Indian knowledge system research: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis (2015–2026)

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents a vast body of indigenous knowledge encompassing philosophy, medicine, agriculture, ecology, and socio-cultural practices developed over centuries in the Indian subcontinent. In recent years, increasing global attention toward sustainability and indigenous knowledge frameworks has led to growing scholarly interest in IKS. This study presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of research on Indian Knowledge Systems published between 2015 and 2026. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database using predefined search criteria. A total of 5866 records were initially identified, which were refined to 889 documents after applying inclusion criteria related to subject area, document type, language, and country affiliation. The study followed the PRISMA 2020 framework for systematic screening. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to examine publication trends, keyword co-occurrence, collaboration networks, and citation patterns. The results indicate a substantial increase in IKS-related publications after 2019, reflecting growing academic and policy interest in indigenous knowledge frameworks. Major research themes include indigenous knowledge, sustainable development, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, and knowledge management. The findings highlight the interdisciplinary nature of IKS research and its increasing relevance in addressing global challenges related to sustainability, cultural preservation, and knowledge integration. This study provides a comprehensive overview of research trends, influential contributors, and emerging themes in the field of Indian Knowledge Systems.