BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems Notes by Unnati Educations cover all four units of this Semester 2 value-added course in one 69-page printed book: 24 short answers, outlines for 16 long answers and 181 quick-revision points, from the Vedas and the Arthashastra to Vastu Shastra. They follow the NEP scheme in force from academic session 2024-25.
Written by Prateek Talwar, Founder, Unnati Educations · Reviewed by Sheetal Kirola, BBA, B.Ed (DU SOL) · Checked against BBA Scheme & Syllabus (NEP Based), w.e.f. 2024-25 (BBAwef2024_25_200125.pdf), verified 13 Oct 2026 · Updated 14 October 2026 · Editorial policy
Scheme: NEP scheme w.e.f. 2024-25 | Applies to: academic session 2024-25 onwards | Verified against: BBA Scheme & Syllabus (NEP Based), 13 Oct 2026
BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems at a glance: GGSIPU BBA Sem 2 credits, units and exam pattern
| Code and title | BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems |
|---|---|
| Course and semester | BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), Semester 2 |
| Category and credits | Value-Added Course; 2 credits; L-2, T-0 (2 lecture hours a week) |
| Option rule | Either BBA 118 or BBA 110 MOOC is taken as the value-added course |
| Marks | 100: 40 internal + 60 end-term |
| Applies to | Academic session 2024-25 onwards (NEP scheme) |
| End-term pattern | 60 marks; instructions for paper setters are not printed in the official BBA PDF |
| Exam duration | 3 hours |
| Units and hours | 4 units: 8 + 8 + 8 + 6 = 30 lecture hours |
| Paired lab | None |
It sits with eight other entries on the GGSIPU BBA Semester 2 papers page.
Pass marks and re-appear rules are not printed in the BBA PDF; they sit in Ordinance 11 (examinations, evaluation and results).
BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems Notes unit-wise: 40 exam questions and 181 revision points across 4 units
These are Indian Knowledge Systems notes in English, with Sanskrit terms such as Rta, Vartta and Brahmasthana explained where they first appear.
Notes for the other papers of this programme are grouped under GGSIPU BBA notes. One content page from each unit is in the sample PDF above.
BBA 118 Unit 1: Overview of Indian Knowledge
Unit 1 builds the paper's vocabulary: the 18 Vidyasthanas, the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Astika and Nastika schools, then 11 stages of Indian culture, ragas and the classical dances.
Pages 7 to 24 · 6 short answers, 4 long-answer outlines, 44 revision points
| Pramana | Meaning | Business use |
|---|---|---|
| Pratyaksha | Perception through the senses | Market data |
| Anumana | Inference (smoke, so fire) | Forecasting from trends |
| Upamana | Comparison or analogy | Benchmarking against competitors |
| Shabda | Reliable verbal testimony | Expert reports |
Quick look: four pramanas used as a decision toolkit (from page 13)
- Pramana
- Pratyaksha
- Meaning
- Perception through the senses
- Business use
- Market data
- Pramana
- Anumana
- Meaning
- Inference (smoke, so fire)
- Business use
- Forecasting from trends
- Pramana
- Upamana
- Meaning
- Comparison or analogy
- Business use
- Benchmarking against competitors
- Pramana
- Shabda
- Meaning
- Reliable verbal testimony
- Business use
- Expert reports
BBA 118 Unit 2: Integrating Indian Knowledge System into Commerce
Unit 2 shows how Indian knowledge earns and protects money. The Arthashastra part covers the adhyakshas, the honey-bee tax rule and risk-based interest; TKDL is taught through the turmeric, neem and basmati patent fights, and GI through a seven-step registration chain.
