Seminar on the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) by the Departments of Journalism and Mass Communication, Sociology, Human Rights and Film Studies
The Departments of Journalism and Mass Communication, Sociology, Human Rights and Film Studies, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Loreto College, organised a seminar on the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) on 12 November 2025. The session was conducted by Professor Mau Das Gupta, Head of the Department of Sanskrit, University of Calcutta.
Professor Das Gupta offered a comprehensive overview of the origins and significance of the Indian Knowledge System, drawing primarily on the Vedic tradition. She highlighted the Rigveda as a foundational text of ancient Indian thought, noting its rich oral heritage and its reflections on the cultural, philosophical and social life of early India. She emphasised the Vedic pursuit of knowledge, the concept of rta (cosmic order), and the intellectual openness that allowed for diverse interpretations and ideas.
The speaker further explained how various branches of knowledge emerged from the Vedic corpus. She introduced the six Vedangas as early scientific and linguistic disciplines and referenced major scholarly contributions such as Panini's A???dhy?y?, celebrated globally as a landmark in linguistic analysis. She also touched upon early mathematical texts like the ?ulba S?tras and noted the Vedic roots of fields such as medicine, sociology and music.
A significant part of the lecture focused on the inclusive nature of Vedic knowledge-reflected in contributions by women seers and later texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which helped democratise philosophical ideas for wider audiences.
Professor Das Gupta concluded by underscoring the openness of Indian philosophical traditions, which welcomed diverse viewpoints and fostered a culture of intellectual dialogue.
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