Introduction to Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Introduction to Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (IKS) offers a 30-hour exploration of India’s intellectual and cultural heritage—from Vedas, Epics, and Philosophies to Architecture, Mathematics, Ayurveda, and Yoga. Taught by eminent scholars and practitioners, this NEP-aligned course bridges ancient wisdom and modern relevance for today’s learners.

Course Instructor: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute

₹2400.00

Introduction to Bharatiya Knowledge Systems | BharatVidya

Introduction to Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (IKS)

30
Learning Hours
25
Expert Lectures
18K+
Students Enrolled
5
Partner Institutions

A foundational course for anyone seeking to explore India's rich and diverse intellectual heritage. Across 25 meticulously crafted lectures, journey through the breadth of Bharatiya knowledge—from the sacred Vedas and epic narratives to Ayurveda, Yoga, and the mathematical genius of ancient India. Taught by distinguished scholars and renowned practitioners, this course bridges millennia of wisdom with contemporary relevance.

Curriculum Themes

Bharatavarsha Indian Civilisation Vedas Epics & Puranas Indian Philosophy Arthashastra Linguistics Temple Architecture Iconography Mathematics Astronomy Chemistry Agriculture Food Sciences Ayurveda Yoga

Implemented by 5 universities18,000+ first-year students have earned IKS credit through this course

Course Curriculum

1 Subject

Introduction to Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (IKS)

9 Exercises29 Learning Materials

Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems

Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems

Video
00:07:16
FREE

Bharatvarsha

Bharatvarsh

Video
00:53:33

IKS Bharatvarsha Quiz

Exercise

Vedas and Upanishads

Introduction to Vedic literature

Video
00:23:13

Rigveda

Video
00:54:43

Yajurveda

Video
00:41:38

Samaveda

Video
00:53:53

Atharvaveda

Video
00:22:33

Upanishad-s

Video
00:39:38

IKS Vedas Quiz

Exercise

Epics and Puranas

Ramayana

Video
00:37:40

Mahabharata

Video
01:09:15

Purana-s

Video
00:39:39

IKS Epics Quiz

Exercise

Astika Philosophies, Buddhism, Jainism and Charvaca

Origins of Indian Philosophy

Video
01:11:44

Indian Philosophical Schools

Video
01:04:45

IKS Darshanas Quiz

Exercise

Mathematics, Astronomy and Scientific Literature

Ancient Indian Maths and traditions

Video
00:42:37

The Decimal system

Video
00:45:00

Calendrical systems

Video
00:39:51

Linguistics

Video
00:39:06

Chemistry

Video
00:55:43

IKS Sciences Quiz

Exercise

Medicine and Health

Ayurveda

Video
01:23:00

Yogashastra

Video
00:57:03

IKS Medicine Quiz

Exercise

Governance and Arthashastra

Governance and Arthashastra Part 1

Video
00:49:40

Governance and Arthashastra Part 2

Video
00:59:16

IKS Governance Quiz

Exercise

Food and Agriculture

Food

Video
01:03:09

Agriculture and Animal husbandry

Video
01:29:40

IKS Food Quiz

Exercise

Civilisation and Culture

The History of the Indian Civilisation

Video
00:45:55

Ancient Indian Dynasties

Video
01:02:36

Temple Architecture

Video
00:40:48

Iconography

Video
01:01:50

IKS Civilisation Quiz

Exercise

Conclusion

Conclusion

Video
00:11:27
What is IKS? | Indian Knowledge Systems Under NEP 2020 | BharatVidya
Understanding the Foundation

What is Indian Knowledge Systems?

A living heritage of wisdom spanning millennia—now essential to modern Indian education

Bharatiya Gyan Parampara

भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) encompasses the vast body of knowledge, intellectual traditions, and practices that evolved in the Indian subcontinent over thousands of years. Far from being merely historical artifacts, these are living systems of thought that continue to offer profound insights into science, philosophy, governance, health, and sustainable living.

From the mathematical genius that gave the world zero and the decimal system, to the holistic health frameworks of Ayurveda and Yoga, to sophisticated theories of linguistics, metallurgy, and astronomy—IKS represents humanity's oldest continuous intellectual tradition.

Philosophy Mathematics Astronomy Medicine Architecture Metallurgy Linguistics Governance Ecology

The NEP 2020 Mandate

India's National Education Policy 2020 marks a historic shift by making IKS an integral part of higher education curriculum. For the first time, students across all disciplines—from engineering to arts—are required to engage with India's intellectual heritage as part of their degree.

"Knowledge of India will include knowledge from ancient India and its contributions to modern India and the world... Indian Knowledge Systems, including tribal and indigenous knowledge, will be incorporated at all levels." — National Education Policy 2020, Section 4.27

Why This Matters Now

As India positions itself as a global knowledge leader, understanding our intellectual roots becomes crucial. IKS education fosters critical thinking, connects students to sustainable wisdom traditions, and enables innovation that draws from both global and indigenous knowledge systems.

This isn't about nostalgia—it's about equipping the next generation with a complete intellectual toolkit for solving 21st-century challenges.

IKS Across Every Discipline

Whether you're studying engineering, medicine, management, or humanities—Indian Knowledge Systems offers foundational insights relevant to your field.

Engineering & Technology

Ancient India pioneered metallurgical techniques, water management systems, and architectural principles that remain studied today.

Wootz Steel Step Wells Temple Engineering

Mathematics & Computing

From zero and the decimal system to early algorithms by Panini—Indian mathematics laid foundations for modern computing.

Aryabhata Brahmagupta Sulbasutras

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ayurveda and Yoga offer time-tested frameworks for preventive health, personalized medicine, and mind-body wellness.

Ayurveda Yoga Sushruta Samhita

Management & Economics

Kautilya's Arthashastra remains one of history's most comprehensive treatises on statecraft, economics, and organizational strategy.

Arthashastra Dharma Economics Guild Systems

Environment & Sustainability

Traditional ecological knowledge offers models for sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and harmonious coexistence with nature.

Sacred Groves Vrikshayurveda Water Harvesting

Arts, Design & Architecture

Indian aesthetic theories, iconographic traditions, and temple architecture encode sophisticated principles of design, proportion, and symbolism.

Vastu Shastra Natyashastra Shilpa Shastra

Related Courses

Introduction to Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (IKS) | NEP 2020-Aligned Course by BORI