UNIT I

Chapter 1
An Introduction to Indian Literature

Indian literature means the verbal form of Indian knowledge. The verbal form means 'the source
of knowledge,' whose main form is the Vedas. It is mainly divided into four Vedas. These Vedas
are spread across different branches. The expansion of Vedic mantras is found in Samhitas,
Aranyakas, Brahmana texts, Upanishads, Kalpa-sutras, Shrauta-sutras, Dharma-sutras, and
Grihya-sutras.
 Each Veda has a 'Shiksha' text for its sound and word knowledge.
 To understand the Vedas, one needs to study its components. These are Shiksha, Kalpa,
Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, and Jyotisha, which are the limbs of the Vedas.
 In Indian literature, Arsha Kavya, which we call history, holds an important place. Its
vocabulary is also very extensive. It includes the 'Mahabharata', which is spread over one
lakh (100,000) shlokas, and the 'Shrimad Valmiki Ramayana', composed of twenty-four
thousand shlokas. Based on these two historical texts, various poets have created
Mahakavyas (epic poems), Khandakavyas (narrative poems), Sandesh Kavyas (message
poems), Raga Kavyas (lyrical poems), and Stotra Kavyas (hymnal poems).
 Philosophy also falls under the form of Indian literature. It gives us insight. It provides
arguments and logic to understand Vedic principles and to refute other untrue and false
principles. And it introduces us to the truth.
What we know as 'Shad Darshana' (Six Schools of Philosophy) are the philosophies that
accept the Vedas as authority. Their names are Sankhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Nyaya,
Purva Mimamsa, and Uttara Mimamsa. These are the six astika (orthodox) philosophies.
 The philosophies that do not accept Vedic authority include 'Charvaka-Jain-Buddha'
darshanas.
 There are also many different traditions and various texts created in the schools of Nyaya
and Mimamsa.
  Mimamsa Shastra is very helpful in understanding the meaning of Vedic sentences and
determining their implications.
 Nyaya Shastra (Logic) helps in refuting arguments and establishing truth, supporting
one's own views and refuting others'.
 Vedanta, which describes philosophy, includes explanations of soul, world, God, maya,
and atma. Different acharyas (teachers) have expounded various principles to understand
these. It includes diverse theories like Advaita, Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaitadvaita,
Shuddhadvaita, etc., in Indian literature, which expound Vedic principles.
 Tantra-Agama, meaning Tantra Shastra and Agama Shastra, is also a part of Indian
literature. It includes 'Shaivagama, Shaktagama, Vaishnavagama' which describe the
nature of deities, creation principles, worship, and mantras for various desires.
 Eighteen Puranas and Upapuranas are also part of Indian literature, describing various
deities and explaining Vedic principles and Dharma Shastra.
 Dharma Shastra: The four Vedas contain 'Dharma-sutras', and Smriti texts describing
'rules and prohibitions' according to Vedic dharma are also part of Indian literature.
 Grammar, lexicons, and the concept of attaining liberation through Shabda Sphota (word
manifestation) are also covered in Indian literature.
 Jyotisha Shastra (Astrology) includes both predictive and mathematical aspects, while
Ayurveda encompasses both ancient and modern principles.
 Political science, music, and economics are also important components of Indian
literature.

Eighteen Fields of Knowledge

These are the two Sanskrit verses describing the Ashtadasha Vidya (Eighteen Fields of
Knowledge).

From Yajnavalkya Smriti 1.3:

"Angani vedashchatvaro mimamsa nyayavistarah |
Dharmashastram purananca vidyahyetashchaturdasha ||"

Translation:
"The six Vedangas, the four Vedas, Mimamsa, the elaborate Nyaya,
Dharma Shastra, and Purana - these are the fourteen fields of knowledge."

From Vishnu Purana 3.6.28:

"Ayurvedo dhanurvedo gandharvashcheti te trayah |
Arthashastram chaturtham tu vidyah hyashtadashaiva tah ||"

Translation:
"Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, and Gandharva are the three,
Arthashastra is the fourth, thus completing the eighteen fields of knowledge.

 The Vedas are called apaurusheya (not of human origin) because they were not written by
human intellect. The Vedic mantras were heard by seer-sages (rishis) in a state of deep
meditation, and these mantras emerged from the mouths of these rishis. The compilation
of such mantras was done by Vyasa Muni, which is called 'Adi Veda' (original Veda),
and since then, Vyasa Muni has been known as Veda Vyasa.

