The subject of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) has seized the attention of educationists, policy makers and administrators in universities and other teaching institutions. IKS has now entered the mainstream discourse and is the topic of discussion among both students and teachers.

The purpose of this introductory text, Indian Knowledge Systems: A Primer, is to present a perspective of an educational system that propelled our ancient country into a position of unparalleled and largely unrivalled position of economic and military superiority. This book explores how this actually came about, and sadly enough the roots of its decline, because of historical events that the people of this country were able to neither predict nor control.

This book also attempts to show how we can engineer a renaissance in IKS, in a country that is only now seeking its place in a new world order where paradigms of governance, war, and economies that have held sway for over 500 years are being overthrown with bewildering speed. At such a time, we hope that this introductory text will stoke a curiosity among young students who are at the threshold between school and college, and prompt them to ask whether they have it within themselves to be a part of this intellectual renaissance. Invoking Indians from the former generations, we are going to the distant past is, we believe, a worthwhile exercise because we are a part of a continuous civilization that shows little sign of real decline even after 5000 years.

This book is typeset in two vertical columns. The text on the left-hand side is typical curriculum material and may be the subject of quizzes, tests and examinations. The material on the right-hand side is extra, supporting text, that will hopefully enhance the enjoyment of the left-hand side with its illustrations, and the audio and video links. We urge teachers not to consider the right-hand side information as material suitable for tests and examinations, as this was not the intent of introducing the right-hand side column.

We trust this book will be of interest to students and teachers and that our perspective on IKS will impel them to seek new avenues towards its study.