Computational synthesis and preservation: The role of artificial intelligence in modelling the Indian knowledge system (IKS)

Abstract:

The confluence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), or the Bhāratīya Jñāna Paramparā, presents a critical area for computational modeling, digital preservation, and algorithmic innovation. This paper provides an academic analysis of current methodologies, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) for ancient textual preservation and specialized computational paradigms derived from IKS principles. Empirical evidence demonstrates tangible success in hardware optimization through Vedic Mathematics ¹ and the formalization of spatial planning using Graph Machine Learning (GML).² However, results from benchmarking efforts in complex domains, such as traditional medicine (Ayurveda), indicate significant limitations in AI’s ability to achieve genuine conceptual and integrative understanding.³ The sustainable and ethical integration of IKS necessitates immediate action to standardize fragmented data ⁴, establish transparent ethical and intellectual property frameworks, and adopt hybrid AI architectures inspired by indigenous formal logic systems like Nyāya.⁵