 Veda Vyasa then expanded the Veda into four parts. These four Vedas are as follows: (1)
Rigveda (2) Yajurveda (3) Samaveda and (4) Atharvaveda

 Ashtadasha, meaning eighteen fields of knowledge, includes these four Vedas. Then, six
Vedangas are included, which are as follows:
(1) Shiksha (2) Vyakarana (3) Nirukta (4) Jyotisha (5) Chhanda and (6) Kalpa

 After this, the eighteen fields of knowledge include four shastras, which are as follows:
(1) Mimamsa (2) Nyaya Darshana (3) 18 Puranas and (4) Dharmasutra
Here, Mimamsa and Nyaya Darshana are two of the six schools of philosophy. (The six
schools are Yoga and Sankhya, Nyaya and Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara
Mimamsa)
  In addition to this, the eighteen fields of knowledge include four Upavedas. These are as
follows:
(1) Ayurveda (2) Dhanurveda (3) Gandharvaveda and (4) Arthashastra /
Sthapatyashastra"

 This text provides an overview of the traditional classification of knowledge in ancient

Indian tradition, focusing on the Vedas, Vedangas, philosophical schools, and Upavedas.

Four Vedas

(1) Rigveda
Rigveda is the primary Veda in terms of antiquity and earliest availability. Rigveda is the source
of all knowledge, meaning it's the foundational text for all. Veda Vyasa first taught the Rigveda
to Rishi Paila. Subsequently, Rishi Paila began teaching the Rigveda to others, which is why
Rishi Paila is considered the first carrier of the Rigveda study tradition. Rigveda is derived from
the word 'Ric' or 'Rik', which means 'hymn-based mantra'. Rigveda contains a total of 8
Ashtakas, 10 Mandalas, 1028 Suktas, and 10,552 Mantras. Two Upanishads of Rigveda are
available:
(1) Aitareya and (2) Kaushitaki

(2) Yajurveda
It's called Yajurveda because it contains a collection of mantras related to Yajus (sacrifice). The
mantras used to perform yajna (sacrifice) are called Yajus. Yajurveda has two main types: 1.
Shukla Yajurveda and 2. Krishna Yajurveda. Shukla Yajurveda has 15 branches and Krishna
Yajurveda has 85 branches. Two Upanishads are available in Shukla Yajurveda: 1. Ishopanishad
and 2. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Four Upanishads are available in Krishna Yajurveda:
(1) Taittiriya (2) Katha (3) Shvetashvatara and (4) Maitrayaniya

(3) Samaveda
Melodic mantras are called Sama or Saman. When the Richas or mantras of Rigveda are sung in
a special singing method, they are called 'Saman or Sama'. Samaveda has two main parts:
Purvarchika and Uttararchika. Purvarchika has 4 Kandas, 6 chapters, and a total of 650 mantras,
while Uttararchika has 21 chapters and 1225 mantras. So, Samaveda has a total of 1875 mantras.
Two Upanishads of Samaveda are available: (1) Kenopanishad and (2) Chandogya Upanishad.

(4) Atharvaveda
Compared to the three Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda, Atharvaveda is more modern
and has many unique features. Atharvaveda contains many Suktas that teach self-knowledge.
Atharvaveda is an encyclopedia of knowledge. It fully encompasses the Vedic-era civilization,
culture, knowledge, and science. Atharvaveda has 20 Kandas, 731 Suktas, and 5987 mantras.
Two Upanishads of Atharvaveda are available: (1) Prashnopanishad and (2) Mundakopanishad.

Vedangas

The limbs (or parts) of the Veda and the auxiliary texts of the Veda are called Vedangas. These
auxiliary elements, which are necessary to know the deep and real meaning of the Veda, are
called Vedangas. Acharya Panini, in the Panini Sutra, has described Vedangas as parts of the
Veda Purusha (personification of the Veda).

There are six types of Vedangas - Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, and Jyotisha

Shiksha:
Shiksha is considered as the nose of the Veda Purusha. The main purpose of this composition is
the correct pronunciation of Vedic mantras and their protection through it. Shiksha describes the
pronunciation method of letters and their places of articulation. It includes aspects like varna
(letter), svara (accent), matra (duration), bala (strength), sama (evenness), santana (continuity),
etc.

