With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and subsequent measures, the Government of India has taken significant steps to provide momentum to education in India, paving the way for evolution of next generation knowledge platforms. As the Indian Knowledge Systems (RS) space is gathering tremendous importance, it is crucial that all stakeholders including teachers, learners and policy-makers, have an authentic view of what it constitutes as well as its scope and impact. This book is a much-needed and accurate introduction to various aspects of IKS and gives readers a good understanding of its scope and potential applications. Importantly, it provides a cross sectional view of the Bharatiya approach to life, transcending materialistic pursuits and combining both the physical and metaphysical planes of existence.

Education has always played a pivotal role in Bharat’s (India’s) civilizational journey. Today, as Lindia seeks to leverage the country’s rich demographic dividend, the education policy is focused on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems as part of mainstream higher education in order to provide knowledge solutions aligned with the present and future needs and aspirations of the country.

This monograph comes as a timely and critical contribution towards providing a concise and accurate understanding of fundamental concepts and components of Bharatiya Knowledge Systems. It also addresses relevant queries about the need to pursue IKS and other such native knowledge systems highlighting the significance from strategic, economic and geopolitical perspectives. I am thankful for the commendable efforts and teamwork of members of ‘Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation’ for bringing back the true essence of Bharatiyata.

Bharatiya or Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) have the potential to create transformational knowledge Bsolutions with global infpact. Inclusiveness and sustainability form the core of IKS. Global thought leadership anchored in our Indian ethos can add significant value to providing lasting solutions to various complex geo-political, social, cultural and economic challenges. Integrating IKS into mainstream education is a step in the right direction and will enable holistic assimilation into contemporary applications.

This primer provides a much-needed glimpse into various concepts and components constituting Bharatiya (Indian) Knowledge Systems and is a veritable trigger for readers to delve deeper into individual topics. It provides clarity on commonly used terminologies and sets the context for better understanding of India’s civilizational ethos and cultural Legacy.