Aryabhata to Ayurveda: How NEP is Driving ‘Academic Revival’ Through India’s Ancient Knowledge Systems

The Role of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) program is a cornerstone of the NEP, designed to embed traditional knowledge into higher education. This initiative has led to the establishment of over 50 government-funded IKS centers across various institutions, including universities and research centers. These centers focus on subjects such as Mathematics, Astronomy, and Ayurveda, aiming to present these ancient disciplines in a contemporary academic context.

Case Study: Aryabhatta College

At Aryabhatta College in Delhi, a dedicated team of academicians is working to revive the contributions of ancient Indian scholars in Mathematics and Astronomy. Their efforts include exploring key texts such as the Brahmasphuṭasiddhānta by Brahmagupta and the Āryabhaṭīya by Aryabhata. The college’s IKS center aims to honor Aryabhata’s legacy while contributing to a serious academic revival in these fields.

Objectives of the IKS Center

The IKS center at Aryabhatta College has three primary objectives:

1. To develop academic courses focused on Indian Knowledge Systems.
2. To record and disseminate these courses through online lectures.
3. To organize Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) to train educators in this domain.

Project coordinator Priti Jagwani emphasizes the importance of reclaiming India’s rich intellectual heritage, stating that many advanced ideas found in ancient texts remain relevant today. The center aims to present these ideas with academic and scientific backing to ensure India’s contributions to global knowledge are recognized.

Government Support and Funding

The Indian government has taken significant steps to mainstream IKS in education. A dedicated division for IKS was established in 2020, leading to the incorporation of traditional knowledge elements into school curricula. The budget for IKS has seen a dramatic increase, rising from Rs 10 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 50 crore in 2025-26, highlighting the government’s commitment to this initiative.

Research and Collaboration

Institutions like IIT Mandi and IIT Madras are also engaging in research related to traditional Indian knowledge. IIT Mandi focuses on traditional medicinal research, while IIT Madras studies India’s scientific heritage. These collaborative efforts across various institutions aim to create a comprehensive understanding of India’s ancient knowledge systems.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite the positive developments, the IKS initiative has faced criticism from some academic circles. Concerns have been raised about the potential inclusion of pseudoscientific claims in the curriculum. The All India Peoples Science Network (AIPSN) has expressed worries regarding the ideological motivations behind the IKS program, urging for a more academically grounded approach.

The Shift in Academic Discourse

According to Ganti S. Murthy, the National Coordinator for IKS, there has been a notable shift in the nature of discussions surrounding IKS. The conversation has evolved from fringe-level debates to serious scholarly discussions, indicating a growing academic seriousness about the subject. This shift is essential for the long-term success and acceptance of IKS in the academic community.

Conclusion

The integration of ancient Indian knowledge systems into modern education through the NEP represents a significant step towards academic revival in India. By reclaiming and recognizing the contributions of ancient scholars, the initiative not only enriches the educational landscape but also fosters a sense of pride in India’s intellectual heritage.

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