKS-in-HE-Curricula.pdf
• https://iksindia.org/
• https://ciks.org/
• https://www.iiitb.ac.in/indian-knowledge-
system-iks-lab
• https://www.education.gov.in/nep/indian-
knowledge-systems
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44. Technology Ventures
• https://iitk.ac.in/iks/index.html
• https://itmuniversity.ac.in/indianknowledgesystems#
• https://www.bhishmaiks.org/iks-club
• https://www.iitg.ac.in/ciks/
• https://asi.nic.in/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OdZHwq9wkM
• https://youtu.be/VOTZ-mdtUQc?si=lkocb6wzrw2UhymD
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45. Technology Ventures
• https://books.google.co.in/books?id=oUVrEAAAQBAJ&printsec=fro
ntcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=fals
e
• https://iks.iitgn.ac.in/
• https://isha.sadhguru.org/yoga/history-of-yoga/sadhguru-
patanjali-sushruta-panini/
• https://bodhimonastery.org/a-course-in-the-pali-language.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrUPX7mrmQ4&list=PL2YHtT
VyQkfd95SikFUSOlnVQq70IUtY8&index=1
• https://modionline.blogspot.com/2018/02/blog-post.html
• https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/indian-knowledge-
system/250394102
• https://music.youtube.com/search?q=indian+knowledge+system
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46. Dr. Suresh G. Isave
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