Subject Code: BNC502
Subject Name: Essence of Indian Traditional Knowledge
Course: B.Tech (Semester V)
Maximum Marks: 70
Duration: 3 Hours
Exam Year: 2024–25
Sections: A, B, and C
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)
Attempt all questions briefly.
What is the concept of Purusārtha in Ancient India?
Name the languages in which Buddhist and Jain literature were written.
Name two major heterodox schools of thought in India.
How did the Bhakti Movement influence social and religious reforms in India?
How did the Harappan Civilization contribute to early water management techniques?
Describe the significance of sculptures in ancient Indian culture.
How has modern Indian cinema evolved from its early beginnings?
SECTION B – Medium-Length Questions (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)
Attempt any three of the following.
Describe the role of the Council of Ministers in Ancient Indian kingship and its impact on governance.
Explain the role of Kautilya’s Arthashastra in ancient Indian administration and governance.
Evaluate the role of Bhakti and Sufi Movements in promoting unity among diverse communities in India.
Discuss India’s dominance in trade prior to colonization and how it affected global commerce.
Discuss the history and cultural significance of puppetry in India, including major traditions and regional variations.
SECTION C – Long / Analytical Questions (7 × 5 = 35 Marks)
Attempt one part from each question.
Q3. Ancient Governance
a. Analyze the Varnāshrama system and its relevance to social hierarchy in Ancient India.
OR
b. Design a modern political system inspired by the Seven Limbs of the State (Saptanga Theory).
Q4. Literature and Culture
a. Analyze the evolution of Indian literature from the epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata) to regional literatures (Telugu, Kannada, etc.) and their modern relevance.
OR
b. Assess the historical and cultural importance of Persian and Urdu literature during the Mughal era.
Q5. Philosophy and Thought
a. Explain the philosophical differences between the Six Systems of Indian Philosophy (Darshanas) and their views on reality.
OR
b. Using the teachings of Bhakti and Sufi movements, suggest modern ways to promote religious harmony and tolerance.
Q6. Science and Medicine
a. Explain how Indian metallurgy techniques contributed to technological progress in the ancient world.
OR
b. Discuss how Ayurveda and Indian medicinal systems developed and influenced other civilizations.
Q7. Architecture and Martial Arts
a. Compare the architectural styles of the Indus Valley Civilization with later Indian temple architecture.
OR
b. How can martial arts traditions be adapted for modern fitness and self-defense programs?
Key Topics to Study
Purusārtha (four goals of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha)
Six systems of philosophy (Shad Darshanas): Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta
Bhakti & Sufi Movements — reform, devotion, equality, harmony
Kautilya’s Arthashastra — governance, ethics, and administration
Varnāshrama Dharma & Saptanga Theory
Indian literature evolution — from Vedic to regional
Ancient science and metallurgy — iron, copper, zinc innovations
Ayurveda and its global impact
Harappan water systems & architecture
Indian arts — sculpture, puppetry, cinema evolution
Study Tips
Revise philosophical and cultural themes — focus on how ancient ideas influence modern life.
Use examples like Harappan drainage, Ashokan governance, Sufism and Bhakti poetry.
Memorize Sanskrit terms (Purusārtha, Dharma, Artha, etc.) with meanings.
Prepare short comparisons (e.g., Indus vs Temple Architecture, Six Darshanas).
Emphasize interdisciplinary links — philosophy, science, art, and culture in Indian knowledge systems.