Pages 25 to 39 · 6 short answers, 4 long-answer outlines, 43 revision points
| Basis | Geographical Indication | Trademark | Patent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Community of producers | Individual or company | Inventor or assignee |
| Transfer | Cannot be sold or licensed | Can be sold, licensed | Can be sold, licensed |
| Validity | 10 years, renewable | 10 years, renewable | 20 years, not renewable |
| Example | Darjeeling Tea | Tata Tea | A new tea-processing machine |
Quick look: GI vs trademark vs patent (from page 34)
- Basis
- Owner
- Geographical Indication
- Community of producers
- Trademark
- Individual or company
- Patent
- Inventor or assignee
- Basis
- Transfer
- Geographical Indication
- Cannot be sold or licensed
- Trademark
- Can be sold, licensed
- Patent
- Can be sold, licensed
- Basis
- Validity
- Geographical Indication
- 10 years, renewable
- Trademark
- 10 years, renewable
- Patent
- 20 years, not renewable
- Basis
- Example
- Geographical Indication
- Darjeeling Tea
- Trademark
- Tata Tea
- Patent
- A new tea-processing machine
BBA 118 Unit 3: Spirituality
Unit 3 treats spirituality as a management subject: Maya's three levels of reality, the four ashramas as career stages, Nishkama Karma, and corporate karma through Tata, Satyam and Enron with CSR under Section 135.
Pages 40 to 54 · 6 short answers, 4 long-answer outlines, 44 revision points
Quick look: the three types of karma (from page 47)
- Sanchita: karma stored from all past actions.
- Prarabdha: the part of past karma giving results now; it cannot be changed.
- Kriyamana (Agami): karma being created now for the future; fully in our hands.
BBA 118 Unit 4: Spirituality, Science, Engineering and Technology in IKS
Unit 4 is the science record: Baudhayana's √2, zero's journey to Europe, Jantar Mantar, wootz steel and Zawar zinc, Harappa to Jaipur town planning, and Vastu and Shilpa Shastra.
Pages 55 to 68 · 6 short answers, 4 long-answer outlines, 50 revision points
| Direction | Recommended use | Practical reason |
|---|---|---|
| North-East (Ishanya) | Prayer room, water source | Soft morning sunlight |
| South-East (Agneya) | Kitchen | Morning sun dries it; south-west wind carries smoke away |
| South-West (Nairutya) | Master bedroom, heavy storage | Thick walls absorb heat |
| Centre (Brahmasthana) | Open courtyard | Light and air circulation |
Quick look: Vastu directions and the practical reason behind them (from page 63)
- Direction
- North-East (Ishanya)
- Recommended use
- Prayer room, water source
- Practical reason
- Soft morning sunlight
- Direction
- South-East (Agneya)
- Recommended use
- Kitchen
- Practical reason
- Morning sun dries it; south-west wind carries smoke away
- Direction
- South-West (Nairutya)
- Recommended use
- Master bedroom, heavy storage
- Practical reason
- Thick walls absorb heat
- Direction
- Centre (Brahmasthana)
- Recommended use
- Open courtyard
- Practical reason
- Light and air circulation
Saptanga and Mandala theory in Kautilya's Arthashastra: excerpt from page 27 of the BBA 118 notes
Excerpt from page 27
Vartta: the earliest Indian definition of an economy
Kautilya says a ruler must study four sciences: Anvikshiki (philosophy and logic), Trayi (the three Vedas), Vartta (economics) and Dandaniti (the science of governance). Vartta joins three activities: krishi (agriculture), pashupalana (cattle-rearing) and vanijya (trade). It gives the state grain, cattle, money, forest produce and labour, and with the treasury and the army it lets the king control both his own territory and the enemy's.
Saptanga theory: the state as a body with seven limbs
Kautilya compared the state to a living body with seven limbs (anga). All seven must stay healthy, or the state cannot survive.
