Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents the accumulated intellectual traditions of India developed over millennia in diverse fields such as philosophy, science, mathematics, medicine, governance, linguistics, art, and literature. Libraries have historically served as custodians of this knowledge by preserving manuscripts, rare books, inscriptions, and oral traditions. In the contemporary academic environment, libraries play a crucial role in organizing, digitizing, and disseminating indigenous knowledge resources for research and education. This paper explores the concept of Indian Knowledge Systems and examines the role of libraries in preserving, promoting, and integrating traditional knowledge within modern information services. It discusses the historical foundations of knowledge preservation in India, the transformation of libraries in the digital era, and the relevance of IKS in higher education and research. The study highlights the importance of manuscript conservation, digitization initiatives, metadata development, institutional repositories, and user awareness programs. It also identifies key challenges including language barriers, preservation issues, inadequate funding, technological limitations, and lack of specialized training. The paper concludes that libraries must adopt innovative strategies such as digital archiving, collaboration with cultural institutions, development of special IKS collections, and promotion of interdisciplinary research to ensure sustainable preservation and accessibility of Indian Knowledge Systems. Strengthening the role of libraries in this direction will contribute significantly to cultural continuity, national identity, and knowledge-based development.