Indian Knowledge Systems - Minor Degree Program
Bharatiya Design - Principles and Practices
CODE: SKF-MDP-102
Minor Degree Programs (MDP)
Siddhanta proudly offers a range of Minor Degree Programs that integrate Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education. These programs blend ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, providing students with a holistic understanding of Bharatiya traditions.
Designed to be transformative, the courses offer foundational knowledge, specialized insights, and practical applications rooted in IKS.
To earn a Minor Degree, students engage in an immersive and inter-disciplinary
- Courses Per Minor: 9 to 12 Course Papers (CPs)
- Credit per Course Paper: 2 to 3 credits
MDP: Bharatiya Design – Principles and Practices
Minor Degree: 22 Credits | Semester Layout: 6 | Eligibility: UG - Design (B.Des)
About the course
India has nurtured diverse design traditions for millennia—reflected in crafts, architecture, clothing, food, entertainment, and more. Rooted in a rich aesthetic theory and cultural sensitivity, Bharatiya design is both practical and deeply symbolic. However, contemporary design education often lacks exposure to these foundations. This Minor Degree in Bharatiya Design bridges this gap by introducing students to traditional Indian principles of design, their philosophical roots, and their applications in modern contexts. It equips learners to innovate meaningfully by drawing from India’s time-tested frameworks and sensibilities.
Curriculum Overview
Course Name | Credits | Semester | Minor Program |
---|---|---|---|
Bharatiya Knowledge Ecosystem | 2 | 1 | FC |
Appreciating Traditional Indian Design (Indian Design Ecosystem) | 2 | 1 | FC |
Indian Knowledge Systems and Traditions | 1 | 2 | FC |
Elements and Principles of Indic Design | 2 | 2 | FC |
Indic Science of Beauty | 1 | 2 | DC |
Materials and Processes in Traditional Indic Design | 2 | 3 | DC |
Space, Form and Functionality in Indic Design | 2 | 3 | DC |
Indic Way of Creative Design Visualization | 2 | 4 | DC |
Indic Semiotics for Design | 2 | 4 | DC |
Indic Design Thinking | 2 | 5 | DC |
(An Integrated Model for Human Psychology) Indic Psychology for Design | 2 | 5 | DC |
Natyashastra for Animation and Film Design | 2 | 6 | Elective |
(FC) - Foundation Core | (DC) - Discipline Core | (DE) - Discipline Elective
Program Learning Outcomes
This program enables students to

- Understand cultural, historical, and cognitive frameworks that shape Indian design practices.
- Study aesthetic and design principles rooted in Indic texts and traditions.
- Analyze and apply traditional design logics to contemporary visual and spatial problems.
- Develop original design outputs integrating Indic and modern elements.
- Cultivate cultural sensitivity and critical design awareness through engagement with diverse Bharatiya traditions.
Potential Career Options
Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in
- Product and Fashion Design with Indian aesthetics and user contexts.
- Animation and Film Design, drawing on Nāțyaśāstra and Bharatiya visual narratives.
- Interior and Space Design rooted in traditional spatial logic and symbolism.
- Heritage-based Creative Industries, including craft revival and museum curation.
- Cultural Entrepreneurship through design ventures informed by Indian traditions.