| Element | Meaning | Modern business equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Swami | The king or ruler | CEO, top management |
| Amatya | Ministers and officials | Board of directors, managers |
| Janapada | Territory with people | Market and customers |
| Durga | Fort, defence | Security, risk management, IP protection |
| Kosha | Treasury | Finance and capital |
| Danda | Army, power of enforcement | Systems, rules, compliance, workforce |
| Mitra | Allies, friends | Suppliers, partners, strategic alliances |
The seven elements of the state and their business equivalents
- Element
- Swami
- Meaning
- The king or ruler
- Modern business equivalent
- CEO, top management
- Element
- Amatya
- Meaning
- Ministers and officials
- Modern business equivalent
- Board of directors, managers
- Element
- Janapada
- Meaning
- Territory with people
- Modern business equivalent
- Market and customers
- Element
- Durga
- Meaning
- Fort, defence
- Modern business equivalent
- Security, risk management, IP protection
- Element
- Kosha
- Meaning
- Treasury
- Modern business equivalent
- Finance and capital
- Element
- Danda
- Meaning
- Army, power of enforcement
- Modern business equivalent
- Systems, rules, compliance, workforce
- Element
- Mitra
- Meaning
- Allies, friends
- Modern business equivalent
- Suppliers, partners, strategic alliances
Kautilya wrote "Kosha-mulo dandah": the army depends on the treasury. Put in business words, finance is the root of every function, and that is why Kosha gets so much space in the Arthashastra.
Mandala theory and the six-fold foreign policy
The Rajamandala, or circle of kings, explains how neighbouring states relate. The ambitious king is the Vijigishu. His immediate neighbour is a natural enemy (Ari), and the neighbour's neighbour is a natural friend (Mitra): the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Two more players matter, the Madhyama (a middle king stronger than both) and the Udasina (a neutral king stronger still).
To deal with them, Kautilya gives Shadgunya, a six-fold policy: Sandhi (peace or treaty), Vigraha (war), Asana (neutrality, waiting), Yana (march or attack), Samshraya (seeking shelter) and Dvaidhibhava (a double policy of peace with one king and war with another).
BBA 118 exam corner: 24 short-answer and 16 long-answer questions by unit
Each unit ends with the same exam corner, so revision with these GGSIPU BBA Sem 2 Indian Knowledge Systems notes can go one unit a day. These are exam-style questions; no year tags are printed.
| Unit | Short answers (2–5 Marks) | Long-answer outlines (10–12.5 Marks) | Quick revision points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | 6 | 4 | 44 |
| Unit 2 | 6 | 4 | 43 |
| Unit 3 | 6 | 4 | 44 |
| Unit 4 | 6 | 4 | 50 |
| Total | 24 | 16 | 181 |
BBA 118 solved questions and revision points per unit
- Unit
- Unit 1
- Short answers (2–5 Marks)
- 6
- Long-answer outlines (10–12.5 Marks)
- 4
- Quick revision points
- 44
- Unit
- Unit 2
- Short answers (2–5 Marks)
- 6
- Long-answer outlines (10–12.5 Marks)
- 4
- Quick revision points
- 43
- Unit
- Unit 3
- Short answers (2–5 Marks)
- 6
- Long-answer outlines (10–12.5 Marks)
- 4
- Quick revision points
- 44
- Unit
- Unit 4
- Short answers (2–5 Marks)
- 6
- Long-answer outlines (10–12.5 Marks)
- 4
- Quick revision points
- 50
- Unit
- Total
- Short answers (2–5 Marks)
- 24
- Long-answer outlines (10–12.5 Marks)
- 16
- Quick revision points
- 181
The BBA 118 notes solve 24 short-answer questions and give answer outlines for 16 long-answer questions across 4 units, plus 181 quick-revision points.
One question per unit, with the points an answer must hit:
- Unit 1: Distinguish between Astika and Nastika Darshanas. [3 Marks] The test is acceptance of the Vedas, not belief in God; name both groups.
- Unit 2: What is biopiracy? Give two examples. [3 Marks] Patenting community knowledge without consent; cite turmeric (revoked 1997) and neem (revoked 2000).
- Unit 3: Discuss the relevance of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" in today's global business environment. [10 Marks] Maha Upanishad verse, G20 2023 theme, cross-cultural management, supply chain ethics, challenges.
- Unit 4: What are the Sulba Sutras? [3 Marks] Altar-building manuals with the Baudhayana theorem and √2 as 1.4142156.
More practice sits in the BBA 118 important questions.
Who writes and checks the BBA 118 IKS notes?
- Prateek Talwar, author of these notes. Founder, Unnati Educations. Associate Company Secretary (ACS), ICSI, since 15 May 2019; B.Com, University of Delhi (School of Open Learning), 2012. Author profile
- Sheetal Kirola, subject reviewer. She holds a BBA and a B.Ed from the School of Open Learning, University of Delhi (DU SOL), specialises in BBA and B.Ed subjects, and has 6 years of experience.
