ROLE OF ORAL TRADITIONS IN INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM AND LIBRARY PRACTICE

Abstract

Oral traditions, acting as a primary method for knowledge transmission before the widespread use of written texts, have played a crucial role in the Indian knowledge system. For centuries, oral traditions have been fundamental to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), promoting the transmission of philosophy, science, art, and practical knowledge. In modern libraries, oral traditions are frequently overlooked which emphasize written and digital texts. To acknowledge these traditions, "oral documents" must be included alongside traditional ones, and to preserve and make this cultural heritage more accessible, modern technology such as digital libraries, AR/VR technologies must be used. This paper explores the foundations, preservation challenges and practical implications of oral traditions in India, with an emphasis on their inclusion in modern library practice. This paper analyses how oral knowledge can be documented, preserved and made accessible by adhering to ethical, cultural and community-based guidelines. This paper suggests that libraries can transform into dynamic knowledge ecosystems that foster oral history, preserve it and open up this treasure trove to its users.