Indian Knowledge System (IKS) – Concepts and Applications in Engineering

 

Week 1: Indian Knowledge System – An Introduction

1. Define Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and explain its significance.

2. Why is it necessary to integrate IKS into modern education?

3. Explain the organization and structure of the Indian Knowledge System.

4. Describe the historical evolution of IKS with suitable examples.

5. Discuss any four salient aspects of the Indian Knowledge System.

6. Compare IKS with Western knowledge systems in terms of objectives and methodology.

7. How has IKS influenced the development of science and technology in India?

8. Write short notes on the interdisciplinary nature of IKS.

9. Explain the relevance of IKS in solving modern engineering problems.

10. Discuss the role of IKS in sustainable development.

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Week 2: The Vedic Corpus

1. Describe the structure and purpose of the four Vedas.

2. Explain the sub-classification of Vedas with examples.

3. What are the main messages conveyed in the Vedas?

4. Write short notes on Vedāṅgas and their importance.

5. Explain Śikṣā and Vyākaraṇa as branches of Vedāṅgas.

6. What is Nirukta? How does it help in understanding ancient texts?

7. Discuss the significance of Chandas in Vedic literature.

8. Explain the role of Kalpa in the Vedic system.

9. What is Jyotiṣa and why was it important in Vedic life?

10. Discuss any three distinctive features of Vedic life.

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Week 3: Number Systems and Units of Measurement

1. Explain the historical evidence of number systems in ancient India.

2. Discuss salient aspects of Indian mathematics.

3. Describe the Bhūta-Saṃkhyā system with examples.

4. Explain the Kaṭapayādi system of numerical representation.

5. How were measurements for time, distance, and weight standardized in ancient India?

6. Describe Piṅgala’s contribution to the binary system.

7. Compare the Indian number system with the modern decimal system.

8. Discuss the application of ancient Indian measurement systems in architecture.

9. Write a note on ancient astronomical time measurement.

10. How did Indian mathematicians ensure precision in measurements?

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Week 4: Mathematics

1. Explain the unique aspects of Indian mathematics.

2. Describe contributions of any two Indian mathematicians in detail.

3. Discuss the development of algebra in ancient India.

4. How was geometry applied in temple construction?

5. Describe the evolution of trigonometry in Indian mathematics.

6. Explain binary mathematics in Chandaḥ Śāstra.

7. Discuss the role of combinatorics in ancient Indian mathematics.

8. Write short notes on magic squares in India.

9. Compare Indian algebraic methods with Greek methods.

10. Explain how Indian mathematical concepts influenced other civilizations.

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Week 5: Astronomy

1. Outline the main contributions of ancient India to astronomy.

2. Explain the celestial coordinate system used in Indian astronomy.

3. Describe the elements of the Indian calendar system.

4. What is the concept of years and months in Indian astronomy?

5. Explain the components of a Pañcāṅga.

6. Describe any two astronomical instruments used in ancient India.

7. Discuss the significance of Jantar Mantar in astronomical studies.

8. Compare Indian astronomical methods with modern techniques.

9. Explain the role of astronomy in agricultural planning in ancient India.

10. How did astronomical observations influence Indian festivals?

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Week 6: Engineering & Technology – Metals and Metalworking

1. Explain the historical significance of Wootz steel.

2. Discuss the heritage of Indian science and technology.

3. Describe ancient mining and ore extraction techniques.

4. Write a note on metals and metalworking technology in India.

5. Explain the evolution of iron and steel production in India.

6. Describe the lost wax casting process.

7. Explain apparatuses used for metallic component extraction.

8. Compare ancient and modern metallurgical processes.

9. Discuss the role of metallurgy in Indian weapon making.

10. How did metalworking influence trade in ancient India?

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Week 7: Engineering & Technology – Other Applications

1. Explain ancient irrigation systems in South India.

2. Describe the role of literary sources in understanding science and technology.

3. Discuss major physical structures in ancient India.

4. Explain water management techniques in Indian civilization.

5. Describe ancient dye and painting technology.

6. Write a note on perfume-making in India.

7. Explain surgical techniques from ancient Indian texts.

8. Discuss the shipbuilding tradition in India.

9. What are the sixty-four art forms (64 Kalās)? Give examples.

10. Explain the status of indigenous S&T during colonial rule.

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Week 8: Town Planning and Architecture

1. Describe town planning principles in Arthaśāstra.

2. What is Vāstu-śāstra? Explain its importance.

3. List and explain the eight limbs of Vāstu.

4. Discuss ancient Indian approaches to urban planning.

5. Explain the engineering aspects of temple construction.

6. Compare Nagara and Dravidian temple architecture.

7. What is iconography? Give examples from Indian temples.

8. Explain how climate influenced ancient Indian architecture.

9. Describe water storage structures in ancient towns.

10. How did town planning promote sustainability in ancient India?

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Week 9: Knowledge Framework and Classifications

1. Explain the Indian scheme of knowledge.

2. Describe the knowledge triangle.

3. What is Prameya? Explain with examples.

4. Explain Dravyas as constituents of physical reality.

5. Describe attributes and actions in Vaiśeṣika philosophy.

6. Explain Sāmānya, Viśeṣa, and Samavāya with examples.

7. What is Pramāṇa? Discuss its types.

8. Explain the concept of Saṃśaya in knowledge systems.

9. Outline the framework for establishing valid knowledge.

10. Differentiate between deductive and inductive logic.

11. Give examples of potential fallacies in reasoning.

12. Explain Siddhānta with examples.

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Week 10: Linguistics

1. Explain the significance of Aṣṭādhyāyī in Sanskrit grammar.

2. Describe the role of phonetics in linguistics.

3. Explain the process of word generation in Sanskrit.

4. Discuss computational aspects of ancient linguistic systems.

5. How were mnemonics used in preserving knowledge?

6. Explain recursive operations in Panini’s grammar.

7. Describe rule-based operations in Sanskrit linguistics.

8. Explain sentence formation rules in Sanskrit.

9. Describe the role of verbs and prefixes in word meaning.

10. Explain how Sanskrit contributes to natural language processing.

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