Gurukul to Governance: Exploring Indian Knowledge Paradigms in Educational Management

Abstract

The growing emphasis on culturally responsive and value-based educational leadership has renewed scholarly interest in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) as a foundation for educational management. This paper examines how the philosophical and administrative principles embedded in the Gurukul tradition can inform contemporary educational governance. Adopting a qualitative and conceptual research design based on an extensive review of classical Indian texts, contemporary literature, and educational policy documents, the study analyses the relevance of core IKS concepts such as Dharma (ethical responsibility), Jnana (knowledge), Karma (purposeful action), and the Guru–Shishya Parampara (teacher–disciple tradition) in educational leadership and institutional management. The paper further explores governance principles reflected in ancient Indian traditions and leadership models illustrated in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other classical sources to identify their applicability in modern educational institutions. The analysis suggests that integrating IKS principles into educational management promotes ethical leadership, participatory governance, institutional accountability, holistic student development, and community engagement. The study proposes a conceptual framework that bridges indigenous educational wisdom with contemporary management practices, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can complement evidence-based administrative approaches. By positioning IKS as a strategic resource for educational governance rather than merely a cultural legacy, this paper contributes to the emerging discourse on decolonising educational leadership and developing contextually relevant management models. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, teacher educators, institutional leaders, and higher education administrators seeking to create sustainable, inclusive, and value-driven educational institutions aligned with India's evolving educational landscape.