B.Sc. (Information Technology) Indian Knowledge Systems in Information Technology Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026
This is the TY BSc IT syllabus under NEP 2020, in force from the academic year 2026-27. The University still sets the earlier Choice Based papers alongside it for ATKT candidates, so check which scheme your exam form names before you revise.
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Syllabus for Indian Knowledge Systems in Information Technology
MU prints this subject under "(Sem.- VI)" in the syllabus circular. The University’s own Program Structure in the same document lists it as Semester V, and Semester VI’s mandatory list names five other papers and not this one. It is published here under Semester V.
Module I: Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems and Their Relevance to
- Information Technology Philosophical foundations of knowledge in Indian Concepts of Pramana (means of knowledge), Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison), and Shabda (verbal testimony); epistemological frameworks in Nyaya, Vedanta, and Mimamsa schools. Relationship between Indian Knowledge Systems and Information Technology: Understanding how structured knowledge representation, systematic reasoning, and rule-based frameworks in Indian traditions relate to modern computational models and information systems. Relevance of IKS to modern computing and interdisciplinary research: Role of traditional knowledge in algorithmic thinking, data representation, knowledge management, and artificial intelligence research. Development of the decimal place value system : Evolution of the base-10 positional number system in ancient India; transmission of the system to other civilizations; importance of place value in digital computation. Concept of Zero and its computational significance : Philosophical and mathematical interpretations of Shunya; Brahmagupta’s rules for arithmetic operations involving zero; role of zero in modern computing and binary logic. Binary systems and combinatorics in Pingala’s Chandas Shastra : Study of binary representation of poetic meters; patterns of short and long syllables; combinatorial methods resembling binary enumeration and algorithmic procedures.
Module II: Mathematical Foundations and Indian Logic & Its Applications in Ancient
- India and Their Relevance to Information Technology Aryabhata’s computational algorithms : Methods for calculating square roots, cube roots, and trigonometric values; use of iterative procedures and mathematical tables in astronomical calculations. Algorithmic thinking in ancient Indian mathematics : Use of step-by-step computational procedures, rule-based calculations, recursion-like structures, and systematic numerical methods. Fundamentals of Nyaya logic : Structure of logical reasoning in the Nyaya school; classification of knowledge, fallacies, and logical arguments. Indian syllogism and inference structures : Five-part syllogism consisting of proposition, reason, example, application, and conclusion; role of inference in knowledge validation. Comparison of Indian and Western logical systems : Differences between Nyaya logic and Aristotelian logic; multi-step reasoning and contextual inference in Indian philosophy. Inference systems and reasoning models : Types of inference such as Purvavat, Sheshavat, and Samanyatodrishta; relevance of these inference mechanisms in logical reasoning. Kautilya’s Arthashastra and strategic decision-making : Analytical thinking, statecraft strategies, problem-solving frameworks, and structured planning models described in the Arthashastra. Applications in modern computing systems : Relevance of logical frameworks in programming languages, knowledge-based systems, rule-based expert systems, and artificial intelligence reasoning mechanisms.
Module III: Sanskrit Grammar and Computational Linguistics
- Panini’s Ashtadhyayi and rule-based linguistic systems : Structure of Panini’s grammar consisting of nearly four thousand rules; meta-rules and rule hierarchy; systematic description of phonetics and morphology. Panini’s grammar and formal language theory : Similarity between Panini’s generative rules and modern formal grammars; production rules and symbol manipulation. Generative grammar and rule-based systems : Processes of derivation and transformation of words and sentences; parallels with modern programming structures and algorithmic rules. Sanskrit and programming language development : Precision and unambiguity of Sanskrit syntax; influence on formal language design and structured programming concepts. Sanskrit grammar and compiler design : Lexical analysis, syntax rules, and grammar parsing concepts comparable with modern compiler design principles. Natural Language Processing and Sanskrit : Application of Sanskrit grammatical structures in machine translation, semantic representation, computational linguistics, and AI-based language processing.
Module IV: Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Models in Ancient Indian Thought
- Concepts of cognition and consciousness in Indian philosophy : Understanding perception, cognition, memory, and reasoning in Vedanta, Nyaya, and Yoga traditions. Knowledge representation in classical Indian systems : Categorization of knowledge, classification of reality, and systematic organization of concepts. Learning models and mental processes : Processes of observation, inference, and experiential learning described in philosophical texts. Artificial entities and automata in Indian mythology : Descriptions of mechanical beings and artificial constructs in classical narratives and epics. Predictive astronomy and computational models : Astronomical calculations in Aryabhatiya and later mathematical texts; prediction of planetary movements using mathematical formulas. Pattern recognition and classification in ancient Indian texts : Use of classification systems in linguistics, medicine, and philosophy to organize knowledge systematically.
