Indian Knowledge Tradition and Modern Society: Values, Change, and Continuity — A Sociological Reflection

Abstract

The Indian knowledge tradition holds a central place among the world’s oldest and most richly developed intellectual traditions, profoundly shaping every dimension of human life—religion, philosophy, society, education, and culture. It is not confined merely to scriptures and classical texts; rather, it manifests in every practical sphere of life through ethics, duty, and the spirit of collective well-being. With the emergence of modern society, technological, economic, and social transformations have also reshaped value systems. Even in this age of materialism, the timeless values of the Indian knowledge tradition—truth, non-violence, righteousness, compassion, self-restraint, harmony, unity, service, sacrifice, knowledge, and wisdom—continue to provide ethical direction. This paper offers a sociological reflection on the foundational elements of the Indian knowledge tradition and explores how it sustains continuity while adapting to change in modern and industrial society. The study further highlights that revisiting India’s value tradition within the current social structure can offer new perspectives on issues such as social justice, environmental consciousness, and global peace. Thus, the Indian knowledge tradition is not merely a legacy of the past but a living guide for the moral reconstruction of contemporary society.