Philosophical Foundations of the Indian Knowledge System and their Role in Realizing Viksit Bharat: A Theoretical and Critical Analysis

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) embodies a multidimensional intellectual heritage rooted in philosophical inquiry, experiential learning, and ethical reflection. In the contemporary vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), there is an increasing need to revisit and reinterpret these foundational ideas within modern socio-economic and educational frameworks. This paper critically examines the philosophical underpinnings of IKS through the lenses of classical Indian schools of thought and contemporary theoretical frameworks. Drawing upon Advaita Vedanta, Nyaya, Samkhya, and Buddhist epistemology, alongside modern perspectives such as decolonial theory, constructivism, and integral humanism, the study explores how indigenous knowledge paradigms can inform sustainable development, ethical governance, and holistic education. The paper argues that integrating these philosophical principles into policy and practice can foster a development model that is not only economically robust but also culturally rooted and ethically sound. Viksit Bharat means more than high GDP. It means a country that is self-reliant, fair, and proud of its culture (NITI Aayog, 2023). But many current development ideas come from Western thought. These may not fit India’s history and values. So, we need to look again at the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). IKS is India’s own way of thinking that mixes science, ethics, and spirituality (Kapur, 2021).