Indian Knowledge System: Exploring the Politics of Cultural Revival
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n11.005Keywords:
Indian Knowledge System, Hindutva, Cultural revivalismAbstract
With the emergence of Hindutva forces in India, the reinvention of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) has become a focal point in contemporary socio-political discourse. This paper explores the intersection of cultural revivalism and political strategy, analyzing how Hindutva forces seek to reclaim, reinterpret, and institutionalize indigenous knowledge traditions. It critically examines the ways in which ancient Indian epistemologies, including Vedic sciences, philosophy, linguistics, and governance models, teachings of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, are being used to align with nationalist narratives. While proponents argue that such efforts restore cultural pride and decolonize education, critics warn of historical distortions and exclusionary politics. By engaging with primary texts, policy changes, and socio-political movements, this paper assesses the implications of this revivalist agenda for India’s pluralistic identity, academic integrity, and global positioning. The study ultimately questions whether this reinvention fosters an inclusive renaissance of Indian intellectual traditions or serves as an ideological tool for cultural supremacy.
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