Positive Aspects of the Indian Knowledge System and Evaluation of Its Educational Dimensions

Abstract

India has been a leader in the fields of knowledge and science since ancient times. The traditional Indian knowledge system has encompassed areas such as science, technology, art, architecture, culture, mathematics, and medicine. Indian science had already developed significantly in ancient times. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the tradition of Indian science is one of the oldest in the world. At a time when nomadic tribes in Europe were still learning to establish settlements, the people of the Harappa in India had already begun living in well-planned cities. Moreover, by that time, fields such as construction, metallurgy, textile production, and transportation systems had reached an advanced stage of development. With the arrival of the Aryans, the tradition of science in India developed further. During this period, science made remarkable progress in areas such as mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, astrology, medicine, and metallurgy. This scientific tradition began around 2000 years before the birth of Christ and remained highly advanced until about the 11th century CE. During this time, a long lineage of scholars and scientists developed—from Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, Baudhayana, Charaka, Sushruta, Nagarjuna, and Kanada to Sawai Jai Singh II.