A Trojan horse in the laboratories: The provincialization of Indian science

# IITs Face Growing Debate Over Role of Indian Knowledge System in Scientific Research

India’s premier engineering institutions are facing renewed debate over academic freedom and scientific standards after a widely discussed commentary questioned the growing influence of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) initiative within the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

The discussion gained momentum after science journalist Vasudevan Mukunth published an article arguing that several IKS-linked academic activities have blurred the line between historical scholarship and scientific research. The commentary points to examples from IIT campuses where workshops and research sessions explored subjects such as astrology, reincarnation, and ancient philosophical concepts using modern scientific frameworks.

The concerns come as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues encouraging universities to incorporate India's traditional knowledge into higher education. Supporters say the initiative is intended to revive centuries of overlooked intellectual achievements, while critics argue that some institutions are extending the concept beyond historically verifiable knowledge into areas lacking scientific evidence.

According to the commentary, India possesses an extraordinary scientific heritage that includes major contributions to mathematics, astronomy, linguistics, metallurgy, and medicine. Ancient scholars such as Panini, Brahmagupta, Aryabhata, and the Kerala School of Mathematics continue to receive global recognition for discoveries that shaped modern science.

However, critics argue that these documented achievements should remain distinct from religious or mythological narratives. They contend that presenting spiritual beliefs as scientific fact risks weakening the empirical foundations on which modern research depends.

The article also raises questions about institutional incentives within India's higher education system. It argues that government funding priorities, academic rankings, and research grants increasingly encourage projects aligned with IKS objectives, potentially influencing research directions at leading universities.

According to the analysis, this environment may create pressure on researchers to pursue government-supported themes instead of independently selecting scientific problems based purely on academic merit.

Another major concern involves India's global scientific reputation. International collaboration depends heavily on peer review, reproducible research, and universally accepted scientific methods. Critics warn that if elite research institutions become associated with controversial or unverified claims, India's standing within the international academic community could face long-term consequences.

The commentary also suggests that such developments could encourage talented researchers and students to pursue careers abroad if they perceive domestic scientific institutions as becoming increasingly influenced by political or ideological priorities.

Supporters of the Indian Knowledge System maintain that the initiative seeks to correct historical neglect of India's intellectual traditions rather than replace modern science. They argue that studying traditional knowledge can inspire innovation, encourage interdisciplinary research, and strengthen national confidence in India's scientific heritage.

The debate has therefore evolved into a broader discussion about balancing cultural preservation with scientific rigor. Many educators believe India's ancient contributions deserve greater recognition but caution that historical appreciation should remain grounded in evidence-based scholarship.

The discussion reflects a larger question confronting universities worldwide: how institutions can celebrate their civilizational heritage while maintaining internationally accepted standards of scientific inquiry, academic independence, and critical thinking.

As India's higher education system continues implementing reforms under the National Education Policy, conversations surrounding the future role of the Indian Knowledge System are expected to remain at the center of debates over research quality, academic freedom, and the country's long-term scientific competitiveness.