Indian Knowledge System: Integrating Heritage with Engineering

This The landscape of education is undergoing a transformation, driven by the need to balance the advancement of modern science with the deep-rooted wisdom of ancient cultures. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by the Government of India, emphasizes this integration, encouraging students to draw from India's rich cultural and intellectual heritage while adapting to the demands of the modern world. It is against this backdrop that the book, "Indian Knowledge System: Integrating Heritage with Engineering", has been conceived.

India has been a cradle of knowledge for millennia, contributing significantly to various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, architecture, metallurgy, medicine, and philosophy. However, many of these contributions remain underappreciated in contemporary engineering education. This book attempts to bridge that gap by providing engineering graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and its relevance to modern engineering practices.

The idea of this book is simple yet profound: to demonstrate that the ancient wisdom embedded in India's knowledge systems is not just a relic of the past but a vibrant source of inspiration and practical application in today’s technological world. Each chapter explores various aspects of IKS, ranging from philosophical underpinnings and scientific discoveries to practical technologies and innovations. We aim to bring to light the interconnectedness of Indian knowledge traditions and modern engineering, showcasing how time-tested principles can offer solutions to contemporary challenges.

Through the course of this book, readers will journey into ancient India's profound contributions to mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, architecture, and civil engineering—disciplines that are at the core of modern engineering. We will explore Ayurveda’s impact on biomedical engineering, delve into Vastu Shastra as an ancient approach to sustainable design, and uncover how India’s traditional environmental practices align with today's focus on sustainability and ecological balance.

For today’s engineering students, the relevance of such knowledge goes beyond mere historical interest. IKS provides valuable insights into problem-solving, design thinking, sustainable practices, and ethical frameworks, which are essential in addressing the complex issues facing the world today. In addition, the NEP 2020 calls for a more holistic, multidisciplinary education, which this book seeks to support by offering an intersection of engineering and humanities through the lens of IKS.

While the book draws extensively from ancient texts and historical research, it also maintains a future-focused outlook. We have included modern applications of IKS principles, showing how ancient knowledge continues to inspire innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in engineering fields. By linking tradition with technology, this book encourages the reader to think beyond conventional paradigms and to harness the best of both worlds—ancient wisdom and modern science.

"Indian Knowledge System: Integrating Heritage with Engineering" is more than a study of India’s past; it is a blueprint for a future in which the harmonious blend of heritage and innovation paves the way for sustainable and inclusive growth. This book aspires to not only inform but also inspire—a new generation of engineers who are not just technically adept, but also culturally conscious and philosophically grounded [1-3].

We hope that this book will serve as a valuable resource for engineering students, educators, and professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of India's intellectual heritage and its potential to enrich modern engineering practices. By embracing the wisdom of the Indian Knowledge System, we can equip future engineers with a unique perspective, helping them to create solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and ethically sound.

However, the area of research of the author is solely technical as highlighted in the reference section [4-17]. We sincerely thank the scholars and thought leaders whose works have contributed to this study, and we are grateful to the readers who will carry forward this integration of ancient heritage with modern technology. Together, let us embark on this journey of rediscovering India’s knowledge legacy and explore how it can shape the engineers of tomorrow.

Purpose of the Book:

The book aims to:

• Educate engineering graduates on India's profound contributions to various fields of science, technology, and philosophy.
• Highlight the relevance and application of ancient knowledge to modern engineering problems.
• Encourage innovative thinking by drawing parallels between traditional Indian wisdom and contemporary engineering practices.
• Align with the objectives of NEP 2020 to promote a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to education.