Indian Knowledge System and Management in India: An Integrative Perspective

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) denotes an indigenous and integrative body of knowledge shaped through centuries of intellectual inquiry and social practice within the Indian subcontinent. Emerging from a wide spectrum of classical philosophical, administrative, and literary traditions – including early Vedic thought, Upanishadic reflections, treatises on statecraft such as the Arthashastra, and major civilizational narratives like the Mahabharata and Ramayana – IKS embodies a comprehensive approach to understanding human life and organization. It encompasses interconnected domains such as ethics, scientific reasoning, healthcare traditions, educational models, systems of governance, and managerial principles, all unified by a normative and value-oriented worldview. In recent years, there has been renewed academic and policy interest in integrating IKS with modern management theories to develop indigenous, ethical, and sustainable management models. This research paper examines the conceptual foundations of IKS, analyzes traditional Indian management principles, and evaluates their relevance to contemporary management practices in India. Using a qualitative and conceptual research approach, the paper highlights how concepts such as Dharma, Karma, Yoga, and Lokasangraha inform leadership, decision-making, human resource management, and organizational governance. The study concludes that Indian Knowledge System offers valuable insights for creating inclusive, ethical, and sustainable management practices suited to India’s socio-cultural context while also contributing to global management thought.