NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Knowledge Traditions Practices of India: Chapter 2 — Indian Philosophical Systems 2
This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of Indian philosophy, known as Darśana. It explores humanity's age-old quest to understand the creation and control of the universe, and the sources of knowledge (Pramāṇa). The text defines Prameya (objects of knowledge) and Pramāṇa, highlighting the importance of valid means of knowledge. It details six significant pramāṇas: Pratyakṣa (perception), Anumāna (inference), Upamāna (analogy), Śabda (verbal testimony), Anupalabdhi (non-perception), and Arthāpatti (implication). The chapter traces the origins of Indian philosophical thought to the Vedas and Upanishads, leading to the development of independent schools like Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṁsā, Vedānta, Cārvāka, Jaina, and Bauddha. These schools are broadly categorized into Āstika (Vedic) and Nāstika (non-Vedic) based on their acceptance of Vedic authority. This foundational understanding is crucial for students of Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Knowledge Traditions Practices of India |
| Book | Knowledge Traditions Practices of India |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Indian Philosophical Systems 2 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 468 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the meaning and scope of Darśana (Philosophy).
- Identify and explain the concepts of Prameya and Pramāṇa.
- List and describe the six major pramāṇas in Indian philosophy.
- Trace the origin of Indian philosophical thought to Vedic literature.
- Differentiate between Āstika and Nāstika philosophical schools.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Darśana | Philosophy |
| Prameya | Objects of knowledge |
| Pramāṇa | Means of knowledge or source of knowledge |
| Pratyakṣa | Direct perception through sense organs |
| Anumāna | Inference or syllogistic argument |
| Upamāna | Analogy |
| Śabda | Verbal testimony |
| Anupalabdhi | Non-perception |
| Arthāpatti | Implication |
| Ātmān | Soul |
| Āstika | Accepts the validity of the Vedas |
| Nāstika | Denies the validity of the Vedas |
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Practice questions
- What is the subject matter of Darśana or Philosophy? Answer: The subject matter of Darśana or Philosophy is the questions about the creation and control of the universe, and the sources and validation of knowledge.
- What are the two major components of Philosophy in general? Answer: The two major components are Prameya (objects of knowledge) and Pramāṇa (means of knowledge).
- Name any three significant pramāṇas mentioned in the text. Answer: Any three from Pratyakṣa, Anumāna, Upamāna, Śabda, Anupalabdhi, Arthāpatti.
- From which ancient literature can the origin of Indian philosophical thoughts be traced back? Answer: The origin can be traced back to the Ṛgveda.
- What is the main difference between Āstika and Nāstika schools of Indian philosophy? Answer: Āstika schools accept the validity of the Vedas as a source of knowledge, while Nāstika schools deny it.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT considered a significant pramāṇa in Indian philosophy?
Explanation: Smṛti (memory) is not listed among the six significant pramāṇas discussed in the text. The text lists Pratyakṣa, Anumāna, Upamāna, Śabda, Anupalabdhi, and Arthāpatti.
Q2. The term 'Prameya' in Indian philosophy refers to:
Explanation: Prameya is defined in the text as the 'objects of knowledge', while Pramāṇa refers to the 'means of knowledge'.
Q3. Which philosophical school is considered Nāstika because it does not accept the Vedas as a valid source of knowledge?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Cārvaka, Bauddha, and Jaina are considered Nāstika schools as they do not take the Vedas as a valid source of knowledge.
Q4. The Upanishads are described as:
Explanation: The text mentions that philosophical discourse flourishes in the Upanishads, which are the last major part of the Vedic literature.
Q5. What does 'Anumāna' represent as a pramāṇa?
Explanation: Anumāna is defined as inference or syllogistic argument, which is one of the significant pramāṇas discussed in the chapter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary focus of Indian philosophical systems (Darśana)?
Indian philosophical systems focus on understanding the creation and control of the universe, and exploring the sources and validation of human knowledge.
What are the two main components of philosophy discussed in the chapter?
The two main components are Prameya (objects of knowledge) and Pramāṇa (means of knowledge).
Can you name the six significant pramāṇas (means of knowledge) in Indian philosophy?
The six significant pramāṇas are Pratyakṣa (perception), Anumāna (inference), Upamāna (analogy), Śabda (verbal testimony), Anupalabdhi (non-perception), and Arthāpatti (implication).
Where can the origins of Indian philosophical thought be traced?
The origins of Indian philosophical thought can be traced back to the Ṛgveda and the Upanishads.
What is the basis for classifying Indian philosophical schools as Āstika or Nāstika?
The classification is based on whether the school accepts the validity of the Vedas as a source of knowledge. Āstika schools accept it, while Nāstika schools deny it.
Which philosophical schools are explicitly mentioned as Nāstika?
Cārvaka, Bauddha, and Jaina are explicitly mentioned as Nāstika schools.
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NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India — Knowledge Traditions Practices of India — Chapter 2 — Indian Philosophical Systems 2. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.