Kalpa:
Kalpa is considered as the hands of the Veda Purusha. It contains descriptions of sacrificial
procedures and Vedic rituals. It instructs which Vedic mantras should be used in what order.
There are four types of Kalpa:
(1) Shrauta Sutra: Describes Vedic sacrifices. Seven Havir-yajnas and seven Soma-yajnas are
primary.
(2) Grihya Sutra: Detailed description of household duties and rituals like five yajnas, sixteen
samskaras, house-entering ceremony, etc.
(3) Dharma Sutra: Describes rules for varnas (castes), ashramas (life stages), and social norms.
(4) Shulva Sutra: Shulva means cord or measure. It describes the construction and measurement
of sacrificial altars. This text is related to mathematics.

Vyakarana:
Vyakarana is called the mouth of the Veda Purusha. Just as one cannot eat without a mouth and
nourish the body, similarly, without grammar, it's impossible to protect the body of the Veda
Purusha. Therefore, grammar is given a high place as the primary knowledge of Vedanga. This is
because systematic knowledge of words is only possible through grammar. Grammar is
necessary for the true understanding of Vedic mantras.

Nirukta:
Nirukta is the science of etymology or derivation of Vedic words. Yaska Acharya composed
Nirukta Shastra to understand Vedic words and their true meanings. The purpose of Nirukta is to
know the root form of words. Difficult words in the Vedas are interpreted or explained through
Nirukta. Nirukta can be called the ears of the Veda Purusha.

Chhanda:
Chhanda is accepted as the feet of the Veda Purusha. Without the knowledge of Chhanda,
rhythmic pronunciation of Vedic mantras is impossible. There are various types of Chhanda, and
each verse is composed based on the count of certain words. Therefore, knowledge of Chhanda
is necessary for the pronunciation of Vedas.

Jyotisha:
Jyotisha is the eyes of the Veda Purusha. Sacrifices (yajnas) are of utmost importance in the
Vedas. The calculation of time creation is done in Jyotisha. Jyotisha Vedanga is the knowledge
and calculation of when to start any work in which time period. Any sacrifice is performed by
observing the prescribed season, fortnight, date, and auspicious time, and the correct calculation
and knowledge of planetary movements is Jyotisha.

Puranas:
Puranas hold a highly esteemed position in Sanskrit literature. Puranas are also mentioned in the
enumeration of eighteen disciplines. According to Yaska, Purana means that which, despite
being ancient, is still new. "पुराणं कस्मात्? पुरा नवं भवित।" (Nirukta 3.19). If we
interpret the general meaning of Purana, it refers to the detailed narrative descriptions of events
from ancient times. In the Chandogya Upanishad, Puranas are accepted as the fifth Veda. The
credit for composing the Puranas goes to Maharishi Vyasa. There are 18 Puranas.

The 18 Puranas (according to Bhagavata Purana 12/7/23-24):

1. Brahma
2. Padma
3. Vishnu
4. Shiva
5. Linga
6. Garuda
7. Narada
8. Bhagavata
9. Agni
10. Skanda
11. Bhavishya
12. Brahma Vaivarta
13. Markandeya
14. Vamana
15. Varaha
16. Matsya
17. Kurma
18. Brahmanda
Puranas generally have five special characteristics:

1) Puranas describe the process of creation

2) They describe four types of destructions
3) They describe the lineages of various dynasties
4) They describe the 14 Manvantaras (eras of Manu)
5) They describe the histories of kings

Nyaya:
Nyaya is one of the six darshanas (philosophies). The founder of Nyaya philosophy is Maharishi
Gautama. According to Vatsyayana, the commentator of Nyaya Shastra, "Nyaya is the
examination of objects through various means of valid knowledge" (Nyaya Bhashya 1.1.1).
Nyaya is divided into two parts: ancient Nyaya and new Nyaya. The foundational text of Nyaya
philosophy is the Nyaya Sutra, which contains 5 chapters and approximately 500 sutras.

Mimamsa:
The word Mimamsa means 'reflection' or 'critical investigation'. Mimamsa is the act of thinking
deeply about any subject. This philosophy is also called the 'science of thought'.

