Projects
Centre for IKS on Indian Psychology
PI: Vinayachandra Banavathy
About the Project
The Centre for Indian Psychology at Chanakya University is envisioned as a pioneering initiative dedicated to the study, preservation, and propagation of indigenous psychological wisdom. Addressing the current absence of dedicated institutions in this field, the Centre seeks to create a robust, multi-tiered framework that advances Indian psychological perspectives and ensures their relevance in contemporary discourse.
The Centre aims to be a nucleus for innovation, teaching, and research in Indian psychology. It will foster an ecosystem where students, researchers, and practitioners engage with consciousness-based approaches, integrating them with modern psychological frameworks.
With a long-term vision of building a network of specialized centres, the initiative challenges market-driven ideologies and aspires to realign psychology with Indian philosophical and experiential traditions. Through this effort, Chanakya University positions itself as a catalyst for a transformative global movement in psychology.
Sponsoring Agency: IKS Ministry of Education
Project Amount: ₹ 20,00,000
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: October 2025
Development of Thematic Minor in Indian psychology
PI: Vinayachandran Banavathy
About the Project
The Minor in Indian Psychology at Chanakya University is designed to integrate indigenous psychological wisdom with contemporary academic study, aligning with the university’s vision of advancing Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The project addresses the institutional gap in Indian psychology by creating a structured program that emphasizes cultural diversity, inclusivity, holistic human experience, inner transformation, and timeless wisdom for modern challenges. The curriculum blends philosophical foundations and empirical practices, offering courses such as Introduction to Indian Psychology, Foundational Concepts, Cognition and Emotions, Personality and Self, Applied Indian Psychology, First-Person Research Methodologies, and Yoga as Applied Psychology. Developed in consultation with leading scholars and practitioners, the project moves through phases of conceptualization, design, development, and deployment, including workshops, expert reviews, and digital learning materials. Ultimately, the minor seeks to nurture human potential, well-being, and flourishing, positioning Chanakya University as a leader in shaping the global discourse on psychology.
Sponsoring Agency: IKS Ministry of Education
Project Amount: ₹ 1,40,00,000
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: April 2025
Bhāratīya Jurisprudence Project
Sponsoring agency: Chanakya University
Project Amount: ₹ 2,623,500
Duration: 1 year
Start Date: 2025
Status: Ongoing
Project A: Analysis Of Existing Dharmashastra Literature
PI: Naveen Bhat
About the Project
Under the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at Chanakya University, this project explores Dharmaśāstra literature to derive indigenous perspectives on fundamental legal concepts. The study focuses on themes such as state and sovereignty, property and ownership, punishment (Daṇḍa), and procedure (Vyavahāra).
The project aims to produce a handbook of legal concepts from Dharmaśāstra, research papers, and comparative studies with contemporary law. It also seeks to design online certificate courses and seminars to sensitize students and practitioners to Indic legal terminology and worldview.
Project B: Introduction Of Indian Logic And Argumentation In Legal Scenario
About the Project
This initiative seeks to integrate Nyāya methods of logic and argumentation into legal education and practice. Emphasizing Tarka (reasoning), Vāda (structured debate), Pramāṇa (methods of knowledge) with a focus on Anumāna (inference), and the Pañcāvayava (five-step logical formulation), the project highlights the relevance of Nyāya in contemporary legal reasoning.
The expected outcomes include a handbook on Nyāya reasoning for legal practice, curriculum modules for law schools, and research publications demonstrating its application to case law. In addition, workshops for students, advocates, and judges will be organized to enhance logical and argumentative skills grounded in the Indian tradition.
Development of Textbooks on Indian Astronomy for Beginner and Intermediate Levels
PI: Ramakrishna Pejathaya
About the Project
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and related disciplines have taken off in a big way in recent years. Recently a textbook has been brought out relating these disciplines giving a general overview, which has not only been received well by the learners but has generated interest in learning each of the disciplines in detail. Hence, we feel it is high time for producing detailed textbooks in each of these disciplines.With this background, we would like to bring out textbooks devoted exclusively to Indian Astronomy. This work is proposed to be dealt with at two levels. Level 1 will cover all the basics of Indian Astronomy with sample problems and solutions and Level 2 assumes the knowledge of the basics covered in Level 1 and enables the student to understand the gamut of topics in astronomy at an advanced level.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi
Project Amount: ₹ 14,00,000
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: September 2024
Status: Ongoing
IKS Internship Project (Structured Documentation of Indian Culture and Thought through transcription of lectures of Dr R Ganesh for IKS Knowledge Development)
PI: Naveen Bhat
Co-PI: Ramakrishna Pejathaya
About the Project
This internship project proposes the transcription of 170 hours of lectures by Śatāvadhānī Dr. R. Ganesh, hosted on the GIPA YouTube platform, into Kannada and English. Covering Indian philosophy, arts, literature, rituals, and sacred traditions, the initiative aims to develop structured IKS reference material aligned with NEP 2020. Interns will transcribe, review, and organize the content into thematic modules, gaining immersive exposure to Indic knowledge while contributing to its preservation and academic dissemination. The project strengthens curriculum design, fosters capacity-building, supports multilingual access, and preserves India’s intellectual heritage, thereby advancing the IKS Division’s mission of rooted, holistic education.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: —
Project Amount: ₹ 9,00,000
Duration: 06 months
Start Date: June 2024
Status: Ongoing
IKS Internship Project (Structured Documentation of Indian Culture and Thought through transcription of lectures of Dr R Ganesh for IKS Knowledge Development)
PI: Naveen Bhat
Co-PI: Ramakrishna Pejathaya
About the Project