This edition of the BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems IPU notes is mapped topic by topic to the NEP BBA scheme in force from 2024-25. The 2026-27 edition dates its changing figures, such as 822 GI register entries (May 2026). Last updated 14 October 2026; see our editorial policy.
The same team prepares GGSIPU important questions for every course.
Do the BBA 118 notes cover the full GGSIPU syllabus?
Yes. Every topic printed for the four units of BBA 118 in the official BBA scheme is covered in the notes. Unit IV's title starts with "Spirituality", but its official topics are science and engineering only, and the notes follow them.
| Official unit | Official topics | Where in the notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit I: Overview of Indian Knowledge | Philosophy: the Vedic Tradition, Upanishad and Classical Indian Darshanas; Indian Culture & Civilization: stages in evolution, distinctive features, components of culture; Indian Music and Dance | Parts B to E, pages 9 to 20 | Covered |
| Unit II: Integrating Indian Knowledge System into Commerce | Arthashastra by Kautilya; Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL); Geographical Indications of Goods | Parts A to C, pages 26 to 35 | Covered |
| Unit III: Spirituality | Spirituality vis-à-vis religion; Maya, Advaita Vedanta, scope and implications at work; Dharma: varna ashram dharma, svadharma; Karma, importance to managers, corporate karma; Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam | Parts A to E, pages 41 to 50 | Covered |
| Unit IV: Spirituality, Science, Engineering and Technology in IKS | Mathematics, Astronomy; Metals and Metalworking, Town Planning; Architectural Engineering: Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra | Parts A to E, pages 56 to 64 | Covered |
BBA 118 official units mapped to the notes
- Official unit
- Unit I: Overview of Indian Knowledge
- Official topics
- Philosophy: the Vedic Tradition, Upanishad and Classical Indian Darshanas; Indian Culture & Civilization: stages in evolution, distinctive features, components of culture; Indian Music and Dance
- Where in the notes
- Parts B to E, pages 9 to 20
- Status
- Covered
- Official unit
- Unit II: Integrating Indian Knowledge System into Commerce
- Official topics
- Arthashastra by Kautilya; Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL); Geographical Indications of Goods
- Where in the notes
- Parts A to C, pages 26 to 35
- Status
- Covered
- Official unit
- Unit III: Spirituality
- Official topics
- Spirituality vis-à-vis religion; Maya, Advaita Vedanta, scope and implications at work; Dharma: varna ashram dharma, svadharma; Karma, importance to managers, corporate karma; Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
- Where in the notes
- Parts A to E, pages 41 to 50
- Status
- Covered
- Official unit
- Unit IV: Spirituality, Science, Engineering and Technology in IKS
- Official topics
- Mathematics, Astronomy; Metals and Metalworking, Town Planning; Architectural Engineering: Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra
- Where in the notes
- Parts A to E, pages 56 to 64
- Status
- Covered
Official source: BBA Scheme & Syllabus (NEP Based), w.e.f. 2024-25 on ipu.ac.in.
Unit 1 Part A adds groundwork beyond the printed topics. Every course in GGSIPU notes is mapped to its official PDF the same way.
How to write BBA 118 answers: Sanskrit lines, flow diagrams and a business link
The notes give five answer rules across their exam tips:
- End with business relevance. Add one management line: Svadharma to role clarity, GI to export branding.
- Draw one diagram in every long answer. Ready flows: the four layers of a Veda, the TKDL chain, the corporate karma cycle, the lost-wax steps.
- Quote a Sanskrit line, then translate it. "Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana" needs its English meaning (Gita 2.47) and a work example.
- Get the dates right in Unit 2 and Unit 4. 1905 (Arthashastra found), 2001 (TKDL), 1999 and 2003 (GI Act), 499 CE (Aryabhatiya).
- Avoid the listed traps. 32 common mistakes, eight per unit; for example, rules for zero came from Brahmagupta.
