Volume-XI, Issue-VI, November 2025 |
The Purāṇas: A Cornerstone of Indian Knowledge System Dr. Champak Deka, Assistant Professor, Sanskrit, Jagannath Barooah University, Jorhat, Assam, India |
Received: 09.10.2025 | Accepted: 23.10.2025 | Published Online: 30.11.2025 | Page No: 50-56 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.11.issue.06W.155 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
The Purāṇas, an extensive compilation of ancient Indian literature, are increasingly recognized as an invaluable repository of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The present write-up explores the significance of the Purāṇas as a primary source for understanding traditional Indian knowledge across diverse domains. Far from being mere mythological narratives, the Purāṇas contain intricate details concerning a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, cosmology, philosophy, social structures, ethics, governance, arts, science, astronomy and environmental practices. By analyzing the multifaceted information embedded within these texts, we can gain profound insights into the historical development and practical application of IKS in ancient and medieval India. This paper argues that a systematic study of the Purāṇas, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches, is crucial for reconstructing, preserving, and disseminating the rich intellectual heritage of India, offering relevant perspectives for contemporary challenges and fostering a deeper appreciation for the holistic nature of traditional Indian thought. | ||
Keywords: veda, purāṇa, knowledge, mythology, religion |