India is making a concerted effort to revive and promote its ancient knowledge systems, aiming to integrate them with modern scientific advancements and sustainable development goals. This initiative, driven by a need to protect ancestral wisdom, economic security, and national pride, emphasizes the importance of documenting traditional knowledge and asserting its historical precedence on the global stage. The traditional knowledge encompasses spiritual expressions, agricultural practices, medicinal remedies, and environmental stewardship, along with skills in music, handicrafts, dance, stories, and poetry.
The preservation of this knowledge is crucial, as its essence is often diluted or lost during intergenerational transfer, particularly when subsequent generations pursue different paths. The Vedas—Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda—serve as foundational texts, each divided into Mantras, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, offering profound lessons. The philosophical core of the Vedas resides in the Aranyakas and Upanishads, where ‘Veda’ is derived from ‘vid,’ meaning ‘to know.’ Aranya signifies ‘forest,’ and Aranyaka denotes ‘forest writing.’ Upanishad combines ‘upa,’ ‘ni,’ and ‘shad,’ approximating ‘near,’ ‘below,’ and ‘sit,’ respectively. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, proper documentation is essential to prevent the loss of this invaluable heritage.
The importance of documenting traditional knowledge is underscored by historical instances in which India’s prior knowledge was not adequately recognized. A US company once secured a patent for neem as a pesticide, despite its traditional use in India for generations. However, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) successfully challenged a US patent granted for the use of powdered turmeric (Curcuma longa) in wound healing.
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) can be categorized into literary and non-literary forms. Literary IKS encompasses Sanatan Dharma, various Dharmic traditions, and a wealth of religious and other literature in major Indian languages. Non-literary IKS primarily consists of oral traditions. India’s historical contributions include the introduction of zinc to the world between 600 and 200 BCE, as well as early utilization of gold and silver, evidenced by ancient ornaments. Geometry, too, has ancient roots in India, where complex geometrical shapes were devised using simple tools like a pole and thread.
India’s significant contributions to astronomy are well-documented. The earliest references can be traced back to the Rig Veda, dating to 2000 BC. Over the subsequent 2500 years, ancient Indian astronomy evolved into a vital field of study, influencing numerous period treatises. Astronomical principles were sometimes employed to elucidate astrological phenomena, such as horoscope casting. Aryabhata contributed to the heliocentric theory, proposing that the moon reflects sunlight—an idea also suggested by some Greeks. He also posited that the Earth rotates, a theory unacknowledged until the European Renaissance discovery by Copernicus. Later, Varamihira and Brahmagupta expanded on these concepts. Varahamihira’s Brhatsamhita (5th century CE), particularly Chapter 77, titled Gandha-yukti, provides 37 verses detailing perfume preparation.
Only enduring disruptions have the potential to prevail, while ephemeral ones fade quickly. The Chandogya Upanishad conveyed the profound phrase ‘Tat tvam asi’ almost 1,500 years ago, indicating the equivalence of ‘Tat,’ the ultimate reality, and ‘Tvam,’ representing individual beings. Adi Sankara from Kerala, in the 8th century, interpreted the Shiva linga as a symbol of nothingness, with the universe manifesting as a cosmic expression of this void. The ancient Indian sages symbolized this nothingness, or Shiva, as the form of the universe. (According to the insights of Adi Sankara, “the reason why Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of linga is a great example which indicates there are scientific reasons behind the same even though he has a life form.\”)
Several modern thinkers have observed connections between the Vedas and scientific discoveries. Werner Heisenberg noted that his understanding of quantum physics was enhanced through discussions on Indian philosophy. He reportedly stated that ideas from Quantum Physics made more sense after discussing Indian philosophy. Albert Einstein credited India with developing the counting system, crucial for scientific advancements. As reported, Albert Einstein credited Indians for teaching the world how to count, which was essential for scientific discovery. Wheeler Wilcox highlighted that the Vedas encompassed not only religious concepts but also scientific facts related to electricity, radium, electronics, and airships.
To maintain a leading position in innovation, India must prioritize research and development, aligning its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by revitalizing Indian Knowledge Systems. There is a need to focus on the research and development to ensure that they are on top in innovation and the same needs to align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by resurrecting Indian Knowledge systems.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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