Capsule Course: Foundations of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
FACILITATOR / INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Capsule : Foundations of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
Duration: 6 Hours (3 sessions × 2 hours)
Format: Live or Self-paced with video + reading material + quiz
Course Description
This capsule introduces the civilizational framework of Bharatiya Jñāna Paramparā (Indian Knowledge Systems). Learners explore the Vedas, Vedāṅgas, Upavedas, and classical knowledge organization, and map IKS to contemporary education and research contexts.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the scope and structure of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- Identify the six Vedāṅgas and key Upavedas with their domains of application.
- Relate IKS to modern curricula and research agendas (e.g., NEP 2020 alignment).
- Demonstrate basic literacy in IKS terminology and sources.
Curriculum
- Session 1: What is IKS? – Defining Bharatiya Jnana Parampara
- Session 2: Six Vedangas & Upavedas – Knowledge Classification
- Session 3: Integration of IKS in NEP & Global Relevance
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the core components of IKS and their historical development
- Identify the structure and subjects of Vedic learning systems
- Explain the contemporary importance of IKS in education and research
Course Structure Overview
Session. Title Duration Delivery Mode Key Focus
1 What is IKS? Foundations & Sources 2 hrs Live / Recorded Civilizational context; corpus overview
2 Six Vedāṅgas & Upavedas 2 hrs Live / Recorded Knowledge classification & applications
3 IKS Today: NEP, Research & Careers 2 hrs Live / Recorded Contemporary relevance, research areas
Session 1: What is IKS? Foundations & Sources
Focus: Civilizational context; corpus overview
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Reading handout (IKS overview PDF)
- Invocation / mantra sheet (optional)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Define IKS; historical arc Sources (Śruti/Smṛti), branches, exemplars Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Sources (Śruti/Smṛti), branches, exemplars Storytelling + visual map
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘What does holistic knowledge mean to me?’ Individual writings
65-90 Practical Activity IKS taxonomy sorting exercise Small groups /breakout
90–110 Group Sharing Key insights & questions Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read the provided IKS primer (10–12 pages).
- Write 200–300 words on one Vedāṅga or Upaveda of interest.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Session 2: Six Vedāṅgas & Upavedas
Focus: Knowledge classification & applications
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Reading handout (IKS overview PDF)
- Invocation / mantra sheet (optional)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Define IKS; historical arc Sources (Śruti/Smṛti), branches, exemplars Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Sources (Śruti/Smṛti), branches, exemplars Storytelling + visual map
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘What does holistic knowledge mean to me?’ Individual writings
65-90 Practical Activity IKS taxonomy sorting exercise Small groups /breakout
90–110 Group Sharing Key insights & questions Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read the provided IKS primer (10–12 pages).
- Write 200–300 words on one Vedāṅga or Upaveda of interest.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Session 3: IKS Today: NEP, Research & Careers
Focus: Contemporary relevance, research areas
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Reading handout (IKS overview PDF)
- Invocation / mantra sheet (optional)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Define IKS; historical arc Sources (Śruti/Smṛti), branches, exemplars Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Sources (Śruti/Smṛti), branches, exemplars Storytelling + visual map
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘What does holistic knowledge mean to me?’ Individual writings
65-90 Practical Activity IKS taxonomy sorting exercise Small groups /breakout
90–110 Group Sharing Key insights & questions Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read the provided IKS primer (10–12 pages).
- Write 200–300 words on one Vedāṅga or Upaveda of interest.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Suggested Readings & Resources
- NEP 2020 sections on IKS (Govt. of India).
- Secondary sources: ‘Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems’ (selected chapters).
- Open-source repositories: Indology and Sanskrit libraries (public domain).
Facilitator’s Spiritual Grounding
- Invoke your lineage (Guru-parampara) or personal Ishta Devata before the session.
- Anchor the session with a brief sankalpa: ‘May this knowledge serve the welfare of all beings.’
- Maintain a compassionate, non-judgmental tone; honor śraddhā (faith) and viveka (discernment).
Learner Engagement Tips
- Begin with a short invocation or 3 rounds of Om; end with a Shanti Mantra.
- Use Sanskrit terms with clear English gloss; invite questions with humility.
- Incorporate dyads (pair-sharing) and brief journaling to deepen reflection.
- Leverage breakout rooms (for live) or forum prompts (for LMS) for peer learning.
Assessment Plan
Type Method Purpose
Reflection Short journal entry or verbal check-in Gauge insight and personal integration
Quiz MCQ (8–10 items) per course Check understanding of key concepts
Certificate Attendance + quiz ≥ 60% + assignment Eligibility for e-Certificate
Post-Course Wrap-Up
- Share slides, recordings (if any), and reading list PDFs.
- Collect feedback via LMS form; compile insights for course improvement.
- Suggest next-step pathways (advanced capsule or full program).
Course Fees:
- All live online Capsule courses are offered free of charge. Participants are welcome to make voluntary donations at our donation page during or after the course to support its continuation and delivery.
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All digital (email based) and pre-recorded video courses are offered for a nominal fee to support digitization efforts and associated operational costs.
Registration and Commencement of Course:
- Live online course: Registration is required to enroll. Once 60 registrations are received for a particular course, the start date will be announced on the portal. We encourage you to regularly check the portal for updates.
- Digital correspondence (email based) and Pre-recorded Video courses: Registration is required to enroll. Upon successful enrollment, the course will begin promptly.
- Upon successful registration of digital (email based) courses, participants will start receiving lectures and course material through email.
- Upon successful registration of pre-recorded courses, participants will receive a secure link granting access to the video-based lectures.