Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) As A Dynamic Ecosystem: Integrating South Asian Heritage with Ethical Artificial Intelligence - Professor Dr. Rahman M. Mahbub

Abstract: In the 21st century, there has been a renewed interest across the globe in indigenous knowledge systems, as societies face unprecedented technological, environmental, ethical and educational challenges. The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is one of the most multi-dimensional knowledge systems in the world which covers philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, linguistics, education, governance, ecology, architecture, aesthetics and spirituality. Although the importance of IKS is gaining ground in India's policies, it is often perceived as a collection of ancient religious scriptures or as a purely national heritage. In this paper IKS is conceptualised as a dynamic civilizational knowledge system whose evolution is not confined to its own region but is embedded in the wider South Asian region, and whose intellectual resources continue to be relevant to the global issues of today. The study compares and contrasts the conceptual basis, evolution, key areas, merits, shortcomings and current uses of IKS using the qualitative, comparative and interdisciplinary approach. It also examines the intersection of traditional knowledge systems and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting the philosophical dimensions that can be drawn from the principles of Dharma, Ahimsa, Lokasaṅgraha, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which form part of the Indian intellectual heritage. The paper also draws attention to the significant role Bangladesh has played in the region's knowledge tradition, a tradition that is, to date, largely forgotten, in scholarship, ecological knowledge, vernacular intellectual culture, Sufi and Baul philosophies, and community-based environmental adaptation. This study does not call for the revival of traditional practices, but suggests an integrative model where indigenous knowledge, scientific inquiry and AI merge into each other. This reflects the current international issues of sustainability, cultural diversity, transformation of education and ethical innovation of technologies. The paper suggests that the future of knowledge is not the technology determinism nor nostalgic traditionalism, but dialogue between civilizations, disciplines, and intelligent technologies. Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge; South Asia; Artificial Intelligence; Knowledge Ecology; Ethics; Interdisciplinary Education