Indian Knowledge Systems as a Foundation for Developing Circular and Sustainable Economic Models in Contemporary Commerce
Indian Knowledge Systems as a Foundation for Developing Circular and Sustainable Economic Models in
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Abstract
Abstract:
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), comprising the philosophical, ecological, economic, and craft traditions that have evolved on the Indian subcontinent over several millennia, encode principles of resource conservation, minimal waste, communal sharing, and regenerative living that align closely with the modern circular economy (CE) paradigm. This paper examines how core IKS concepts such as Dharma, Ahimsa, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, and Prakriti,Purusha balance, together with concrete traditional practices in water management, textiles, agriculture, architecture, and community enterprise, offer a culturally rooted foundation for building circular and sustainable business models in contemporary commerce. Using a qualitative, literature, based methodology, the paper maps IKS principles onto the standard 9R circular economy framework, presents illustrative case studies (stepwell water systems, khadi and natural, dye textiles, Zero Budget Natural Farming, Panchgavya, based bio,inputs, vernacular architecture, and self,help,group enterprises such as Kudumbashree), and discusses their translation into present,day supply chains, MSME and startup practice, and corporate sustainability strategy. The paper concludes that IKS is not a nostalgic relic but an operational knowledge base that, when combined with modern technology, certification, and policy support, can help India and the wider world move toward economies that are regenerative, low, waste, and socially embedded, while also identifying the challenges of scaling, documentation, and intellectual, property protection that must be addressed to realise this potential.
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References
Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition
National Education Policy 2020
The Kautilīya Arthaśāstra
Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
Zero Budget Natural Farming Guidelines
Khadi and Village Industries Commission Annual Report
Kudumbashree: A Study of Women's Self-Help Groups in Kerala
Traditional water harvesting systems of India: A review of stepwells and tanks
Kautilya: The Arthashastra
Panchgavya and organic farming: Traditional knowledge in contemporary agriculture
Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition
National Education Policy 2020
The Kautilīya Arthaśāstra
Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
Zero Budget Natural Farming Guidelines
Khadi and Village Industries Commission Annual Report
Kudumbashree: A Study of Women's Self-Help Groups in Kerala
Traditional water harvesting systems of India: A review of stepwells and tanks
Kautilya: The Arthashastra
Panchgavya and organic farming: Traditional knowledge in contemporary agriculture
Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition
National Education Policy 2020
The Kautilīya Arthaśāstra
Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
Zero Budget Natural Farming Guidelines
Khadi and Village Industries Commission Annual Report
Kudumbashree: A Study of Women's Self-Help Groups in Kerala
Traditional water harvesting systems of India: A review of stepwells and tanks
Kautilya: The Arthashastra
Panchgavya and organic farming: Traditional knowledge in contemporary agriculture
Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition
National Education Policy 2020
The Kautilīya Arthaśāstra
Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
Zero Budget Natural Farming Guidelines
Khadi and Village Industries Commission Annual Report
Kudumbashree: A Study of Women's Self-Help Groups in Kerala
Traditional water harvesting systems of India: A review of stepwells and tanks
Kautilya: The Arthashastra
Panchgavya and organic farming: Traditional knowledge in contemporary agriculture
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