Internals 1

l. Answer: Indian Knowledge System (IKS) refers to the body of knowledge and wisdom that has evolved
in the Indian subcontinent over thousands of years. It encompasses various fields such as philosophy,
science, arts, mathematics, and social systems, grounded in the ancient texts, traditions, and practices.

2. Answer: The Vedic Corpus is a collection of ancient texts that form the foundation of Indian
philosophy, spirituality, and knowledge systems. It includes the four Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda,
Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, which are key sources for understanding Indian thought, cosmology, ethics,
and the laws of nature.

3.Answer: Indian philosophy forms the intellectual backbone of IKS, addressing fundamental questions
about existence, consciousness, knowledge, and the universe. It includes diverse schools like Vedanta,
Nyaya, Yoga, and Samkhya, each offering unique insights into the nature of reality and human life.

4. Answer: The character scope of IKS emphasizes ethical behavior, moral values, and societal harmony.
It influences various aspects of daily life, from governance and social justice to individual behavior,
nurturing a sense of unity and holistic development in society.

5. Answer: In the modern world, IKS provides a valuable framework for addressing contemporary issues
such as sustainability, mental health, holistic education, and community well-being. It offers alternative
perspectives to Western paradigms, emphasizing interconnectedness, balance, and respect for nature.

6.Answer: Traditional knowledge in IKS refers to the wisdom passed down through generations, often
orally, encompassing practical skills, cultural practices, ecological management, and spiritual knowledge. It
is rooted in lived experiences and closely tied to community life and the environment.

7. Answer: Indigenous knowledge is specific to native communities, developed through a deep connection
with their environment and culture. While traditional knowledge can be broader, indigenous knowledge is
more localized, reflecting the unique ways in which specific communities interact with their surroundings.

8. Answer: Traditional knowledge often emphasizes a holistic and experiential understanding of the world,
focusing on interconnections between nature, human beings, and society. In contrast, Western knowledge
tends to prioritize empirical evidence, individualism, and scientific inquiry. IKS promotes a balanced
integration of both approaches.

9. Answer: The Vedic knowledge system includes texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas,
and Sutras. It covers topics like cosmology, ethics, rituals, metaphysics, and the nature of the self, offering
both philosophical insights and practical guidance for living a righteous life.

10. Answer: The Upanishads are philosophical texts that form the concluding portion of the Vedic corpus.
They explore deep spiritual concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality), Atman (the soul), and the
relationship between the two, offering insights into the nature of consciousness and self-realization.

11. Answer: Dharma refers to the moral law or ethical duty that governs individual behavior and societal
harmony. In IKS, it is a central concept guiding personal conduct, social responsibilities, and spiritual
growth, ensuring balance and order in both individual lives and society.

12 Answer: Yoga, as outlined in texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, contributes to IKS by offering a
practical method for self-realization, mental discipline, and physical well-being. It provides a holistic
approach to achieving spiritual enlightenment through meditation, ethical practices, and physical postures.
13. Answer: In IKS, knowledge (Jñana) refers to intellectual understanding, while wisdom (Vijñana) is the
practical application of that knowledge for spiritual growth and societal well-being. Wisdom in IKS
involves discerning the right action in alignment with Dharma.

Internals 2

14. Answer: 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art) is a profound teaching from the Chandogya Upanishad,
emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). It reflects
the core philosophy of unity, where the separation between the self and the universe is an illusion.

15. Answer: Rituals (Karma) in IKS are practical manifestations of spiritual and ethical principles.
They provide a structured way to connect with the divine, seek blessings, and perform duties in a
manner that aligns with cosmic order and social responsibilities.

16. Answer: IKS emphasizes holistic education, focusing on the development of both intellect and
character. It integrates spiritual, ethical, and intellectual growth, often through experiential learning,
dialogue, and reflection on one's duties and purpose in life.

17. Answer: Shruti refers to the divine revelations, particularly the Vedas, while Smriti refers to
human compositions based on these revelations, such as the Puranas and epics. Both are integral to
IKS, with Shruti being authoritative and Smriti offering practical guidance for daily life.

18. Answer: IKS integrates science and spirituality by viewing both as complementary rather than
separate. It emphasizes that scientific inquiry should be pursued with a sense of ethical responsibility
and respect for the interconnectedness of all things, while spiritual practice leads to deeper
understanding of universal principles.

19. Answer: IKS views sustainability as an inherent aspect of life, stressing the importance of living in
harmony with nature. Ancient practices such as organic farming, water conservation, and respect for the
environment are central to IKS, promoting ecological balance and long-term well-being.

20. Answer: Vedic knowledge is largely focused on rituals, hymns, and spiritual practices, whereas
post-Vedic knowledge systems, like those found in the Upanishads, Puranas, and Smritis, delve deeper
into philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of consciousness.

21Answer: In IKS, time is cyclical rather than linear. It is seen as a continuous flow of creation,
preservation, and dissolution, with the universe undergoing repeated cycles of creation (Srishti),
preservation (Sthiti), and destruction (Samhara), as described in texts like the Puranas.

22. Answer: Moksha is the ultimate goal of human life in IKS, referring to liberation from the cycle of
birth and death (samsara) and the realization of oneness with Brahman. It is achieved through self-
realization, ethical living, and spiritual practice.

23. Answer: Indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in environmental management in IKS by
offering sustainable practices based on a deep understanding of the local ecosystem. Traditional
practices such as biodiversity conservation, forest management, and water systems are integral to
preserving ecological balance.

24. Answer: IKS offers a holistic approach to mental health and well-being, emphasizing the balance
of mind, body, and spirit. Practices like meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda are central to maintaining
mental health, promoting inner peace, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

25. Answer: Contemporary applications of IKS include integrating its wisdom into modern education,
healthcare, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution. Practices such as yoga and meditation
have gained global recognition for their benefits to mental health and well-being, while IKS
philosophies offer valuable perspectives on community development and ecological conservation.
26. A: Sanskrit is considered the classical language of India, with a rich tradition of literature,
philosophy, and scientific texts that laid the foundation for various fields of study like linguistics,
mathematics, and medicine.