IKS: Concepts and Applications in Management and Governance (Theory)

Paper Code: 
25MBAS224(B)
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) by exploring its philosophical, literary, scientific, and socio-political foundations.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course title

25MBAS225

        (B)

IKS: Concepts and Applications in Management and Governance

(Theory)

CO80: Explain the foundational concepts, values, and structure of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).

CO81: Analyze the structure and teachings of Vedic literature and interpret their applications in leadership, ethics, and management.

CO82:  Evaluate traditional Indian legal, ethical, and societal frameworks through texts like the Smritis and apply them to modern governance contexts.

CO83: Assess ancient Indian principles of statecraft and administration from the Arthashastra and Nitisara for contemporary strategic management.

CO84:  Apply management and ethical principles derived from classical Indian literature to modern leadership and communication scenarios.

CO85: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures, Group Discussion, Tutorials, Case Study, Demonstration. Learning activities for the students: Self-learning assignments, presentations,

practicalexercises

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Assignments, Presentation, Peer Review

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems

Introduction to IKS: Meaning and scope. Macro Divisions of IKS.Traditional Knowledge   Systems: Parampara Jnaana IKS as a Way of Life: Dharma through knowledge-based practice, Indian Value System: Purusharthas, Revival of Traditional Knowledge.

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Vedic Literature and Philosophical Insights

                                                                                                                          Introduction to Vedic Literature and Vedangas, Upavedas and their applied knowledge Rigveda and Nature Indra Suktam: Leadership insights Agni and Varuna Suktams Management principles in Vedic texts. Welfare obligations in society

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Ancestral Wisdom and Societal Management

                                                                                                                          Social Order Management: Vidhi and Dharma, Smriti Granthas and their relevance. Yajnavalkya  Smriti & Aacharadhyaya.  Ethics, Strategy, and Governance. Business ethics and property documentation Legal principles: Vyavahāra and Prāyaścitta.Financial stewardship and governance

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Governance, Strategy, and Statecraft in Ancient Texts

Arthashastra: Kautilya’s governance and management concepts. Taxation and economic strategies.Espionage and intelligence systems: Guptachara & Gudhacharya.Forensics and Disaster Management. Kamandaka’s Nītisāra: Duties of the king and administrative wisdom.

 

Unit V: 
Management through Literature and Contemporary Reflections

 Panchatantra: Strategic stories and leadership Nitisara: Implementation in governance. Management concepts in Sanskrit literature. Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsha: Taxation and ethics  Bhagavad Gita and Nitishatakam: Leadership and diplomacy. Doota Pranidhi: Messenger diplomacy and practical insights. Expert talks: Sanskrit literature, kavya, and applications in modern governance.

*Case studies related to entire topics are to be taught.

 

Essential Readings: 

1. Rangarajan, L.N. (Trans.), Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Penguin Books, New Delhi, Edition, 1st, Publication 1992.
2. Jha, Kumar Sanjay, A Glimpse of Vedic Literature, GBD Publications, Edition, 1st, Publication 2014.
3. Kapoor, Kapil, Essence of Indian Knowledge Tradition, Prabhat Prakashan, Edition, 1st, Publication 2020.
4. Rajan, Chandra / Ryder, Arthur (Trans.), The Panchatantra, Penguin Classics / University of Chicago Press, Edition varies, Latest Reprints 2006–2015.
5. Pandey, B.N. / Jha, Ganganath (Trans.), Yajnavalkya Smriti, Parimal Publications / Motilal Banarsidass, Edition varies, Reprints available.

References: 

Suggested readings

  1.Chaturvedi, Badrinath, Dharma: The Categorical Imperative, D.K. Printworld, New Delhi, Edition, 1st, Publication 1999.

2. Bilimoria, Purushottama (Ed.), Indian Ethics: Classical Traditions and Contemporary Challenges, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, Volume I, Publication 2007.

3. Sihag, Balbir S., Kautilya: The True Founder of Economics, Vitasta Publishing, New Delhi, Edition, 1st, Publication 2014.

4. Olivelle, Patrick, Manu’s Code of Law: A Critical Edition and Translation of the Manusmriti, Oxford University Press, New York, Edition, 1st, Publication 2005.

5. Radhakrishnan, S., Indian Philosophy, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, Volume I & II, Reprint Edition, 2009.

6. Basham, A.L., The Wonder That Was India, Picador India, Reprint Edition, 2004.

E- resources

1.   NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning)

2.   e-PG Pathshala, https://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/

3.   Sanskrit Documents and Digital Library, https://www.sanskritdocuments.org/

Journals

1.    Indian Journal of History of Science

2.   Journal of Indian Council of Philosophical Research (JICPR)

Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies

Academic Year: 
2025-2026
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