From Vedas To NEP 2020: The Revival Of Indian Knowledge Traditions – OpEd

The Indian subcontinent boasts one of the oldest and most comprehensive knowledge systems in the world, encompassing philosophy, science, arts, linguistics, medicine, and spirituality. From the hymns and philosophical inquiries of the Vedas to the logic of Nyaya and the surgical treatises of Sushruta, the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) has profoundly influenced both regional and global intellectual traditions.

However, colonial interventions displaced this organic model in favor of Western paradigms, leading to a loss of indigenous knowledge and pedagogy. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a turning point in India’s educational landscape by emphasizing the revival, research, and reintegration of IKS into modern academic and policy frameworks. This review article traces the evolution of Indian knowledge traditions, critically examines the shifts across different historical periods, and analyzes the transformative potential of NEP 2020 in reclaiming India’s epistemic sovereignty.

1. Introduction

India’s civilizational fabric is deeply interwoven with its diverse and profound knowledge systems. In ancient times, India was not just a spiritual nucleus but also a hub of scientific, philosophical, and cultural learning. With the advent of colonial rule, these indigenous traditions were systematically marginalized, replaced by Eurocentric educational models. However, recent policy initiatives, particularly NEP 2020, recognize the value and relevance of these traditions in the 21st century. The policy seeks to not only revive but recontextualize traditional knowledge systems within the framework of a modern, inclusive, and globalized education.

2. The Vedic Foundation of Indian Knowledge

The earliest corpus of Indian knowledge is found in the Vedas—the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Composed between 1500–500 BCE, these texts represent more than spiritual insight; they form an epistemological foundation of inquiry into nature, self, and society.

2.1 Structure and Scope

The Vedas include:

• Samhitas: Hymns and chants
• Brahmanas: Ritual instructions
• Aranyakas: Meditative texts
• Upanishads: Philosophical discourses

The Upanishads, often considered the philosophical culmination of the Vedas, explored metaphysics, cosmology, and the nature of consciousness (Atman and Brahman), concepts that resonate with modern quantum philosophy and consciousness studies.

2.2 Epistemological Framework

The Vedic model emphasized:

• Pratyaksha (Perception)
• Anumana (Inference)
• Shabda (Authoritative testimony)

This trinity forms the backbone of Indian logic (Nyaya) and mirrors contemporary epistemological methods used in science and philosophy.

3. Classical Institutions and the Proliferation of Knowledge

India’s intellectual peak can be seen in ancient universities like:

• Takshashila (6th century BCE)
• Nalanda (5th–12th century CE)
• Vikramashila and Valabhi

These institutions were cosmopolitan centers offering:

• Grammar (Panini’s Ashtadhyayi)
• Logic (Nyaya and Mimamsa)
• Astronomy (Aryabhata, Varahamihira)
• Medicine (Charaka, Sushruta)
• Buddhism and comparative theology

Their curricula emphasized debate (shastrartha), critical inquiry, and holistic education, attracting scholars from China, Korea, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East.

4. Disruption During Colonial Rule

With the British colonial establishment, traditional knowledge was deemed unscientific or primitive. The Macaulay Minute (1835) proposed the replacement of Indian systems with English education, reducing the vast cultural and scientific wealth of India to mere folklore.

4.1 Impact of Colonial Policy

• Dismantling of gurukula systems and pathshalas
• Suppression of Sanskrit and regional languages
• Emphasis on rote memorization and clerical education
• Marginalization of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Indian logic

Colonial education focused on producing bureaucrats, not thinkers—a legacy that continued post-independence.

5. National Education Policy 2020: A Paradigm Shift

The NEP 2020 is the first policy document since independence that explicitly prioritizes reviving and integrating Indian Knowledge Systems in education.

5.1 Institutional Support

• Indian Knowledge Systems Division (IKS) under the Ministry of Education
• Collaboration with higher education institutions, IITs, and traditional learning centers
• Promotion of research in classical texts, traditional science, and language revitalization

5.2 Curriculum Reforms

• Inclusion of IKS modules in schools and universities
• Encouragement to study texts in original languages (Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil)
• Development of interdisciplinary programs combining IKS with STEM

5.3 Language and Pedagogy

• Promotion of mother-tongue instruction in early years
• Reintroduction of classical languages
• Training of educators in IKS-related content and methodologies

6. Case Studies of Revival

6.1 Vedic Mathematics in Modern Classrooms

Reintroduction of simplified computation techniques derived from ancient sutras has demonstrated improved mathematical aptitude and student interest.

6.2 Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine

Institutes like AIIMS and CCRAS are collaborating on research into Ayurvedic formulations for chronic illnesses and pandemic resilience.

6.3 Traditional Environmental Knowledge

Tribal and indigenous practices in water conservation, agriculture, and ecology are being documented and adapted into sustainability models.

7. Contemporary Relevance of IKS

IKS offers insights into:

• Ethics and Values: Dharma-centric life, community responsibility
• Sustainable Living: Harmony with nature, zero-waste lifestyles
• Mental Health and Spirituality: Meditation, yoga, and holistic well-being
• Pluralism and Tolerance: Dialogic traditions like Samvada and Shravana

These aspects align with global movements toward decolonized education, interdisciplinary learning, and value-based curricula.

8. Challenges in Implementation

Despite policy-level enthusiasm, several obstacles exist:

• Academic Resistance: Perception of IKS as regressive or non-scientific
• Standardization Issues: Fragmented documentation and authenticity concerns
• Faculty Shortage: Limited experts trained in both modern pedagogy and traditional disciplines
• Political Appropriation: Risk of communalization or ideological misuse

A careful, scholarly, and inclusive approach is essential to ensure that the revival is authentic, unbiased, and academically rigorous.

Conclusion

The Indian Knowledge System is not a relic of the past but a dynamic, living tradition with immense relevance in the contemporary world. NEP 2020 represents an important step toward restoring India’s epistemological self-respect. As the world moves toward localization, sustainability, and mindfulness, India has the opportunity to lead with its timeless wisdom. The journey from the Vedas to NEP 2020 is not just one of revival—but of reimagination. The onus now lies on educators, scholars, and policymakers to translate this vision into meaningful practice.

References

1. Ministry of Education (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India.
2. Altekar, A.S. (1944). Education in Ancient India. Varanasi: Nand Kishore & Bros.
3. Pollock, Sheldon (2006). The Language of the Gods in the World of Men. University of California Press.
4. Radhakrishnan, S. (1952). Indian Philosophy, Volumes I & II. Oxford University Press.
5. IKS Division, Ministry of Education (2021). Vision Document.
6. Macaulay, T.B. (1835). Minute on Indian Education. British Parliament Records.
7. Subbarayappa, B.V. (2001). Science in India: A Historical Perspective. NBT India.
8. Kak, Subhash (2000). The Astronomical Code of the Rigveda. Munshiram Manoharlal.
9. Wujastyk, D. (2003). The Roots of Ayurveda. Penguin India.
10. Sharma, Arvind (1990). The Philosophy of Religion and Advaita Vedanta. Penn State Press.

Authors:

• Dr. Baljinder Kour, Assistant Professor, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
• Dr. Balinder Singh, Assistant Professor, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India.