This internship project proposes the transcription of 170 hours of lectures by Śatāvadhānī Dr. R. Ganesh, hosted on the GIPA YouTube platform, into Kannada and English. Covering Indian philosophy, arts, literature, rituals, and sacred traditions, the initiative aims to develop structured IKS reference material aligned with NEP 2020. Interns will transcribe, review, and organize the content into thematic modules, gaining immersive exposure to Indic knowledge while contributing to its preservation and academic dissemination. The project strengthens curriculum design, fosters capacity-building, supports multilingual access, and preserves India’s intellectual heritage, thereby advancing the IKS Division’s mission of rooted, holistic education.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: —
Project Amount: ₹ 9,00,000
Duration: 06 months
Start Date: June 2024
Status: Ongoing
A Comprehensive Documentation of Primary and Secondary Resources on Bhāratīya Jurisprudence and Case Studies on Indigenous Practices of Dispute Resolution
PI: Naveen Bhat
Co-PI: Chetan Singai, Dean, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy, Chanakya University
Pradeep Kumar Sharma, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy, Chanakya University
Anusha M. Virupannavar, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy, Chanakya University
About the Project
This initiative aimed to introduce students to classical Bhāratīya legal thought and the living indigenous systems of justice that continue to function across India. A total of 30 interns (amounting to 60 Person Months) from diverse academic backgrounds—Law, Sanskrit, Political Science, and Sociology—were trained in academic research, fieldwork, and writing.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: IKS Division of MoE GoI
Project Amount: ₹ 7,50,000 Lakhs
Duration: 06 months
Start Date: September 2024
Status: Complete
Political Concepts in Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata and Arthaśāstra: An Analysis — Sovereignty, Kingship, Welfare, Market, Diplomacy, War
PI: Vinayak Rajat Bhat
Co-PI: Saurav Sarmah, Charu Ratna Dubey
About the Project
This body of work includes five key publications: a textbook that presents timeless governance strategies; a peer-reviewed research paper exploring strategic diplomacy; a conference paper analyzing knowledge as a source of national power; a book chapter offering leadership insights drawn from classical texts; and an online article applying Kauṭilyan principles to contemporary national power. Together, these works demonstrate how ancient Indian wisdom can effectively inform and enrich today’s policy-making and strategic frameworks.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: IKS Division of MoE@ AICTE
Project Amount: ₹ 9,60,000
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: January 2023
Status: Complete
A 2-Credit MOOC on The Art and Science of Avadhānam
PI: Ramakrishna Pejathaya
Co-PI: Yogita Chhatre
About the Project
The project resulted in the development of a 2-credit MOOC titled The Art and Science of Avadhānam, designed to introduce learners to this unique Indian literary performance tradition. Avadhānam is an extraordinary confluence of creativity, memory, multitasking, and wit, where an avadhāni responds to multiple questioners through spontaneous compositions in poetry, literature, mathematics, music, or painting. The course offers 30 hours of rich content with an additional 3-hour bridge course, combining video lectures, study materials, and activity-based learning. It aims to revive awareness, cultivate appreciation, and inspire continuity of this rare and awe-inspiring art form for future generations.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi
Project Amount: ₹ 9,00,000
Duration: 1 year
Start Date: June 2023
Status: Complete
Development of courses in Indian Psychology
PI: Vinayachandra Banavathy
About the Project
Under the Śikṣaka Praśikṣaṇa Kendram of the IKS Division, the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chanakya University, is developing curriculum and teacher training programmes integrating Indian Psychology into mainstream Psychology. Four courses are being designed: Health & Wellbeing from Indic Perspective, Yoga & Positive Psychology, Science of Happiness: An Indian Perspective, and Neuroscience of Yoga. Course 1, Svāsthya – A Comprehensive Guide to Positive Health and Wellbeing, explores Āyurveda, Yoga, Vedānta, aesthetics, and art to address modern challenges. These courses aim to offer an integrative understanding of health, wellbeing, happiness, and neuroscience from Indic and contemporary perspectives.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: IKS Division of MoE GoI
Project Amount: ₹ 35,00,000
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: October 2023
Status: Ongoing
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
PI: Vinayachandra Banavathy
Co-PI: Ramakrishna Pejathaya
About the Project
The Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) at Chanakya University, supported by the IKS Division for two years, actively engaged in research and dissemination in Indian psychology, Indian astronomy, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, and the art of Avadhāna. As research outputs, CIKS produced two books, six research papers, four book chapters, and fifteen popular articles. Dissemination efforts included five online events, ten offline programs, and three residential workshops, benefiting a wide range of participants. Additionally, CIKS developed ten innovative courses under this initiative. These vibrant activities reflect CIKS’s commitment to advancing Indian knowledge traditions. Detailed activity and publication records are provided separately.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Sponsoring Agency: IKS Division of AICTE, Ministry of Education, Government of India
Project Amount: ₹ 31,80,000
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: May 2022
Status: Complete
Managing Self, Enterprise and Society: Nītiśāstra Approach to Leadership (IKS Textbook Project titled)
PI: Vinayak Rajat Bhat
Co-PI: Bharatbhushan Dash, SSU, Cuttuck, Bhavani M. R. Professor, School of Managment Sciences, CU
About the project
Managing Self, Enterprise and Society: The Nītiśāstra Approach to Leadership is a proposed textbook integrating wisdom from classical Nītiśāstras such as Cāṇakya Nīti, Śukra Nīti, Pañcatantra, Vidura Nīti and Nīti Śataka to develop leadership models grounded in ethics, strategy and responsibility. It highlights leadership at three levels—Self (discipline, integrity), Enterprise (organization, governance) and Society (justice, welfare). Drawing on texts like Arthaśāstra and Pañcatantra, it blends timeless insights with modern pedagogy, including case studies, activities and dilemmas. Designed for management, public administration and liberal arts programmes, it equips students with indigenous, sustainable and transformative approaches to leadership.