"Study the Past to Define the Future"
At a Glance
"Bridging India's classical scientific heritage with contemporary inquiry."
The IISER Pune Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Club is a scholarly community at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of India's rich scientific and technological heritage.
Following the success of the National Conference on IKS: Science & Technology (7 March 2025), student interest grew significantly. Many expressed a desire for continuous discussion on IKS themes — from Astronomy and Architecture to Chemistry, Medicine, Arts, Aesthetics, and Philosophy. The IKS Club formalises that momentum into a dedicated, long-term platform.
We bring together faculty, research scholars, and students to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific inquiry, in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. The traditional, holistic approach of IKS and the reductionist methods of modern science together offer a powerful platform for a resilient, equitable future.
To create a lasting institutional home for interdisciplinary scientific dialogue at the intersection of ancient Indian knowledge and modern science — right here at IISER Pune.
The traditional, holistic approach of IKS and the reductionist methods of modern science together offer a powerful platform for building a resilient, equitable future with a moral order.
Organise regular talks, reading groups, and events focused on Science and Technology within the IKS framework; provide a structured, student-led platform for interdisciplinary exploration; and foster academic curiosity and cross-disciplinary dialogues across the IISER Pune community.
From the cosmos to the chemistry of ancient medicines — spanning the full breadth of India's scientific tradition.
The Kerala School, Vedāṅga Jyotiṣa, Siddhāntic astronomy, and contributions of Āryabhaṭa, Bhāskarācārya, and Mādhava — including proto-calculus and quasi-heliocentric planetary models.
Rasaśāstra — the ancient science of chemistry and metallurgy — use of metals in Bhasmā medicines, and spectroscopic validation of traditional substances like Hiṅgula and Haritāla.
Personalized medicine from Āyurvedic traditions, Vrikshāyurveda (the science of plants), herbal Kuṇapajala bio-fertilizers, and their modern scientific validation.
Temple architecture as a living technology — integrating ritual, spatial proportion, and energy design informed by cosmology, consciousness, and metaphysical principles.
Vyākaraṇa (scientific grammar), the Vedic Science of Śikṣā, Sanskrit as a vehicle for knowledge transmission, and Indian philosophical epistemological frameworks.
Classical arts, Indian aesthetic theory, and philosophical inquiry within the IKS framework — exploring connections between creativity, consciousness, and scientific thought.
A structured calendar of academic events, open to all students, scholars, and faculty at IISER Pune — no prerequisites, just curiosity.
Our flagship event brings leading scholars and students together for a full day of lectures, panel discussions, and poster presentations on IKS Science & Technology. The 2025 edition was held on 7 March at IISER Pune.
Faculty, researchers, and practitioners deliver talks on IKS-related topics. Talks are accompanied by light refreshments and open Q&A, fostering broad participation across departments.
Informal reading-group style discussions on classical IKS texts — from Yuktibhāṣā and Āryabhaṭīya to Rasaratnākara. Free activity held in a seminar or discussion room on campus.
An annual quiz event open to all IISER Pune students, with prizes for winners (₹3,000 prize pool). Designed to make IKS accessible and engaging for the broader campus community.
Hands-on workshops exploring ancient Indian scientific techniques — including Bhasmā preparation methods, traditional astronomical instruments, and Vrikshāyurveda agrarian practices.
The IKS Club supports and coordinates future IKS conferences, mobilising student volunteers through established institutional networks for a professionally managed, scholarly event experience.
Led by dedicated student and faculty coordinators from within IISER Pune's academic community.
Professor, Department of Chemistry
IISER Pune
A permanent scholarly record of our proceedings — speaker abstracts, presentation summaries, and event documentation — preserved for students and researchers worldwide.
Open to all faculty, PhD scholars, UG students, and independent researchers with a passion for India's scientific heritage. No prerequisites — just curiosity.