GS-1Editorials23 June 2026thehindu.com

A Trojan horse has breached the IITs

The article critically analyzes the current implementation of the 'Indian Knowledge System' (IKS) project in educational institutions like IITs. It argues that the project, instead of focusing on genuine indigenous intellectual contributions such as Panini's linguistics, Nyaya logic, Kerala school of mathematics, or Wootz steel, promotes 'Puranic science,' mythology as history, and ritual as technology, lacking verifiability.

The article critically analyzes the current implementation of the 'Indian Knowledge System' (IKS) project in educational institutions like IITs. It argues that the project, instead of focusing on genuine indigenous intellectual contributions such as Panini's linguistics, Nyaya logic, Kerala school of mathematics, or Wootz steel, promotes 'Puranic science,' mythology as history, and ritual as technology, lacking verifiability.

Exam linkage

GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture (Ancient Indian intellectual history, science, and philosophy). GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors (Education).

Syllabus mapping

Art & CultureAncient Literature & Textual SourcesIndian Culture Art ArchitectureModern Indian HistoryWorld HistoryIndian Society DiversityGlobalization Indian Society

This topic appears in Mains

Questions on Art & Culture come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.