The Dharma of Knowledge: Bridging Ancient Indian Practices and Contemporary Thought

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the foundations of knowledge management and sharing as seen in Ancient Indian culture. In a world that is making significant strides towards digitisation, knowledge management serves as an essential tool for efficiency, innovation and cultural continuity. Contemporary systems rely on technological infrastructure, but ancient civilisations developed sophisticated practices to ensure knowledge sharing and management. The study will delve into classical texts such as the Vedas and Brahmanas – which provide spiritual wisdom; Arthashastra – which offers administrative and economic knowledge; Manusmriti – which served as a benchmark for legal codifications, and other related texts. These works, while mainly religious and political, provide profound insights into the generation, transmission, and regulation of knowledge in Ancient Indian society. The study will involve thematic and textual analysis to understand the pedagogical frameworks, oral teachings, institutions such as Gurukulas, and the duties and information mentioned in the relevant texts; the research will uncover practices and principles of knowledge management and sharing. Drawing from these historical insights, the end goal of the study is to create and propose a model that can be incorporated into contemporary education systems to bridge ancient epistemological paradigms with contemporary organisational needs. This model can serve as a foundation for an enhanced knowledge management system, inspire the younger generations to understand the value of ancient wisdom and lead to further innovation in interdisciplinary studies by offering a culturally grounded yet universally relevant framework for knowledge management in the 21st century. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of how oral traditions in ancient India successfully preserved and transmitted knowledge across generations long before the widespread use of script and writing.