Historical Dimensions of Knowledge Access and Dissemination in India

Authors

  • Ananda Wood Centre for Informatics Research and Development

Keywords:

Knowledge Management, Open Knowledge, India, History, Spirituality, printing, Education, Sanskrit

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of how knowledge was transmitted and accessed in Indian society from ancient times. It explores the methods of knowledge transmission in traditional society, where personal interaction played a central role, before the advent of modern communication and the widespread availability of books. The study delves into how traditional culture was designed to ensure the passing down of knowledge, maintaining continuity in education. It also discusses traditional methods, subject-specific and audience-specific restrictions, as well as efforts to democratise knowledge. The paper focuses on Kerala's geographical context, knowledge transmission in philosophy and religion, and the contributions of intellectual figures like Chattampi Swamikal in this area. (The paper is adapted from the various writings of Ananda Wood)

Author Biography

  • Ananda Wood, Centre for Informatics Research and Development

    Ananda Wood is a disciple of the spiritualist Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon (1883–1959). Born in 1947 to parents of mixed heritage - an Indian mother of Parsi descent and an English father of Irish descent - he was raised and educated in Mumbai, India. He took bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at King’s College, Cambridge, UK, and later earned a doctorate in Anthropology, specializing in Indian tradition, from the University of Chicago, USA. After completing his education, he returned to India and worked for several years as an industrial executive. Later he dedicated himself to teaching Advaita philosophy from his home in Pune and has authored several books and papers on Indian philosophy.

References

Bhaskara Pilla, K (1960) Chattampi Swamikal. Kottayam, SPCS.

Karunakara Menon, K P (1967). Chattampi Swamikal. The Great Scholar-Saint of Kerala. Trivandrum. PGNP.

Kramrisch, Stella, J. H. Cousins, and R. Vasudev Poduval (1970). The Arts and Crafts of Kerala. Cochin, Paico Publishing House, A general and historical account of traditional crafts and performing arts in Kerala.

Krishna Chaitanya (1971). A History of Malayalam Literature, Orient Long-mans, Delhi. Includes a discussion of the historical and cultural background.

Krishna Chaitanya (1972). Kerala. New Delhi, National Book Trust. An overall account of Kerala and her culture, by a noted scholar.

Kunjunni Raja, K (1958). Contributions of Kerala to Sanskrit Literature, University of Madras, Madras. An account of Sanskrit learning and writing in Kerala, in particular the introduction describes the social organization of traditional learning in the feudal kingdoms of Kerala.

Raman Maharshi (2002). Raman Maharsh's Gospel Being Answers of Bhagvan Sree Raman maharshi to Questions put to Him by Devotees (Book 1, chapter 7), Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

Sprigge, T L S, (1995). This characterization of Advaita as 'one in the many' comes from a remark by Professor T.L.S. Sprigge, who described Shr: Shankara's position in this way.

Sprigge, T. L. S. 2006. The God of Metaphysics. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Sreedhara Menon, A (1970) A Survey of Kerala History. Kottayam, National Book Stall.

Wood, Ananda (1985). Knowledge before printing and after -The Indian tradition in changing Kerala, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1985. The account here is taken specifically from Kerala state, as documented in this book.

Chattapmi Swamikal (1853-1924)

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Published

2025-03-10

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2025): Open Knowledge

Section

Articles

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