Indian Knowledge Systems and Ballads in Contemporary Contexts: Preserving Tradition Amidst Modern Adaptation

Abstract

Since the colonial period, the English language in India has often been linked with elitism and urban privilege, even though post-independence educational policy has consistently emphasised inclusivity and equal access. In such a context, there is an urgent need to rethink existing structures of knowledge dissemination and to make the Indian Knowledge System accessible to all sections of society, thereby enabling individuals to benefit from both local traditions and global opportunities. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), including oral traditions such as ballads, constitute a vast reservoir of inherited wisdom encompassing diverse fields such as philosophy, medicine, arts, ecology, linguistics, and science. These systems preserve not only intellectual traditions but also collective memory, ethical values, and community-based modes of learning. This research paper examines the ways in which Indian Knowledge Systems, with special reference to ballad traditions, retain their foundational integrity while adapting to contemporary contexts. It further explores the linguistic and terminological dimensions embedded within IKS, demonstrating how language functions as a carrier of cultural knowledge and social identity. By analysing the interaction between traditional practices and modern methodologies, the paper seeks to highlight the dynamic, adaptive, and resilient character of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. It aims to establish the continuing relevance of IKS in the present age and to investigate the processes through which these systems preserve their essential principles while responding creatively to the changing demands of modern society.