Awareness of MED Students about the Concepts of the Indian
Knowledge System and Its Applications in Education
1
Dr. Pratima Mishra.,
2
Ms. Unnati Mishra
1
Associate Professor MED Department, H.G.M. Azam College of Education Dr P A Inamdar University,
Pune, India
2
Scholer, D.E.S. Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College Pune Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800198
Received: 05 Sept 2025; Accepted: 10 Sept 2025; Published: 19 September 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the awareness of Master of Education (M.Ed.) students regarding the Indian
Knowledge System (IKS) and its applications in contemporary education, in alignment with the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020. IKS encompasses a rich tapestry of indigenous knowledge developed over
centuries in fields such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, art, architecture, and spirituality.
With the NEP 2020 emphasizing a multidisciplinary and culturally rooted approach, understanding the level of
awareness among future educators is crucial.
Using a descriptive survey method, data were collected from 80 M.Ed students from Pune through a self-
constructed questionnaire. The study revealed that the majority of students demonstrated significant awareness
of IKS, especially in concepts like Ahimsa, Ayurveda, Bharatanatyam, and mathematical contributions such as
zero and the decimal system. For instance, 91% were aware of the invention of zero in India, 90% recognized
Bharatanatyam’s spiritual value, and 93% correctly identified Dharma, Karma, and Moksha as the
philosophical foundations of IKS. However, gaps were noted in understanding historical attributions—only
60% correctly credited Brahmagupta with the concept of zero, while 38% misattributed it to Aryabhata.
The findings emphasize both strengths in cultural awareness and areas where curricular support and teacher
training are needed. Recommendations include deeper integration of IKS across disciplines, use of digital
tools, and teacher preparation programs. Ultimately, this study supports the integration of IKS to foster
identity, innovation, and holistic learning in India’s future education system.
Keywords: Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Applications of IKS in Education, NEP2020 multidisciplinary
approach and Indian culture and heritage.
INTRODUCTION
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) refers to the diverse and profound body of indigenous knowledge that
has been developed in India over thousands of years. It encompasses various domains, including philosophy,
science, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, the arts, architecture, governance, linguistics, and spirituality.
Rooted in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Persian, and other regional languages, IKS reflects India's unique
civilizational ethos, which emphasizes harmony with nature, holistic well-being, and a pursuit of knowledge
for self-realization and societal good.
India’s ancient texts—such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas, Arthashastra, Charaka Samhita,
Sushruta Samhita, and Natya Shastra—are repositories of this wisdom. Despite centuries of colonial
disruption, this vast knowledge reservoir continues to inspire scholars and practitioners across the world. In
recent years, there has been a renewed focus on reviving and integrating IKS into modern education and
research, especially under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.