ESSENCE OF INDIAN
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Definition
Traditional knowledge is the knowledge system possessed by
various communities across the global. Such knowledge has
been accumulated over the years and has been used and passed
down through several generations.

Nature and Characteristics of TK
1) it is transmitted from generations to generations
2) in many cases, it is transmitted orally for generations from person to
person
3) it is being considered by the communities as gift of God and not as a
private property
4) such knowledge typically distinguishes one community from another
5) it is usually impossible to identify the original creator of the
information
6) it is learned through continuous observation, experience and practice
7)it is inseparable part of communal and cultural life of its holders,

Scope and Importance of TK
•Influences Individual and community health
•Reinforces sense of identity and group cohesiveness.
•Contribute of present day practices
•Represent generations of Knowledge and experiences

Types Of Traditional knowledge
1) Cultural
2) Artistic
3) Natural Resources
4) Agricultural
5) Sacred

Cultural Traditional Knowledge
Regular Cultural Activities:
• Doing Daily activates
• Communicating with the people
• Pray to god
Occasional Cultural activities
• Formalities in Marriages and other occasions
• Wearing new clothes for festivals
• Preparing special food in special days
Ex: Ugadi pachadi, Chavathi payasam

Artistic Traditional knowledge
•Singing
•Dancing
•Painting
•Caste Occupation
Ex: Barber, Palm toddy sellers, Carpenter
work, Handloom work

Natural Resources TK
• Water Harvesting
• Protecting Environment
• Planting Trees
• Pollution free Activities
Ex: Keep oxygen Generated plants at home
Take heavy breath at morning time
• Develop Organic Food
• Maximum utilization of daylight

Agricultural TK
• People have learnt how to grow food and preserve
and to survive in difficult environments.
• To know about the equipment what they used.
Ex: Kodavali, Para, Goddali,Nagali
• Clear Idea about Climate changes
• Clear idea about soil
• To know about Seasonal farming
• Traditional Techniques to protect farm.
Ex: scare crow ( Disti Bomma) , Electric fencing

Sacred TK
For over 2500 years, many sacred symbols have held
profound meaning for Indians. Even today, these
shapes and graphic designs are used in the
performance of daily rituals and worship

In Indian tradition every women pray to Tulasi everyday
because they feel like it is a sacred activity.

The physical and social contexts in which traditional
knowledge develop
Physical Contexts:
• Yoga & Meditation
• Organic Food
• Using natural medicines
• Playing Traditional games
• Old Recipes

Yoga & Meditation

Organic Food

Using natural medicines:

Playing Traditional games

Old Recipes

Social Context
• Education System
• Infrastructure Development
• Life style
• Relationship with the family
• Technology

Education System

Infrastructure Development

Life style
• Behavior
• Food
• Thinking Ability
• Appearance
• Standard of life

Relationship with the family

Technology

Indigenous Knowledge
• Characteristics of Indigenous Knowledge
• Ecological Knowledge
• Phonological Knowledge
• Seasonal Knowledge
• Indigenous Knowledge Vs Western Knowledge
• Indigenous Knowledge Vs Formal knowledge