Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, literature, philosophy, sciences, mathematics, architecture, and social structures from the Indian Knowledge Systems course readings.

Anviksiki

The branch of study in ancient Indian education dealing with logic, metaphysics, and dialectics.

Dandāniti

The branch of study in ancient Indian education representing the science of government and political administration.

Vārtta

The branch of ancient Indian study encompassing practical arts such as agriculture, commerce, and medicine.

Śruti

A category of foundational Indian literature considered apauruṣeya (not of human origin) and revealed, comprising the four Vedas, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas, and Upaniṣads.

Smṛti

A category of ancient Indian literature based on remembered human tradition, encompassing the Itihāsas, Purāṇas, and legal codes.

Shadarshanas

The six classical orthodox systems of Indian philosophy: Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Pūrva Mīmāṃsā, and Vedānta.

Nyāya

The classical school of Indian philosophy founded by Sage Gotama that centers on logic, argumentation (Tarkaśāstra), and epistemology.

Vaiśeṣika

The pluralistic realism school of Indian philosophy founded by Sage Kaṇāda, recognized for its atomistic cosmology and categorization of reality into seven padārthas.

Sāmkhya

The dualistic school of Indian philosophy founded by Sage Kapila, which posits two ultimate realities: Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter).

Nasādiya Sūkta

The Hymn of Creation found in Rigveda Mandala 10, Sukta 129, composed by Rishi Prajāpati Parameṣṭhi to explore the fundamental origins of the universe.

Microliths

Small geometric and non-geometric stone tools ranging in size from $1\,cm$ to $5\,cm$, characteristic of the Mesolithic Age.

Tridoshas

The three fundamental physiological life forces in Āyurveda—Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha—formed by specific combinations of the Panchamahābhutas.

Panchakarma

A fivefold detoxification and purifying therapeutic process in Āyurveda comprising Vamanam, Virechanam, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshanam.

Kuttaka

The 'pulverizer' method devised by mathematician Āryabhaṭa in the 5th century CE to solve linear indeterminate equations of the form $ax - by = c$.

Chakrawala

The cyclic algorithm developed by Bhaskaracharya to compute integer solutions for indeterminate quadratic equations in two variables.

Samrat Yantra

A massive $27\,m$ high sundial instrument constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in Jaipur, capable of measuring time to an accuracy within two seconds.

Vrikshāyurveda

The ancient Indian science of plant life or 'Āyurveda for trees', dealing with plant anatomy, botanical classification, propagation, and pathology.

Vastu Purusha Mandala

A symbolic grid-based diagram representing cosmic order, utilized as a foundational layout principle in Vastu Shastra for architectural and town planning.

Gopura

A monumental entrance gateway tower characteristic of ancient Indian town fortifications and Dravida temple architecture.

Didārgunj Yākshi

A famous life-sized polished Chunar sandstone sculpture of a fly-whisk (chauri) bearer dating from the Mauryan period, discovered at Patliputra.