Page 150 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

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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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