Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is defined as the established systems of knowing and learning to have developed over time in the Indian subcontinent. IKS encompasses a far and wide span of fields like:

# Major Elements of IKS:
1. Vedas and Upanishads: The ancient scriptures that constitute the core of Hinduism and Indian philosophy.
2. Ayurveda: Ancient system of medicine focused on natural healing and overall health.
3. Yoga involves a variety of physical, psychological, and metaphysical practices aimed at unifying the individual self and universal consciousness.
4. Jyotish: Ancient Indian astrology that seeks to discover the relationship between celestial bodies and human affairs.
5. Ganita: Ancient Indian mathematics that encompassed such ideas as zero, infinity, and fractals.
6. Rasayana: Indian alchemy with the goal of converting base metals into gold and attaining spiritual awareness.

# Features of IKS:
1. Holistic perspective: IKS is interested in the interconne
ctedness of everything and attempts to comprehend the world in a holistic way.
2. Spiritual orientation: IKS is oriented spiritually and attempts to comprehend the ultimate reality and the purpose of man.
3. Focus on experience: IKS focuses more on experience and observation than on knowledge.
4. Oral tradition: IKS boasts a strong oral tradition, with the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation by word of mouth.

# Relevance of IKS:
1. Cultural heritage: IKS is a significant component of India's cultural heritage and identity.
2. Sustainable development: IKS provides solutions to contemporary problems that are sustainable, including environmental degradation and inequality.
3. Innovation and creativity: IKS has spurred innovation and creativity in medicine and mathematics, among other fields.

# Challenges facing IKS:

1. Lack of documentation: The majority of the IKS is not documented and therefore prone to loss and distortion. 2. Cultural erosion: Globalization and modernization are enabling IKS to go through cultural erosion. 3. Lack of recognition: IKS is not valued or recognized by mainstream society and academia. Efforts have been made to document, conserve, and disseminate IKS, such as the setting up of institutions and research centers to study and share it.