Module V: Mechanical Devices and Early Computational Concepts
- Early counting devices and numerical tools : Use of counting boards, abacus-like tools, and other calculation aids in trade and astronomy. Chaturanga and combinatorial reasoning : Strategic planning and move combinations in the ancient Indian game Chaturanga; connection with modern game theory and computational strategy. Combinatorics and recursion in Indian mathematics : Permutation and combination techniques used in poetic meters, mathematics, and astronomy. Cryptography and coded communication in ancient India : Use of symbolic codes, secret writing, and encrypted communication in governance and literature. Indian astronomy and early computational models : Mathematical models used to compute planetary positions, eclipses, and calendrical calculations. Comparison with early global computational devices : Comparative understanding of Indian computational techniques with inventions such as the Antikythera mechanism.
Module VI: Present Innovations and Future Directions
- Digitization of traditional knowledge systems : Efforts to digitize manuscripts, preserve classical texts, and create digital repositories. Knowledge management and digital archives : Use of databases, metadata standards, and information systems to organize traditional knowledge. Application of cloud computing and AI in preserving IKS : Using modern computing technologies to analyze, classify, and preserve ancient texts and data. Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with emerging technologies : Interdisciplinary research connecting IKS with artificial intelligence, data science, and computational linguistics. Ethical and philosophical perspectives for future technologies : Applying principles from Indian philosophy to guide ethical AI development and responsible technological innovation.
- Mahadevan, B., Bhat, Vinayak Rajat, and Nagendra Pavana R. Introduction to Indian Knowledge System: Concepts and Applications. PHI Learning, 2022.
- Kapil Kapoor and Avadesh Kumar Singh. Indian Knowledge Systems. D.K. Printworld.
- Kak, Subhash and Rao, T. R. N. Computing Science in Ancient India. Center for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1998.
- Bhanu Murthy, T. S. A Modern Introduction to Ancient Indian Mathematics. New Age International, 1992.
- Kim Plofker. Mathematics in India. Princeton University Press, 2009.
- C. K. Raju. Cultural Foundations of Mathematics. Pearson Education.
- Briggs, Rick. Knowledge Representation in Sanskrit and Artificial Intelligence. AI Magazine, 1985.
Text Books
- 1 Bhanu Murthy, T. S. A Modern Introduction to Ancient Indian Mathematics. New Age International, 1992.
- 2 Kak, Subhash and Rao, T. R. N. Computing Science in Ancient India. Center for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1998.
- 3 Mahadevan, B., Bhat, Vinayak Rajat, and Nagendra Pavana R. Introduction to Indian Knowledge System: Concepts and Applications. PHI Learning, 2022.
- 4 Kapoor, Kapil and Singh, Avadesh Kumar. Indian Knowledge Systems. D.K. Printworld.
- 5 Plofker, Kim. Mathematics in India. Princeton University Press.
- 6 Matilal, B. K. The Character of Logic in India. SUNY Press.
- 7 Cardona, George. Panini: A Survey of Research. Motilal Banarsidass.
- 8 Radhakrishnan, S. Indian Philosophy (Vol. 1 & 2). Oxford University Press.
- 9 Briggs, Rick. Knowledge Representation in Sanskrit and Artificial Intelligence. AI Magazine, 1985.
- 10 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383541219_Sanskrit's_Role_in_Adv ancing_AI_A_Comprehensive_Study
- Mahadevan, B., Bhat, Vinayak Rajat, and Nagendra Pavana R. Introduction to Indian Knowledge System: Concepts and Applications. PHI Learning, 2022.
- Kapil Kapoor and Avadesh Kumar Singh. Indian Knowledge Systems. D.K. Printworld.
- Kak, Subhash and Rao, T. R. N. Computing Science in Ancient India. Center for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1998.
- Bhanu Murthy, T. S. A Modern Introduction to Ancient Indian Mathematics. New Age International, 1992.
- Kim Plofker. Mathematics in India. Princeton University Press, 2009.
- C. K. Raju. Cultural Foundations of Mathematics. Pearson Education.
- Briggs, Rick. Knowledge Representation in Sanskrit and Artificial Intelligence. AI Magazine, 1985.
Reproduced from the University of Mumbai syllabus for B.Sc. (Information Technology) under NEP 2020, in force from the academic year 2026-27. Wording is as printed in that syllabus. Module numbering is as printed there too.
The complete syllabus
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