Worked example: "What is Svadharma?" [2 Marks]
Meaning: one's own duty, set by one's nature, abilities and position. Source: the Gita (3.35) says one's own duty done imperfectly beats another's done well. Business link: role clarity, the right person for the right job.
Long answers come as bullet outlines; turn each bullet into a short paragraph in the same order. Practise this format on GGSIPU BBA important questions.
BBA 118 and the GGSIPU BBA Sem 2 papers it connects to
No lab paper. BBA 118 is a 2-credit theory value-added course with no practical component; its official unit list sits with every other BBA paper on the GGSIPU BBA syllabus page.
Other Semester 2 papers and where the IKS units feed them:
- BBA 110 MOOC: the alternative to BBA 118.
- BBA 102 Marketing Management: Unit 1's "glocal" festival packs, Unit 2's GI origin branding.
- BBA 106 Human Resource Management: Unit 3's svadharma and ashrama-based succession planning.
- BBA 112 E-Commerce: Unit 2's GI stores on GeM and TKDL prior-art checks.
- BBA 108 Business Communication: Unit 3's cross-cultural management.
- BBA 104 Decision Techniques for Business, BBA 114 E-Commerce-Lab and BBA 116 Online/Inhouse Industrial Skill-Based Training/Apprenticeship: Unit 1's pramanas aside, no direct unit link.
BBA 118 IKS notes FAQs
How do I get the full BBA 118 notes?
The full BBA 118 notes come only as a printed book; they are not sold as a PDF. Message us on WhatsApp at 9899436384 with the code BBA 118, and we will confirm the book and delivery. The View Sample PDF button at the top shows seven pages, one content page per unit, before you order.
Is BBA 118 compulsory, or can I take BBA 110 MOOC instead?
BBA 118 is optional in this sense: the BBA scheme says students choose either BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems or BBA 110 MOOC as the Semester 2 value-added course. Both carry 2 credits. A MOOC must come from Swayam or another UGC-approved platform, with a completion certificate. Check with your college which option it runs.
What is the passing mark for BBA 118?
BBA 118 is marked out of 100: 40 internal and 60 end-term, as the BBA scheme states for all theory courses. The official BBA scheme PDF does not print a pass percentage, so we do not give one. End-term minimum marks and re-appear rules are set by GGSIPU Ordinance 11 on examinations and results, published on ipu.ac.in.
How is the BBA 118 internal assessment of 40 marks split?
The scheme splits the 40 internal marks of BBA 118 into a compulsory written class test worth 15 marks, held as per the university's academic calendar, and 25 marks from at least two activities: individual assignments, presentations, viva-voce, group discussion or class participation. Each institute sets its own rubrics, so ask your teacher which two activities count.
Which BBA 118 unit takes the most space in the notes?
Unit 1 is the longest at 18 pages, because it covers philosophy, culture, music and dance in one unit. Unit 4 has the most revision points (50) even though the scheme gives it only 6 lecture hours, against 8 for each other unit. Units 2 and 3 run to 15 pages each, and every unit has 6 short answers.
Do the BBA 118 notes follow the 2024-25 NEP scheme?
Yes. The BBA 118 notes are checked against the BBA Scheme & Syllabus (NEP Based) in force from academic session 2024-25, the file BBAwef2024_25_200125.pdf on ipu.ac.in, last verified by our team on 13 October 2026. Unit titles, topics, the hours per unit (8, 8, 8 and 6) and the L-2, T-0, 2-credit structure match the official PDF exactly.
Get the full BBA 118 Indian Knowledge Systems Notes on WhatsApp
The complete 69-page book is sold in printed form only, not as a PDF.
- Format: printed book, English; 24 short answers, 16 long-answer outlines
- How to order: WhatsApp 9899436384 with the code BBA 118
- Delivery: within 5 to 7 days at most; the exact time may vary with your location.
Order the full BBA 118 notes book on WhatsApp (4 units, 69 pages)
Unnati Educations is an independent education provider based in Vikaspuri, Delhi. We are not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU). 'GGSIPU' and 'IPU' are used only to describe the syllabus our notes follow. For official information, visit ipu.ac.in.
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