Project Overview
The proposed IKS Centre at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University) is inspired by the vision of the interconnectedness and interdisciplinary approach of Indian Knowledge Systems. This proposal is based on the concept – kāṇādaṃ pāṇinīyaṃ ca sarvaśāstropakārakaṃ || – the works of Kaṇāda and Pāṇinī are helpful for all the shastras. In ancient India, knowledge in a particular sphere was developed through a multidisciplinary approach linking other branches of knowledge. Keeping this as a long-term developmental goal, the IKS Center of Amrita University has chosen Āyurveda, Darśanas, and Vyākaraṇa as focus areas representing the broad IKS themes – (2) Upavedas ( with a focus on Āyurveda), (3) Darśanas (with an emphasis on Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, and Sāṅkhya) and (4) Śāstras (with an emphasis on Vyākaraṇa). Focussed research, educational, and outreach activities have been formulated in the chosen areas to demonstrate the strengths and contemporary relevance of these disciplines for the betterment of human life, even as the synergistic dynamism between them will be highlighted through collaborative work. The team working on Āyurveda will focus on the topic “Ārogyasaṃskṛti” and develop a database on health-related issues codified in non-Ayurvedic Sanskrit texts to create a knowledge base to revitalize the health culture of India rooted in its traditions. The team working on Darsanas will formulate a research methodology (Parīkṣā Paddhati) inspired by Indian epistemology and ontology that can be applied for knowledge creation in IKS. The team working on Vyākaraṇa will bring out a zero draft of the critical edition (Pāṭhavimarśanātmaka sampādana and adhyayana) of Paṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyi.
Objectives
- To nurture interdisciplinary research linking different IKS disciplines in the focus areas of Āyurveda, Vyākaraṇa, and Darśanas.In this project, the linkages of Āyurveda with other Sanskrit literature covering different domains of IKS will be explored. The relations between Āyurveda and especially Darśanas will be studied through research methods, epistemology, and ontology.
- To develop an appropriate research methodology blending ancient approaches for knowledge creation with modern scientific research methods.In this project, the methods of knowledge creation in Nyaya, Vaisesika, and Sankhya that blends science and spirituality will be integrated with modern scientific research methods to formulate a research methodology that will be appropriate to conduct current research on IKS.
- To offer educational programs with the goal of mentoring younger generation scholars in the chosen focus areas of the IKS.Training and mentoring programs will be conducted in the areas of Āyurveda, Vyākaraṇa, and Darśanas for young scholars. Promising young scholars will be allowed to participate in the center’s research activities.
- To disseminate research results in the chosen focus areas by publishing books and research papers, organizing symposia and workshops, and creating audio-visual materials.In this project, a Ārogyasaṃskṛti web portal showcasing the health culture of ancient India will be developed, zero drafts of a critically edited section of Aṣtādhyāyī will be published document delineating an integrated research methodology for IKS will be published apart from other activities and outputs mentioned above.