There are two types of Mimamsa:

1. Purva Mimamsa (earlier Mimamsa)
2. Uttara Mimamsa (later Mimamsa)

Purva Mimamsa mainly deals with the investigation of dharma (duty/righteousness), while
Uttara Mimamsa focuses on the investigation of Brahman (the ultimate reality).

Mimamsa is an astika (orthodox) philosophy that is completely based on the Vedas. It primarily
deals with the interpretation of the ritualistic portions of the Vedas. In fact, this philosophy was
developed to prove the importance of rituals like havan, yajna, bali, etc. Its founder was Rishi
Jaimini, who outlined this philosophy clearly in the Mimamsa Sutras.

This philosophy accepts the existence of the soul, heaven, hell, and Vedic deities, in addition to
the earth. Mimamsa philosophy considers the soul as a substance that is the basis of
consciousness. Due to its acceptance of multiple deities, Mimamsa is called polytheistic.

There are three schools of Mimamsa: Bhatta school, Prabhakara school, and Mishra school.

Dharmashastra:
The primary aim of Indian Vedic culture is to expound dharma. Here, dharma doesn't mean any
particular religion or sect, but duty. Dharmashastra is counted as a separate discipline. Every
caste and individual has their own duties, such as the duty of a student, teacher, king, etc. These
duties constitute dharma. Dharmashastra defines the duties of women, kings, students, citizens,
Brahmins, etc. Manu Smriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Harita Smriti, Shankha Smriti, etc., are
considered Dharmashastras.

Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is the medical system of the gods, knowledge of which was imparted to great earthly
teachers for human welfare. The Ashvini Kumars are considered the original teachers of this
science, who performed miraculous treatments like attaching a goat's head to Daksha Prajapati's
body. It's said that the Ashvini Kumars taught this knowledge to Indra, who then taught it to
Dhanvantari. Prominent Ayurvedic teachers include the Ashvini Kumars, Dhanvantari, Kashi
King Divodasa, Nakula, Sahadeva, Chyavana, Janaka, Paila, Agastya, Sushruta, Charaka, etc.

Dhanurveda:
According to Shukraniti, Dhanurveda is an Upaveda of the Sama Veda. It's mentioned in the
Mahabharata as "धनुर्वेदः स्य सूक्ष्मं च यन्त्र सूक्ष्मं च नागरम्". This
discipline includes archery and military science. Dhanurveda is the science that describes the art
of archery. This discipline was very popular in ancient times, not only in India but also in Persia,
Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Major texts of this discipline were taught to princes and Kshatriya
youths. Dhanurveda texts by Vishwamitra, Vasishtha, Jamadagni, Vaishampayana, and
Vikramaditya are well-known.

Gandharvaveda:
It is one of the four Upavedas. Gandharvaveda is the Upaveda of Samaveda. It includes Indian
music education, ragas, singing, musical instruments, and dancing. Indian music is not just for
entertainment; it is connected to spirituality. The ultimate goal of human life is moksha
(liberation), and Indian music plays a crucial role in its pursuit. Indian scholars have called
Gandharvaveda the fifth Veda. Bharatamuni's Natyashastra is the first text that establishes the
fundamental principles of drama, dance, and music.

Arthashastra:
In Sanskrit, 'Arthashastra' refers to political science. It doesn't mean the pursuit of wealth by all
people, but rather the king's pursuit of wealth, i.e., the means of gaining and maintaining earthly
benefits. Among texts on Arthashastra, Kautilya's "Arthashastra" is most famous. The author,
Kautilya, is believed to be Chanakya, who overthrew the Nanda dynasty of Magadha and
established the Maurya dynasty under Chandragupta. Kautilya wrote this text not just to guide
the Mauryan emperor but as an unprecedented work on political science for kings in general.

Sthaapatyaveda (Shilpaveda):
In Sanskrit, it's said that "All activities of a householder are not accomplished without a house."
Vastushastra is the ancient Indian science of building houses, palaces, buildings, or temples,
which can be considered the ancient form of modern architecture. It also includes how to arrange
things used in daily life. Its use is found in Hindu architecture. In South India, the foundation of
Vastu is traditionally considered to be the great sage Mayan, while in North India, Vishwakarma
is considered the founder.
 Chapter 2
Oral Tradition

The oral tradition or oral culture refers to the tradition or culture that transmits human knowledge
from one generation to another orally. It has played a crucial role in nurturing Indian culture.

