This book demonstrates how traditional knowledge can be connected to the modern world. Human knowledge of housing, health and agriculture dates back thousands of years, with old wisdom developing and becoming modern. But in the past few decades, global communities have increasingly become aware that some of this valuable knowledge has fallen by the wayside. This has sparked systematic efforts at the local, national and global levels to connect this neglected knowledge to the modern world. It discusses the origin of the topic, its importance, recent developments in India and abroad, and what is being done and still needs to be done in order to preserve India’s traditional knowledge. The discussions address a broad range of fields and organizations: from Basmati rice to Ayurvedic cosmetics; from traditional irrigation and folk music to modern drug discovery and climate change adaptation; and from the Biodiversity Convention to the WHO, WTO and WIPO.

This book deals with the traditional and indigenous knowledge of the common men and women of India--tribal and Dalit populations, fisher folk, craftsmen, artisans, and leather workers--which includes their agriculture, housing, and irrigation methods; medicinal knowled≥ methods for collecting drinking water; and arts and culture. It establishes that the economic significance of such knowledge in the modern world is being utilized in a wide variety of ways. Globally, indigenous knowledge is now recognized as an underutilized resource that can help to reduce poverty and a dormant reserve with considerable commercial potential.

Contributed articles on Intellectual life and Hindu civilization presented at a seminar held in Shimla at 2003.

This volume is a modest attempt in this direction. With 26 chapters divided into 5 sections and contributed by anthropologists, activists, botanists, computer scientists, pharmacologists, environmental scientists, and sociologists, this volume is a rich compendium of Indigenous Knowledge research in India and abroad. The sections in the volume focus on theoretical and methodological issues pertaining to Indigenous Knowledge, case studies on the knowledge, case studies on the knowledge of different ethnic, groups, tribal ethno-medical practices, loss of Indigenous Knowledge in social development. The volume is a source book for Indigenous Knowledge research and will be of immense interest to anthropologists, environmental scientists, ethno-botanists, ecologists, computer scientists, sociologists, NGOs and development administrators.

Fills a gap in scholarship on Indian culture and power between 1500 and 1800, arguing that we can't know how colonialism changed South Asia unless we know what there was to be changed.

Legal Protection for Traditional Knowledge calls attention to the vital contributions that aboriginal knowledge makes to global development and how the legal systems in place, particularly in India, must change to protect this knowledge.This book is a must-read for researchers in economics, development studies, and international law.

Microbiology, the scientific study of microorganisms, has significantly advanced our understanding of the invisible world that teems with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic life forms. While modern microbiology has made remarkable strides in unraveling the mysteries of these tiny organisms, it is essential not to overlook the profound importance of traditional knowledge in this field. In India, a nation with a rich cultural heritage dating back millennia, traditional knowledge has played a pivotal role in shaping the understanding of microbes and their applications. This knowledge, often passed down through generations, has coexisted with modern scientific discoveries, making it a unique and indispensable facet of microbiology. The importance of traditional knowledge in microbiology is rooted in its historical significance and cultural relevance. India's ancient texts and practices, such as Ayurveda and traditional herbal medicine, have long recognized the existence of microorganisms and their influence on health and disease. These insights have not only laid the foundation for contemporary research but have also offered valuable guidance in the development of antibiotics, vaccines, and probiotics. 'Microbial Mysteries of India: India's Rich Legacy in Microbiology' explores the scope and objectives of this book, which endeavors to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern scientific understanding. This comprehensive work aims to unearth the hidden treasures of microbial knowledge scattered across India's diverse landscape. It delves into the historical context of Indian microbiology, shedding light on the contributions of ancient scholars, sages, and healers who recognized the significance of microbes long before the advent of modern microbiology. Throughout the book, readers will embark on a captivating journey that spans the length and breadth of India, unraveling microbial mysteries hidden within its ancient traditions, folklore, and indigenous practices. From the fermentation techniques used in traditional Indian cuisine to the microbial diversity found in sacred rivers and forests, this book brings to life the vibrant tapestry of India's microbial heritage. It also explores the contemporary relevance of this knowledge in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental conservation, showcasing how traditional wisdom can complement and enhance modern scientific endeavors. 'Microbial Mysteries of India' seeks to bridge the gap between the past and the present, celebrating the enduring legacy of traditional knowledge in microbiology. As we embark on this enlightening journey, we will come to appreciate the invaluable insights that India's rich heritage offers to the world of microbes and the immense potential it holds for the future of microbiological research and innovation.

Traditional knowledge (TK) has contributed immensely to shaping development and human well-being. Its influence spans a variety of sectors, including agriculture, health, education and governance. However, in today's world, TK and its practitioners are increasingly underrpresented or under-utilized. Further, while the applicability of TK to human and environmental welfare is well-recognized, collated information on how TK contributes to different sectors is not easily accessible. --

This fascinating study describes efforts to define and protect traditional knowledge and the associated issues of access to genetic resources, from the negotiation of the Convention on Biological Diversity to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Nagoya Protocol. Drawing on the expertise of local specialists from around the globe, the chapters judiciously mix theory and empirical evidence to provide a deep and convincing understanding of traditional knowledge, innovation, access to genetic resources, and benefit sharing. Because traditional knowledge was understood in early negotiations to be subject to a property rights framework, these often became bogged down due to differing views on the rights involved. New models, developed around the notion of distributive justice and self-determination, are now gaining favor. This book suggests – through a discussion of theory and contemporary case studies from Brazil, India, Kenya and Canada – that a focus on distributive justice best advances the interests of indigenous peoples while also fostering scientific innovation in both developed and developing countries. Comprehensive as well as nuanced, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge will be of great interest to scholars and students of law, political science, anthropology and geography. National and international policymakers and those interested in the environment, indigenous peoples' rights and innovation will find the book an enlightening resource.