The Indian knowledge system is a vast and continuous intellectual tradition, which has developed through ancient, medieval and modern historical phases. It includes diverse fields such as philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, linguistics, art, government and education. Rooted in sacred texts, oral traditions and institutionalized learning, ancient India developed a sophisticated epistemological framework that emphasized holistic knowledge, moral responsibility and experiential learning. During the medieval period, these knowledge traditions entered into dynamic dialogue with Islamic, Persian and regional intellectual cultures, leading to significant advances in fields such as astronomy, architecture, historiography and administration. In modern times, indigenous knowledge systems declined under colonial rule, but were subsequently reinterpreted and revitalized through nationalist movements, academic research and contemporary policy initiatives. This paper examines the historical evolution, continuity and transformation of the Indian knowledge system across these three phases and highlights its flexibility, adaptability and relevance to meet modern intellectual, cultural and developmental challenges. From a historical-analytical perspective, this study attempts to reposition Indian knowledge systems as a significant component of the global knowledge debate, rather than treating them as mere relics of the past.
Prof. Seema Jalindar Bhosale (Fri,) studied this question.