The oral tradition passes down knowledge, science, customs, daily routines, arts, and literature
from generation to generation, not in written form but as oral or folk heritage established in
common people and society. It cannot be attributed to a single person's knowledge or credit; it is
based on the entire social structure.

In Indian literature, if there's any literature considered the most ancient or if there's an example
of ideal literature, it's the Vedas. The Vedas are called Shruti texts. Shruti means "that which is
heard." The compilation and writing of the Vedas happened much later, but in the guru-disciple
tradition, our Vedas and other literature were preserved orally.

Examples of Oral Tradition:

The oral tradition encompasses various styles. It can be considered a type of literature that
includes poems, songs, stories, tales, prayers, plays, nursery rhymes, proverbs, riddles, bhajans,
kirtans, folk tales, wise sayings, narratives, ballads, etc. These are based on people's own
experiences, thoughts, feelings, customs, beliefs, environment, and rituals.

The oral tradition has always been a connection between one generation and the next. It has
played an important role in guiding and directing new generations, keeping knowledge alive for
years even without being written down.

Nalanda University stands as a shining example before us. Even though Bakhtiyar Khilji burned
about 9 million books at Nalanda University, it is said that knowledge cannot be stolen or
destroyed. Accordingly, despite years of attempts by foreign invaders to destroy Indian culture,
burning books, and destroying inscriptions, it has been preserved to this day due to oral tradition,
vocal tradition, and the guru-disciple tradition.
In Indian culture, we find descriptions of 64 arts. Today, we don't have complete written
knowledge of these arts. Art is something that is learned through experience, from a guru, or
passed down through family traditions. The knowledge of these 16 arts is a prime example of the
oral tradition, where a father teaches his son, or a grandmother or mother teaches her daughter or
daughter-in-law, which continues to be passed down in the same form for years.

There are many examples in Indian culture that fall under oral traditions. The 16 sanskaras
(sacraments) are seen in every family and place in India, but the small traditional beliefs or
customs in these sacrament rituals differ from place to place. The variety in the dishes prepared,
clothes worn, and songs sung during these 16 sanskaras can be considered an example of oral
tradition.

Many sayings or proverbs that we often hear help us understand a lot or grasp what the speaker
means. The reason behind this is experience and oral tradition. For example, there's a saying -
"Distant mountains look beautiful." This proverb is likely very old, and we have no proof of its
author or where it was written. But this one sentence explains a lot: that we can't fully trust what
we see from afar because mountains that look beautiful from a distance can be rugged up close.
It advises not to be tempted or trust something just by seeing it from afar. This big idea is
conveyed in a short proverb, and we understand it because these words are used in our families,
and the emotional knowledge or thought behind it is what's important.

Often we feel that our ancestors, who have this knowledge, never studied and are uneducated.
But the advice given by them tells us a lot: 'Open the tap slowly, change the water, it will come
to take'. Don't let dirt go into the drain, otherwise the drain will get clogged. Don't eat while
lying down, or you'll become a crocodile. We hear many such sayings in our daily life, but we
can easily understand the culture behind them, or the concern for the environment, or deep
experience.

In this way, the oral tradition is not knowledge limited to a specific era or time. Although it is
ancient knowledge, it is knowledge that progresses forward according to every time and
circumstance. It is advanced with simplicity. Even today, we organize recitals of Ramayana
stories and Bhagavat stories. While we can find their books in every language, the reason behind
this is the oral tradition. Because no matter how much knowledge is in a book, certain things said
by certain individuals have a certain impact, and that impact plays an important role in bringing
about changes in society, thoughts, and culture. It's the same saying, but it depends on how it's
said and who says it, which is why the oral tradition is just as effective. And it is influential even
in the modern age.
 Chapter 3
The Global Need for Indian Knowledge Tradition

The Indian knowledge tradition has been promoting education systems, traditions, and humanity
since ancient times. It emphasizes self-reliance and universal values like respect for all. In the
Vedas, knowledge is considered the best foundation for humanity. Fundamentally, the Indian
knowledge system includes Vedic philosophy and practical education, arts and crafts,
agriculture, health, science, architecture, astronomy, and many other subjects. Studying these
leads to adaptation in modern life and integration towards the direction of change.

