Traditional knowledge, also known as local knowledge or indigenous knowledge, refers to collective ways of knowing that are deeply embedded in cultural traditions of a community or a region. Traditional knowledge draws on a depth of tacit skills, experiences and sensibilities that are passed down in oral traditions and practice-led guidance from generation to generation. In India for example, an ancient master-disciple tradition of guru shishya paramparaa that goes back to the Vedic period (c.1500 – c.1100 BCE) still continues today, transmitting knowledge through intellectual, emotional and spiritual bonding between the teacher and the pupil. The nuances of hand weaving and handcrafting in the heritage crafts (virāsat shilp) sector, including the techniques and aesthetics of traditional artisan objects, are learnt under the tutelage of a master (guru). A guru is an experienced practitioner, a family member or a person in the community, who passes on the traditional knowledge and skills of the craft to the apprentice. The novice, shishya, learns through observation and obedience of the instructional advice of the guru, rather than through formal pedagogy or curriculum. This tradition facilitates earning of livelihoods and ensures continuity of the rich traditional textile/craft legacy of India. Importantly, the value of traditional knowledge is also increasingly recognized in the context of the climate crisis. Research shows that traditional knowledge of indigenous communities offers a range of effective solutions to long-term sustainable land use and balanced ecosystem management. In moving beyond the homogenized narratives of market logic and the dominance of the Global North, continuity of traditional knowledge and recognition of the value of informal ways of learning is a critical enabler of cultural diversity, inclusion, and equality.(1-5)
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
