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I) Definition of TK
- a) knowledge systems
- b) skills
- c) practices
- d) innovations
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In Indian context
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knowledge from
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Vedas
- Upanishads
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- agriculture
- architecture
- metallurgy
- water management,
- astronomy
- mathematics
- folk traditions
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"Traditional Knowledge is the time-tested knowledge developed by communities over generations and transmitted through cultural traditions."
- "the knowledge possessed by the indigenous people and communities, in one or more societies and in one or more pattern, with, but not reserved to art, dance and music, medicines and folk remedies, folk culture, biodiversity, knowledge and protection of plant varieties, handicrafts, designs, literature"
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developed by indigenous and local communities over generations
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based on
- experience
- observation
- interaction with nature
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passed down through
- oral or written traditions
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II) Nature of TK
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Ancient yet living
- – still practiced today
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Community-based
- – owned collectively, not individually
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Experience-based
- – developed through trial and observation
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Holistic
- – connects science, nature, society, and spirituality
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Context-specific
- – suited to local climate, geography, and culture
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Orally transmitted
- – through stories, rituals, and practice (later documented)
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III) Characteristics of TK
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Sustainable
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promotes
- harmony with nature
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Dynamic
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evolves
- over time
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Practical and applied
- problem-solving in daily life
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Collective ownership
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shared by
- the community
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Cultural embeddedness
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linked with
- customs
- beliefs
- values
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Ethical orientation
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emphasizes
- duty
- balance
- responsibility
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Examples
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Ayurveda
- preventive healthcare
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Yoga
- physical and mental well-being
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IV) Scope of TK
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a) Health & Medicine
- Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani
- Herbal medicine, preventive healthcare
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b) Agriculture & Food Systems
- Organic farming
- Crop rotation, seed preservation
- Indigenous irrigation techniques
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c) Science & Technology
- Metallurgy (Wootz steel)
- Mathematics (zero, decimals)
- Astronomy (calendars, eclipses)
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d) Architecture & Engineering
- Vastu Shastra
- Temple architecture
- Earthquake-resistant structures
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e) Environment & Ecology
- Forest conservation
- Sacred groves
- Water harvesting systems
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V) Importance of TK
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For Society
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Preserves
- cultural identity
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Strengthens
- community wisdom
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Promotes
- sustainable living
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For Science & Technology
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Inspires
- eco-friendly technologies
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Provides
- cost-effective solutions
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Encourages
- interdisciplinary thinking
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Supports
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innovation rooted in Indian context
- modern science
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For Nation
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Protects
- intellectual heritage
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Prevents
- biopiracy
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Supports
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
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Bridges
- traditional wisdom with
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VI) Relevance in Modern Times
- Climate change solutions
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Green materials and design
- Healthcare innovation
- AI + traditional data (e.g., medicinal plants)
- Traditional Knowledge forms the foundation of Indian civilization, offering sustainable, ethical, and practical solutions that remain relevant for modern engineering and technological development.
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Summary
- TK is not outdated;
it is science refined by time.