ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS IN EDUCATION: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND A CONCEPTUAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing education. On the other hand, National Education Policy, 2020 has strengthened the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in contemporary education. This theoretical paper adopts a conceptual and literature-based approach to examine the potential interface between AI and IKS. It focuses on educational opportunities and associated pedagogical, cultural and ethical concerns. The reviewed literature indicates that AI may support the documentation, accessibility, multilingual engagement and educational use of IKS. It also raises concerns regarding accuracy, cultural representation, linguistic diversity, data sovereignty, digital inequality and teacher preparedness. Based on the literature synthesis, a conceptual framework is proposed in which IKS serves as the knowledge base, AI functions as an enabling technology, and teachers and experts provide contextual and pedagogical mediation within ethical and cultural safeguards. The paper emphasizes that AI should complement, rather than replace, human expertise in engaging with IKS. It also calls for further empirical research across India's diverse educational and cultural contexts.