INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM (IKS) – BIKS609 CASE STUDY

Name: ROHITH G

USN: 4AD22CI045

Branch: Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence

and Machine Learning)

Semester: 6th

College name: ATME College Of Engineering, Mysuru

Submission Date: 21/04/2025

Faculty Name: Prof. Keerthi A Kumbar

Assignment Details:

Title of Case Study:

” The History of Indian Philosophy: A Comprehensive Overview”

Assessment Feedback:

(To be filled by the faculty)

Marks Awarded (20M) :

Remarks:

Evaluator’s Signature:

Date of Evaluation:
 SUMMARY

This study offers a comprehensive journey through the intellectual landscape of Indian
philosophy, from its ancient Vedic roots to contemporary reinterpretations. Indian philosophy
is not a monolithic tradition but a dynamic confluence of various schools of thought, each
addressing fundamental questions about reality, self, ethics, and liberation. The six classical
orthodox (Astika) schools—Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta—
alongside the heterodox (Nastika) traditions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka, together
create a multifaceted philosophical tapestry.
The study outlines their historical evolution, core doctrines, key thinkers, and impact on
modern intellectual discourse. With references to principal texts and integration of visual aids
(e.g., timelines, conceptual charts, and lineage trees), this paper aims to illuminate the
foundational ideas and living legacy of Indian philosophy.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter No. Chapter Name Page No.

Chapter 1 Introduction 4-6

1.1 Defining the Topic 4

1.2 Relevance and Importance within IKS 5

1.3 Purpose and Objectives 6

Chapter 2 Case Study Details 7-9

2.1 Historical and Cultural Context 7

2.2 Traditional Practices and Beliefs 8

2.3 Analysis: Indigenous Knowledge Addressing Local Needs 9

2.4 Key Outcomes 9

2.5 Recommendations 9
Chapter 3
Conclusion 10

Refrences 11
 Chapter 01
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Defining the Topic

Indian philosophy is one of the most ancient and complex traditions in human history,
marked by continuous development, intellectual dialogue, and spiritual depth. It encompasses
multiple schools of thought, broadly classified into āstika (orthodox) schools that accept the
authority of the Vedas—such as Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta—
and nāstika (heterodox) schools like Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka that do not.
These schools emerged in distinct historical periods, evolving to meet the philosophical
and existential questions of their times. While Nyaya and Vaisheshika emphasized logic and
metaphysics, Samkhya and Yoga concentrated on dualism and practical discipline. Vedanta later
synthesized metaphysical speculation with spiritual insight. Meanwhile, Buddhism and Jainism
offered alternative paths to liberation based on ethical conduct, mindfulness, and asceticism.
To contextualize this evolution, a timeline helps visualize the historical emergence of
major Indian philosophical schools, illustrating how diverse systems coexisted and interacted.

Figure 1: Timeline of Major Indian Philosophical Schools

(This image outlines the approximate dates of origin and major figures of each school, providing
a visual reference for the chronological development of Indian philosophy.)

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 4

1.2 Relevance and Importance within IKS
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) encompass diverse domains of knowledge grounded in
indigenous traditions. Philosophy, as a core of IKS, represents the reflective and analytical aspect
of Indian civilization. Indian philosophical thought integrates metaphysics, epistemology, ethics,
and psychology, making it a multidimensional system for understanding reality and human
purpose.
The ethical principles of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), dharma (righteousness),
and moksha (liberation) are central to many Indian philosophical schools and directly inform
practices in medicine, governance, education, and ecology. Unlike Western philosophy, which
often separates thought from practice, Indian systems emphasize lived wisdom.
Indian philosophy's integration of reason and spirituality reflects a holistic worldview.
Whether in the logic of Nyaya, the ethics of Jainism, or the meditative techniques of Yoga, the
principles guide individuals toward personal transformation and social harmony.
To better understand the structural composition of these traditions, we examine how each
of the six āstika schools function within a unified yet diverse framework.

Figure 2: Symbolic Representation of the Six Orthodox Schools (Darshanas)

(This visual presents the interconnection and distinctive contributions of Nyaya, Vaisheshika,
Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta as part of a comprehensive philosophical system.)

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 5

1.3 Purpose and Objectives
The objective of this case study is to document and evaluate the historical evolution, core
tenets, and modern relevance of Indian philosophy. By highlighting both orthodox and heterodox
traditions, the study seeks to emphasize the dialogical and inclusive nature of Indian intellectual
culture.
Objectives:
❖ To trace the chronological development of Indian philosophical thought.
❖ To examine the key doctrines and metaphysical foundations of major schools.
❖ To explore the practical implications of Indian philosophy in ethics, education, and well-
being.
❖ To analyze the relevance of Indian philosophy in contemporary scientific and global
discourses.
❖ To recommend integrative approaches for bringing Indian philosophy into modern
education and interdisciplinary research.

