New Delhi, January 6, 2025: The Department of Civil Engineering (CED) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with the Delhi Chapter of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Program, sponsored by the Ram and Mithlesh Gupta Foundation, organized a distinguished technical seminar titled "Indigenous Knowledge in India on Civil Engineering" on January 1^st, 2025. The seminar was delivered by Professor Dr T.G. Sitharam, Chairperson of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and former Director of IIT Guwahati.

Professor Sitharam's presentation explored the profound impact of indigenous knowledge systems on the evolution of civil engineering discipline and practices in India, emphasizing how traditional knowledge and techniques can be integrated with modern innovations to address contemporary challenges in infrastructure, sustainability, and resource management.

Held in the Civil Engineering Auditorium at IIT Delhi, the seminar attracted a diverse audience of faculty members, students, and professionals from various organizations in the country. The event facilitated academic discourse and knowledge exchange, allowing participants to discuss India's civil engineering heritage. The Seminar was held both in person and virtually (webinar) in hybrid mode, ensuring broad accessibility for wider spectrum of participants.

The Seminar began with an opening address delivered by Mr Pradeep Chaturvedi, Vice-President of INAE, who emphasized the importance of integrating India's indigenous knowledge into modern engineering practices for a more sustainable and resilient future. Professor Dr Nomesh Bolia, Principal Investigator of the IKS Program at IIT Delhi, followed with remarks on how traditional knowledge can address global challenges such as climate change and resource conservation.

Professor Dr Vasant Matsagar, Honorary Secretary of the Delhi Chapter of INAE and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Delhi, moderated the Seminar. He introduced Professor Sitharam and facilitated the engaging discussion session that followed, guiding the exploration of ancient engineering knowledge and techniques and their relevance today in the contemporary world.

Professor Sitharam captivated the audience with his extensive knowledge of ancient civil engineering practices, offering several examples of India's remarkable achievements in architecture and infrastructure. A key highlight was his announcement that the Ministry of Education, Government of India has approved the establishment of an Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Cell under AICTE, aimed at advancing research and education on traditional knowledge systems. He elaborated on the ongoing activities of the IKS Cell, including research on sustainable materials, ancient construction techniques, and water management systems.

Professor Sitharam discussed several architectural marvels, including the Lakshman Temple in Sirpur, Chhattisgarh, known for its intricate temple architecture, and Bhunga houses in Gujarat, earthquake-resistant structures made from local materials. He also highlighted wooden houses in Himachal Pradesh and bamboo and thatch houses in Assam, which reflect a deep understanding of regional materials and environmental conditions. These examples showcase India's regional adaptation to terrain and climate, emphasizing sustainable construction methods.

Further, Professor Sitharam pointed out the use of lime, clay, and surkhi mortar in iconic structures such as the Ajanta Caves, Red Fort, Agra Fort, and Golconda Fort, demonstrating the longevity/ durability of these materials. He also discussed the traditional mud houses of Rajasthan, which are well-suited to the region's harsh climate and offer sustainable solutions for modern challenges.

Professor Sitharam provided insights into the Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut) in Tamil Nadu, one of the world’s oldest operational water resource projects, still providing irrigation. He also explored India's traditional water harvesting systems such as jhalaras, kunds, stepwells, tankas, and baolis, which demonstrate ancient wisdom in managing water resources sustainably and remain relevant today.

A significant portion of the Seminar focused on Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture. Professor Sitharam explained how Vastu Shastra guided the design and orientation of buildings to create a harmonious relationship between people and their environment. He highlighted how cultural and spiritual principles influenced the layout of structures such as homes, temples, and public spaces to promote balance, well-being, and positive energy. Aligning buildings with natural forces such as the sun, wind, and earth was believed to foster health and prosperity.

Professor Sitharam also showcased examples of advanced metallurgy, such as the Iron Pillar of Delhi, which has remained rust-free for nearly 1900 years, showcasing India's expertise in materials science. He further discussed the architectural wonders of Khajuraho and Hampi, both of which reflect the sophistication of ancient Indian design and construction techniques.

The seminar concluded with an engaging discussion session, where attendees interacted with the Speaker, Professor Sitharam to explore how ancient engineering knowledge and techniques can be adapted to meet modern challenges in infrastructure, urbanization, and environmental sustainability. Professor Matsagar facilitated this thought-provoking session, allowing participants to delve deeper into the integration of traditional knowledge with modern engineering practices.

This seminar highlighted the immense value of integrating indigenous knowledge into modern engineering practices and underscored the critical role of traditional techniques in addressing the infrastructure needs of the future.

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