AVIHPSAM
Association for Vivekananda Institute of History & Philosophy of Science Arts Music
"How did they know what they knew?"
Exploring Indian Knowledge Systems with evidence, epistemology, and inquiry.
A digital research museum - not a propaganda tool.
I am a...
About AVIHPSAM
AVIHPSAM is a digital research portal dedicated to exploring Indian Knowledge Systems with academic rigor, honest inquiry, and epistemological transparency.
A not-for-profit public trust to serve humanity in the path of research, engagement & realization
This portal is a scholarly resource that:
- Cites sources - Every claim backed by textual, archaeological, or scientific evidence
- Acknowledges gaps - We openly state what we don't know
- Explains methodology - We show HOW knowledge was developed
- Invites inquiry - We encourage critical thinking and questions
- Maintains dignity - No aggressive nationalism or religious supremacism
What We Are NOT
Not Propaganda
We do not exist to "prove" India's superiority. We present evidence and let it speak.
Not Pseudoscience
No support for claims about ancient aircraft or technologies lacking credible evidence.
Not Religious Advocacy
We explore philosophical traditions academically, not as religious advocacy.
Not Infallible
We may make mistakes. We welcome corrections and good-faith scholarly dialogue.
Evidence Tier System
Every topic is classified by evidence strength. This ensures transparency about what we know and our confidence level.
TIER 1 Strong Evidence
Claims supported by multiple independent sources and/or physical evidence.
- 1A - Textual + Archaeological: Written sources and physical artifacts
- 1B - Textual + Replication: Verified through modern scientific replication
- 1C - Textual Only (Multiple): Multiple independent texts agree
TIER 2 Living Tradition
Knowledge preserved through continuous practice but with limited historical documentation.
TIER 3 Hypothesis
Scholarly interpretations based on limited evidence. Reasonable inferences requiring further research.
TIER 4 Flagged Claim
Claims widely circulated but lacking credible evidence. Presented to address misconceptions.
The Pramana Framework
Indian philosophy developed sophisticated theories of knowledge called Pramana. We use this to examine HOW ancient scholars knew what they knew.
Direct Perception
Knowledge through sensory observation.
Inference
Knowledge through logical reasoning.
Comparison
Knowledge by recognizing similarity.
Testimony
Knowledge from reliable sources.
Postulation
Knowledge through presumption to explain a fact.
Non-apprehension
Knowledge of absence through non-perception.
Knowledge Evolution: Seed to Fruit
For each topic, we trace how knowledge evolved over time.
Example - Zero: Seed (empty placeholder in counting) -> Growth (positional notation symbol) -> Fruit (Brahmagupta's formal arithmetic rules, 628 CE)
The Four Houses
Every feature, page, and interaction serves these four principles - in order of priority.
pratnah
Discipline & Evidence
Every claim cites sources. Gaps acknowledged. "We don't know" is valid.
pragyan
Understanding & Reasoning
Show HOW knowledge developed, not just WHAT was known. Explain causality.
tattwamasi
Participation & Inquiry
You are a participant, not passive consumer. Think critically. Question.
nandanik
Dignity & Aesthetics
Calm, precise, dignified tone. No aggressive nationalism. Scholarly design.
Academic Standards
We adhere to rigorous academic standards to ensure reliable, useful information.
Original texts and manuscripts cited with translations noted.
Peer-reviewed research prioritized over popular sources.
Scholarly debates presented fairly, noting disagreements.
Pseudoscientific claims never presented as fact.
Start Exploring
Ask the AVIHPSAM Digital Curator. Get evidence-based answers with sources and epistemological context.
Contact Us
We welcome inquiries, corrections, and scholarly collaboration.
Email: contact@avihpsam.org
Website: www.avihpsam.org
Report an Error: If you find factual errors, missing citations, or problematic content, please let us know. We are committed to accuracy.