It includes a wide range of ancient knowledge and science passed down through generations,
including traditional medicine, astrology, yoga, meditation, martial arts, and community living.
These play an important role in Indian culture and history. The main pillars of all these are Vedic
literature, which encompasses Indian culture and spirituality. Vedic literature has influenced
various fields of literature, art, music, architecture, and governance by providing philosophical
teachings, moral principles, and practices, as well as a deep understanding and inner vision of
knowledge from ancient India, which have been shaping the Indian way of life for thousands of
years.

Today, the role of yoga and meditation in physical, mental, and spiritual development is
recognized globally. Indian philosophy presents a unique perspective of self-observation. Nyaya
philosophy focuses on logic and epistemology, while Vaisheshika philosophy explores nature
and reality through analysis of their combinations. Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta
philosophies laid the foundation for profound philosophical thought.

Ancient Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta made significant discoveries in
arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Aryabhata's knowledge of the solar system's heliocentric
model was ahead of its time.

* Global problems
* Family dissolution
* Terrorism
* Global pandemic
* Pollution
* Corruption
* Global warming
* Poverty
* Mental stress

The 21st century is the century of modernity. The 21st century means progress in science and
technology at a pace the world is advancing. While there has certainly been development, along
with material comforts, some problems have also arisen. If these problems are not properly
solved, development will slow down. Man's fundamental search is for peace, which he will not
find anywhere due to these problems.

* Family dissolution
In Indian tradition, family itself is considered humanity, where the feeling of individuality or
separation is not developed. It's not centered on one person's thoughts, but considers the interests
of the family, society, nation, and the world. This perspective makes the Indian view different
and superior to others. It sees the whole world as one family and views the citizens of India as its
own family, as brothers and sisters.

* Terrorism
Terrorism is the biggest problem facing the entire world. The attack on the World Trade Center
in America is considered an attack on the whole world. In India, the attacks on Mumbai's Taj
Hotel, Parliament House, and Gujarat's Akshardham Temple have stunned India.
The world today is divided into many borders. Religion and culture are divided into various
factions, spreading pollution like terrorism. In Indian Shruti and Smriti texts, the 10
characteristics of dharma are purity, forgiveness, compassion, non-stealing, sense control,
intelligence, knowledge, truth, absence of anger, self-control, etc. Following these characteristics
of dharma cultivates the feeling of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). The mind
becomes stable, and no ill thoughts or violence arise towards any person or religion.
* Mental stress
The original knowledge and education system were designed in accordance with nature and
health. Its aim was to create a healthy, well-organized, cultured, and educated society. In it, the
individual was part of a group, developing personally and contributing to the state's
development, with dharma, artha, kama, and moksha being the four important points. As a result,
the individual could develop while staying physically and mentally healthy. In contrast, Western
culture provides education focused on self-centeredness and self-development. As a result,
Western economic development has been very rapid, but mentally, the individual has become
lonely. Despite having everything, the individual is not happy because they cannot cope with
situations. To solve this, yoga philosophy is the most useful science in Indian tradition. Through
Ashtanga yoga, one can face every adverse and favorable situation in life with mental and
physical health, and also attain moksha.

* Pollution (Global Warming)

One of the biggest problems of the present age is environment and pollution. The main reasons
for this are uncontrolled industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. The blind rush of
rural people towards cities, excessive industrialization has caused air, water, and land pollution
to cross dangerous levels. As a result, there is a serious health crisis on human life. Air pollution
and drinking water problems have reached extreme levels. There is a severe imbalance between
human life and nature. As a result, many environmental and health-related issues have arisen.
These serious crises have created many problems for human life.

* Inflation
In the Vedic era, India was so prosperous that houses had granaries of food grains, vegetables
and fruits grew in abundance. It is said that rivers of milk and ghee flowed, and prosperity was
easily attainable. As a result, everyone's life was full of happiness and joy. In contrast, the
world's business-oriented expansion of everything has led to inflation, instability, and imbalance
in the market, and individuals have started living focused only on themselves, with accumulating
more wealth becoming important.
Thus, compared to the dependent system, the Vedic Indian system has proven to be more
practical, exemplary, and conducive to collective progress.

