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Geospatial Practices in Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems

By Dr. Rashmi   |   Vasanta College for Women
Learners enrolled: 28
ABOUT THE COURSE:
  • An innovative addition to the SWAYAM platform, bridging Geography, IKS, and modern geospatial science.
  • It aligns with the push for Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and NEP 2020’s focus on multidisciplinary education.
  • Addresses a gap in conventional curricula.
  • Appeals to Geography students as well as those in allied disciplines.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: The course caters to postgraduate Geography students, researchers in IKS, and GIS practitioners, ensuring a diverse and engaged audience.

PREREQUISITES: Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree in Geography

Recommended Pre-Courses:

  1. Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing: A basic GIS course that covers tools, mapping techniques, and spatial data analysis (e.g., Introduction to GIS, available on platforms like Coursera or SWAYAM).
  2. Indian Knowledge Systems and Culture: A foundational course on Indian Knowledge Systems could help participants understand concepts related to ancient texts, cosmology, and cultural geography. A course in Indian History or Philosophy would also be beneficial.



INDUSTRY SUPPORT: For the course "Geospatial Practices in Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems," industry recognition could come from companies and organizations involved in the following sectors:
  1. Geospatial Technology and GIS Companies: Esri India, Geospatial Media and Communications, Autodesk, Trimble, and other geospatial technology firms may value the integration of traditional knowledge with modern GIS techniques. GeoIQ, MapmyIndia, and SPOT India might appreciate the use of GIS tools in understanding ancient geographical practices and heritage preservation.
  2. Heritage Conservation and Cultural Organizations: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), and other heritage conservation organizations could value the course’s focus on mapping and preserving heritage sites. Cultural organizations involved in documenting and preserving India's ancient history might recognize the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern geospatial methods.
  3. Environmental and Sustainability Corporations: Companies working in environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and ecological conservation may find the course valuable due to its focus on sustainable land use and water management systems. Cement and construction companies using Vastu Shastra for planning could also find value in understanding the geographical principles tied to traditional practices.
  4. Academic and Research Institutions: Universities, research bodies, and institutes in fields like Geography, Indian Studies, Environmental Science, and Heritage Management may recognize the interdisciplinary approach of this course.
  5. Government Bodies and NGOs: Government departments focusing on urban planning, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation may value this course for its practical application to real-world issues.
Summary
Course Status : Upcoming
Course Type : Core
Language for course content : English
Duration : 8 weeks
Category :
  • History
  • Geography
Credit Points : 2
Level : Postgraduate
Start Date : 18 Aug 2025
End Date : 10 Oct 2025
Enrollment Ends : 18 Aug 2025
Exam Registration Ends : 29 Aug 2025
Exam Date : 25 Oct 2025 IST
NCrF Level   : 7.0 — 8.0

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

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Course layout

Week 1: Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
  • Overview of IKS, including contributions from Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and other ancient texts. 
  • Concept of Brahmand (cosmos) in Indian cosmology. 
  • Geographic knowledge in Indian texts: Sthapatya Veda, Skandapurana, and other ancient texts.
Week 2: Ancient Indian Cartography and Mapping
  • Study of ancient Indian maps and geographical knowledge from texts like Suryasiddhanta and Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita.
  • Exploration of India's traditional methods of mapping, including directions, sacred geography, and use of cardinal points.
  • The role of Jataka tales and Puranas in mapping the geography of India.
Week 3: Geography and Environmental Knowledge in Indian Traditions
  • The role of sacred geography in Indian culture (pilgrimages, temple geography, the concept of Tirtha).
  • Sustainable land use and water management systems: Bamboo architecture, Stepwells (like Rani ki Vav), traditional methods of soil conservation, and ecological balance in agriculture.
Week 4: Astronomy, Cosmology, and Geography
  • Indian astronomy's influence on geography: how celestial movements were used for navigation and timekeeping.
  • Connection of Jyotish Shastra (Indian astrology) with geography and spatial relationships.
Week 5: Geospatial Technology and IKS
  • Applying modern GIS (Geographic Information System) tools to ancient knowledge: how satellite imagery and mapping can help interpret historical geographical knowledge from ancient texts.
  • Use of geospatial data for preservation of heritage sites and environmental conservation, using lessons from Indian traditional knowledge.
Week 6: Examples of ancient understanding of space and the environment.
  • The use of Vastu Shastra and its geographical principles in modern urban planning.
  • Examples of famous Indian geographic sites such as Kailasa Temple, Dholavira, Sanchi Stupa.
Week 7: Interdisciplinary Approaches
  • How Geography and Indian Philosophy intersect: the concept of Dharma and the relationship between land, culture, and society.
  • Integration of the Pancha Mahabhutas (five elements) and its influence on Indian geographical thought.
Week 8: Practical Application and Future Prospects
  • Locating ancient Indian knowledge sites and to create spatial analyses from historical records.
  • Discussion on how these ancient practices can inform modern sustainable practices in geography and environmental studies.

Books and references

1.     “The Vedas: An Introduction to Hinduism's Sacred Texts" by Roshen Dalal

2.     “Indian Knowledge Systems" by K.K. Aziz

3.     “Brahmand: The Concept of Universe in Indian Cosmology" by K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar

4.     “The Skanda Purana" (Various English Translations)

5.     “Suryasiddhanta" (Various Translations)

6.     “Brihat Samhita" by Varahamihira

7.     “The History of Indian Cartography" by B. P. Sinha

8.     “Ecology and the Sacred: An Indian Perspective" by K. P. P. Nambiar

9.     “Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Wisdom for Sustainable Development" by S. R. Yadav

10.  “Stepwells of India" by R. S. Bisht

11.  “Principles of Geographical Information Systems" by Peter A. Burrough and Rachael A. McDonnell


Instructor bio

Dr. Rashmi

Vasanta College for Women
Dr. RASHMI is a social scientist and Assistant Professor of Geography at Vasanta College for Women. With a keen interest in Geography studies and Indian Knowledge Systems, she actively explores the intersections of traditional and contemporary geographic paradigms. She has contributed to high-impact journals in Geography and Social Sciences, demonstrating a commitment to advancing academic discourse in these fields.

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.
The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).
Date and Time of Exams: 25 October 2025 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.
Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.
The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.
Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 6 assignments out of the total 8 assignments given in the course.
Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

Please note that assignments encompass all types (including quizzes, programming tasks, and essay submissions) available in the specific week.

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup. It will have the logos of INI and BHU.

Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- INI team


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