Call for Papers
Seminar Topic

“Formalization of Studies in Civilizational Knowledge System” 

Submissions are invited from scholars, historians, social scientists and other interested individuals for an appraisal of the role of Sufis and their legacy in India. 

Background 

The civilizational knowledge can be defined as the knowledge gained by a particular people within a specific geographical  area in long course of time through interaction with nature and environment constituting a particular culture and civilization. It includes the wisdom, teachings and experiences of the people possessing this knowledge; it also includes their beliefs, value system and pratices. While it has been passed orally from generations to generations or sometimes reflected in the folk-lores, rituals, stories, songs, ballads and sayings of the local people possessing it, it may be available in extant manuscripts and recorded materials preserved through centuries. 

India has undoubtedly developed vast civilizational knowledge among varied communities abiding in varied environments. This knowledge must have sometimes been gained by the local communities through their interaction with the nature and environment surrounding them. But, there cannot be a gainsaying that apart from the  this type of knowledge,  local people's knowledge in India must have been influenced by the rich knowledge system developed in this country in the from of a long spiritual and scientific tradition through the deep insight of its visionary seers in the times of yore. This knowledge system was not only systematically and scientifically developed, but also remains extant to this date in some form or the other. 

In view of the development of highly advanced knowledge system in India formalisation of its study seems desirable. During Vedic period till the time of MahÈbhÈrata war, science and technology are said to have attained an advanced stage. The seers of this land are said to have discovered all the laws underlying cosmic and physical creation and thereby developed a vast study material (literature) covering both the aspects of science, i.e. spiritual (metaphysical) and material (astrophysical & physical) sciences. 

Though there were mass scale destruction/loss of the manuscript/books in the libraries, huge number of Samskrita manuscripts is still preserved in various museums and libraries of India. Not only in India, but the libraries and museums of America and Europe are also said to be housing around 1.5 million Samskrita manuscripts. 

Modern scholars and scientists are taking interest in the scientific studies carried out in the Vedic and post Vedic period. During their researches they have been able to locate a vast body of scientific literature written in Sanskrit during the times of yore. The various scientific studies carried out in Vedas and allied literature and publication of scientific works in Samskrita has made scholars more curious to search for more and more Vedic scientific literature written in the past. Research papers exploring the vast treasure of civilizational knowledge so as to initiate a process to un-lock these systems currently atrophied due to centuries of neglect and stagnation are invited from the scholars. 

Areas of Study 

1. Vedas, Upavedas, Brahmans, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Sutra literature, Dharmashastras, Vedangas and six systems of Indian philosophy.
2. Ayurveda, Pharmacy , Agriculture, Plants,Water
3. Cosmology/Cosmogony, , Creation
4. Accoustics, Language, Air
5. Colour,Metallurgy, Science of Smoke/Vapour, Chemistry, Glass Technology
6.Siddha, KÈmadhenu,  ,Geology, Ethics
7. Artha ƒÈstra, Arthveda, Political Science,Ga‡ita (Mathematics), Architecture,Geography
8. Dictionary of Technical terms
9. Space, Aeronautics, Instrumentation,Airspying
10. Taxicology , Food Technology, Tempering Technology, Thermodynamics, Textile Engineering, Power/Electricity, Speed Management in Machines, Sound Management in Machines, Science of Rays
11. Dhanurveda, Marshal Arts, Military Science 

The scholar may also choose any other topic seeking formalization of studies in Indian civilisational knowledge system. 

Guidelines

Medium: Presentations and live discussion in English are desirable. Presentations in Indian languages will be allowed. 

Deadlines

Submission of abstract: Scholars are requested to submit the abstract of the papers on or before 5^th  November 2009. 

Submission of paper: Scholars are requested to submit their full paper on or before 20^th November 2009. 

Submission Process:

Where to send: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (via e-mail)
Postal Address: Lower Ground Floor,  B-27, Defence Colony,  New Delhi - 110024 

Selection of  papers: A selection committee will scrutinize the papers. If selected intimations to present the paper in the seminar will be dispatched through post or Email. Scholars are requested to give their postal address and Email (if any.). 

Travel Grants:  A limited no. of travel grants are available from third parties and private sponsors, to those who are approved by the selection committee. Students in master’s or Ph.D.  program will be given preference for travel grants.