* Solution to Global Problems

In the pursuit of material comforts, humans have become disconnected from the true realities of
life and, focusing only on success, have forgotten moral values, becoming more mentally
distressed and disturbed. They have forgotten natural life and peace of mind. Foreign education
has turned them into a case of "babu-culture", whereas the Indian knowledge system is an
educational tradition proven to provide a healthy life, peaceful life, and successful life, which is
infinitely better than foreign education. This realization has gradually begun to dawn on
everyone.
 Chapter 4
Causes of Decline and Revival of Indian Knowledge Tradition

1.4.1 Instability arising from foreign invasions

At the time when the process of unification was underway in eastern India under the leadership
of the Magadha empire, decentralization and political instability were at their peak in western
India. Each small state was eager to maintain its independence. There were minor and major
conflicts between all these states. At that time, there was no powerful state or king whose
influence could successfully establish political unity. Due to this political weakness, foreign
invaders were attracted, which inspired them to advance towards India.

The main states, races, tribes, and religious invaders who attacked India included:
Scythians, Huns, Kushans, Greeks, Mughals, Turks, Pathans, British, Portuguese, Dutch.

Invasions by foreign invaders

The main objective of the invasions by foreign invaders who set their sights on India was the rich
treasuries, metals, and mineral reserves here. The Indian people were relatively peaceful,
tolerant, innocent, and believed in coexistence with a liberal nature. The people of India always
welcomed guests with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Their
nature was non-aggressive and religious. As a result, it became easy for foreign invaders to
conquer regions through religious conversion and the power of the sword.

Among the foreign invaders of India, the Mughal rulers occupied for the most years. The terror
and fear of Islamic invaders, from Babur to Bahadur Shah Zafar, lasted for centuries. During this
time, they targeted temples, which were the foundation of Indian culture.

Along with this, the invaders spread Islam and carried out conversions by the power of the
sword. Additionally, their other main target was the grand Indian Vedic culture and its education
system. They destroyed world-renowned universities like Takshashila and Nalanda. They
destroyed rare religious texts and knowledge books that were the heritage of Indian culture and
set out to destroy the Gurukul education system, which was the pride of the Indian education
system. They devastated the religious population visiting Hindu religious sites by imposing taxes
like Jizyah.

Thus, foreign invaders severely damaged the Vedic Indian culture by attacking all its aspects -
religious, spiritual, social, educational, and cultural - to serve their base motives.

In the Indian knowledge tradition, temples played the role of knowledge centers. Their
destruction negatively impacted the knowledge tradition. The famous library of Nalanda, which
had more than 9 million books, was burned to ashes, causing a huge loss to the knowledge
tradition.

1.4.2. Deindustrialization by the British

During the rule of Islamic invaders in India, the British arrived under the pretext of trade. The
British, who came for business, enslaved India for nearly 250 years.

In 1700 CE, India's economy accounted for 27% of the world's economy, which was more than
the entire European continent. After 250 years of slavery, the Indian economy shrank to less than
3%.

In the 17th century, as Mughal rulers began to decline, the British took advantage of this
situation. The British exploited India cunningly and systematically. For them, India was a gold
mine. During this period, India was a major producer of textiles, gems and jewelry, and metals
(gold, silver, iron, zinc, copper). Especially in textiles and iron production, India was at the
forefront globally. Indian textile production was of excellent quality. Just as Britain and the
world loved it, raw iron ore was exported to Britain, where they made machinery and profited
greatly. Similarly, India was renowned in the jewelry and stone sectors.
India's shipbuilding industry flourished in Visakhapatnam and Bengal. Ships built there were
among the world's best. Bengal, Visakhapatnam, and Surat were the country's main export
centers, where flags of 84 countries' ships fluttered. Many goods were exported from here
worldwide. Indian traders' export business was spread across the globe. Indian traders themselves
were big industrialists and financiers who had a grip on business.

To take control of industries and businesses, the British imposed heavy taxes on Indian textiles
and other goods. They also placed restrictions and launched a sharp attack against products made
in England that were facing stiff competition from Indian goods.

At this time, Indian agricultural products and agribusiness were very prosperous. They supplied
largely to domestic and foreign markets. Against this, the British imposed heavy taxes and began
to collect taxes from farmers very cruelly. As a result, Indian farmers began to be burdened with
debt and were forced to sell their children.

Overall, the main objectives of the British were to gain control over India's natural resources, sell
their products in the vast Indian markets, collect enormous amounts of revenue and taxes from
India, and burden India with the salaries and other expenses of hundreds of thousands of British
employees working in India. Thus, the British established an empire of all-round plunder in
India, which continued until the 1940s.