Mumbai University introduces Indian Knowledge Systems course for over 900 colleges

The book launch of the Indian Knowledge Systems textbook at Mumbai University. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Students from over 900 colleges will now learn how to derive the square root of a number... the way Aryabhata did. They may also read up on how "Arthashastra is used by RAW and the CIA", "mercury is seen as the masculine principle, and sulphur is viewed as the feminine principle" in alchemy, or how Acharya Sushruta pioneered plastic surgery and rhinoplasty over 2000 years ago.

These are the topics touched upon by the first-ever Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) textbook published by Mumbai University. With 22 basic chapters, this compulsory subject is to be taught to students of all affiliated colleges.

The textbook focuses on topics such as Ayurveda, Indian alchemy, Indian aesthetics, yoga, Natyashastra, ancient sports, and ancient warfare strategies, among others. The 150-pager draws up the curriculum for the two-credit course, where students have to score out of 50.

The textbook cover, featuring Mumbai University's Rajabai ClockTower in the foreground; (right) A page highlighting the salience of ancient texts

As per Dr Prakash Masram, associate professor at the history department and the editor of the book, the contents were selected to ensure inclusion of all disciplines, from commerce to linguistics, while also giving focus to the history of Maharashtra. The book draws from the IKS syllabus, mentioning the Vedas, Charaka Samhita, and Arthashastra, alongside a few headers explaining excerpts from Jainism and Buddhism.

"The book will be applicable to students of all disciplines, be it engineering, humanities, or social sciences. While autonomous colleges follow their own syllabus, our nearly 900 affiliated colleges now have their textbook chalked out," said Masram.

Asked how the scope of the syllabus was decided, Dr Madhav Rajwade, editor-in-chief of the book and principal of Sathaye College, told mid-day, "The rich Indian history does not start and end at certain topics, and the syllabus was decided based on the guidelines released by the University Grants Commission." As per officials, the university has held four IKS training sessions for professors over the past two years. As per the professors, the book is soon to be translated into Marathi.

Excerpts from the new book

>> "According to reports, over 80% of Indians use Ayurveda and medicinal plants for their primary medical needs."
>> "According to Rasavidya, Mercury must undergo 18 different treatments or samskaras (processing), for using it as a promoter of long and prosperous life and to convert base metals into the noble ones."
>> "Elaborate details of (these) samskaras are found in some important texts. They include rubbing with various plant juices and extracts, incorporation of sulphur, mica, saltpetre, certain alkaline substances, cow's urine and sour gruel."
>> "It is believed that an Indian Buddhist monk introduced Kalari, an indigenous martial art in India, to China and Japan in the 5th century. He taught this martial art at a temple."
>> "It (IKS) will highlight the contribution of India to the social and scientific branches of learning and will make the learner understand India's position as a vishva-guru."