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 6

 Chapter 02
CASE STUDY DETAILS
2.1 Historical and Cultural Context
The roots of Indian philosophy trace back to the early Vedic hymns (c. 1500 BCE),
which offered cosmological insights and ritual instructions. The Upanishads (800–500 BCE)
marked a shift toward introspection and metaphysical inquiry, setting the foundation for schools
like Samkhya and Vedanta. The Buddhist and Jain traditions arose around the 6th century BCE,
questioning Vedic ritualism and promoting ethical conduct and self-discipline.

By the classical period (200 BCE to 800 CE), systems like Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and
Mimamsa developed rigorous frameworks for logic, matter, and ritual exegesis. Vedanta gained
momentum during the medieval period through figures like Shankaracharya and
Ramanujacharya.

This philosophical flourishing was accompanied by public debates, monasteries, and

academic centers such as Nalanda and Takshashila.

Figure 3: Ancient Gurukula and Nalanda University Depiction

(This image illustrates traditional Indian centers of learning where philosophical dialogue and
oral transmission of knowledge thrived.)

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 7

2.2 Core Schools of Indian Philosophy
Orthodox (Āstika) Schools:

1. Nyaya: Focuses on logic and epistemology; emphasizes pramanas (means of

knowledge).

2. Vaisheshika: Deals with categories of existence and atomic theory.

3. Samkhya: Dualism of purusha (spirit) and prakriti (matter); foundational to Yoga.

4. Yoga: Practical discipline for liberation, systematized by Patanjali.

5. Mimamsa: Concerned with Vedic rituals and dharma; precursor to Vedanta.

6. Vedanta: Focuses on the nature of Brahman, Atman, and liberation.

Heterodox (Nāstika) Schools:

1. Buddhism: Emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, anatta (no-self), and dependent
origination.

2. Jainism: Advocates ahimsa, anekantavada (non-absolutism), and strict asceticism.

3. Charvaka: Materialist and skeptical school; denies afterlife and karma.

Figure 4: Comparative Chart of Key Concepts in Indian Philosophical Schools

(This image offers a side-by-side comparison of metaphysical views, ethical principles, and
epistemological tools across various schools.)

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 8

2.3 Analysis: Indigenous Knowledge Addressing Universal Needs
Indian philosophy is rooted in indigenous culture but addresses universal human concerns:

❖ Self-identity and purpose

❖ Suffering and liberation

❖ Ethical conduct

❖ The nature of consciousness and reality

These themes are increasingly relevant in modern contexts:

1. Mental health: Through practices like mindfulness, detachment, and introspection.

2. Education: Promotes critical thinking, moral clarity, and self-awareness.

3. Environmental ethics: Based on principles like unity of life and non-violence.

4. Scientific inquiry: Resonates with consciousness studies and quantum theory.

2.4 Key Outcomes

❖ Promotion of philosophical pluralism and tolerance

❖ Ethical clarity and moral discipline

❖ Integration of logic and spirituality

❖ Practical tools for meditation and mindfulness

❖ Inspiration for modern disciplines like psychology, cognitive science, and ecology

2.5 Recommendations
1. Include Indian philosophy in national curricula across disciplines.

2. Encourage interdisciplinary research linking Indian thought with modern science.

3. Promote public lectures, seminars, and digital content on Indian philosophy.

4. Translate classical texts and fund commentary projects.

5. Build collaborative platforms between traditional scholars and modern academia.

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 9

 Chapter 03

Conclusion:

The history of Indian philosophy reflects a journey of inquiry, introspection, and

transcendence. From the Vedic hymns to modern interpretations, Indian thinkers have explored
the deepest questions of existence through reason, meditation, and ethical living.
Indian philosophy continues to offer tools for personal growth, social harmony, and
intellectual expansion. Its core message—that truth is manifold, inquiry is sacred, and liberation
is possible—is as relevant today as it was millennia ago.

Figure 5: The Tree of Indian Philosophy

(This symbolic image shows how diverse schools of thought branch from a shared root of
spiritual inquiry, illustrating unity in diversity.)

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 10

 REFERENCES
[1]. Radhakrishnan, S. – Indian Philosophy (Vol I & II)

[2]. Hiriyanna, M. – Outlines of Indian Philosophy

[3]. Dasgupta, S.N. – A History of Indian Philosophy

[4]. Chatterjee & Datta – Introduction to Indian Philosophy

[5]. Gita SuperSite – https://www.gitasupersite.iitk.ac.in

[6]. Vedabase.io – https://vedabase.io

[7]. Chinmaya Mission – www.chinmayamission.com

[8]. Ramakrishna Math – www.rkmath.org

Department of CSE – AI&ML, ATMECE. 11