Indian Ethos and Knowledge Systems

via Swayam

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Details

Go to class

Provider

Swayam
Pricing

Free Online Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

12 weeks
Sessions

On-Demand
Level

Beginner

Found in

ABOUT THE COURSE:The course provides an overview of India’s heritage and knowledge traditions across key themes of economy, society, polity, law, environment, arts, culture, ethics, science & technology, and philosophy. It discusses and interprets the application of these knowledge traditions, not only to know and appreciate India’s heritage of Knowledge and skills but also to evaluate them through a multidisciplinary lens and for obtaining transferable as 21st-century skills. It helps in understanding the essence of the term ‘Bhartiya Drishi (Indian way or perception) in the context of knowledge heritage. The course requires no pre-requisite knowledge or understanding. It will allow students to have a basic understanding of the traditions of India and how it has evolved over the ages and historical eras along with cross-cultural impact. The course is designed to enable student teachers to outline and interpret the processes and events of the formation & evolution of knowledge of IndiaINTENDED AUDIENCE:B.A, B.Ed / B.Sc, B.Ed. Students of Four-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) run in Indian Universities and IITs.Students of General Courses in FYUP, Ability Enhancement Courses at UG/PG LevelStudents preparing for UGC-NET, CUET, Civil Services and many competitive Exams as part of General Study Paper on IKS.PREREQUISITES:Minimum Class XII in any Discipline No specific Course and pre-qualification is required. General understanding of Hindi and English Language.INDUSTRY SUPPORT:Universities and whole academia

Syllabus

Week 1:Introduction to Knowledge of India

Indian Knowledge (A): Definition, meaning, scope, and relevance
Sources of Indian Knowledge Traditions: Indian and Foreign Sources (Vedas, Puranas, Kautilya, Megasthenes, Alberuni etc.)
Need to revisit Ancient Indian knowledge and culture.
Indian Ethos: Meaning and sources
Key Ideas:- Para-Apara Vidya, Trigunas, Four Purusharthas, Panch Mahakosha, Tri- Ratna, Ashtangik Marg, Gyan, Karma and Bhakti yoga

Week 2:Indian Literature, Arts and Culture-I

Literature: Sanskrit (religious literature, classical literature)
Jain, Buddhist & Sangam Literature.
Sufi and Bhakti Literature (Indian poetry, folk literature, Indian fiction)
Translation works: (Persian, Urdu, Hindi and other Regional Languages)
National Culture of India: Features of Composite Culture

Week 3:Indian Literature, Arts and Culture-II

Fine arts and Performing Arts (Paintings, Folk Arts, Classical and Folk Music, dance forms)
Architecture: Temples, Palaces, Forts, Mosques and Monuments
Indian Food and Festivals: Seasonal and Regional Cuisine, Ayurveda and Food, Vegetarianism, Mughal Dastarkhwan,
Clothes (traditional Indian clothing, textile arts, religious costumes, clothing, gender, globalization in clothing).
Indian Cinema: A Reflection of Indian Society and Ethos

Week 4:Polity and Law System

Kingship, Governance & Law System: Traces from Epics and Ancient Texts
Development of village (Local Administration) and urban administration
Public administration & its sources with special reference to Kautilya's Arthasastra
Basis of Law: Dharma & its sources; Criminal Justice: police, jails, and punishments;
Indian Texts for teaching basic ethical & traditional Indian values (Panchatantra, Hitopdesh, Jatakas & Epics)

Week 5:Economy

Economic System from Harappan Age to the Guptas and beyond: Urbanization, (guilds, agriculture; growth of writings, trade & commerce, land revenue systems);
Interactions of knowledge systems across cultures, technology and innovations in early Medieval India.
Internal & external trade and commerce, including trade routes, Indo-roman contacts, and maritime trade of South India; Temple economy.
Land ownership - land grants & property rights, land revenue systems.
Understanding Arthashastra: Ideas & Criticism; Locating relevance of ancient Indian economic thought in modern-day Indian Economy.

Week 6:Environment & Health

Society & Environment: Society's perceptions of natural resources like forests, land, water, and animals;
Sustainability and best practices from indigenous knowledge
India's Health Tradition: Ayurveda System- Susruta & Charaka Samhitas, Ashvaidyota tradition of Kerala;
Mental health elements: Concept of soul (Atma) mind-body relationship, Scientific Temper, Critical thinking
Practices: Yoga darshan, Eight Limbs (Ashtongik Yoga), etc., Meditation (dhyana),

Week 7:Philosophy, Ethics & Values: Schools of Philosophy

Philosophy, Ethics & Values
Schools of Philosophy: Vaisheshika, Nyaya,
Schools of Philosophy: Samkhya, Yoga,
Schools of Philosophy: Purva Mimansa and Vedanta or Uttara Mimansa
Jain, Buddhist, and Charvak traditions

Week 8:Continuity of Philosophical Spirit

Vedanta: Philosophical systems (Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita).
Sufism in Indian Culture and Society
Ethics, morality, and social dilemma (including self-leadership) and their relevance in today's time.
How do Indians value spirituality? Spirituality and Social Responsibility;
Practical Vedanta for well-being (mindfulness, inter-connectedness, society-self relationship, etc.).

Week 9:Freedom Struggle and Intellectual Traditions

Colonial Era and Oriental Studies: Intellectual Movements, Societies
Srimad Bhagavadgita as Inspiration: Gandhian, Tilak, Aurobindo and Vivekananda
Indian Women and Knowledge Traditions over the ages
India got Independence: Partition, Literature and Impact
The Constitution and the Idea of India

Week 10:Educational Traditions