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                        Scientific Management

                        Vedanga and the Six Auxiliary Sciences
                                  Dr. Abhijeet Shivane and Prof. Aashish Marathe






            Learning Outcomes:
            • Explore the systematic approach of Vedanga for knowledge analysis.
            • Integrate scientific inquiry methods into modern management practices.
            • Apply structured decision-making to solve business challenges.
            • Leverage Vedanga’s principles to optimize resources and strategic planning.





           Introduction:
           In the early 20th  century, Frederick  Winslow Taylor’s Scientific  Management
          revolutionized the industrial landscape by introducing systematic methods designed
          to enhance efficiency, optimize productivity, and refine labor management practices.
          However, the roots of structured, systematic  processes  and efficiency  in work can
          be traced back  centuries, long before Taylor’s time. Indian knowledge systems,
          particularly through the Vedanga, laid the foundation for many modern management
          principles. The Vedanga, a set of six auxiliary sciences, provides a robust framework
          for understanding and applying knowledge, and its principles resonate deeply with the
          core tenets of modern management theories. This chapter explores how these ancient
          disciplines  offer timeless  insights  that align closely  with the principles  of Scientific
          Management, highlighting  their  relevance  in  achieving efficiency, standardization,
          and operational excellence in today’s industries.

           1. The Vedanga: The Six Auxiliary Sciences
           The word “Vedanga” is derived from the Sanskrit terms “Veda” (meaning knowledge)
          and “Anga” (meaning limb or branch). Together, they refer to  the six auxiliary
          disciplines that support the study, interpretation, and preservation of the Vedas—the
          ancient scriptures of Hinduism. These six Vedangas form an integral part of the Vedic
          tradition, ensuring the correct transmission  of knowledge across generations. The
          Vedangas are:
           1. Shiksha (Phonetics)                    2. Chandas (Meter)
           3. Vyakarana (Grammar)                    4. Nirukta (Etymology)
           5. Jyotisha (Astronomy/Astrology)         6. Kalpa (Rituals)


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