भारतीयज्ञानसंवर्नयोजना

Competitive Research Proposals Program 2022-2023

Application and Instructions

Overview of Competitive Grants Program Page 2
Proposal Preparation and Eligibility Criteria Page 6
Review Process and Rating Criteria Page 9
Proposal Guidance Page 11
Proposal template Page 13-19
Dates to Remember
Proposals Due by February 25, 2023

Awards Announced Middle of March 2023

Funding Available Middle of March 2023

Progress Report Due August 1, 2023

Review of the project February 2024

Final Report Due March 31, 2025

Contact Us: Email: iksresearch@aicte-india.org Phone: 011 29581523

Website for proposal submission: https://iksindia.org/research-proposal-
form.php

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 About Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division
Home to the oldest continuously living civilization of the world, the Indian subcontinent
has been a knowledge and manufacturing powerhouse of the world for most of the known
history. A Dharmic culture that emphasized the development of all dimensions of humanity with
an emphasis on living in harmony with oneself, one’s environment, and the universe at large. It
is becoming very apparent from the recent developments around the world that the current
models of development are unsustainable and are in serious conflict with nature. The rising
inequalities in the modern world point to a dire need for new paradigms of development.
There is an Indian way that is both sustainable and strives for the welfare of all. The
grand vision for the IKS Division of Ministry of Education at AICTE is to initiate a process of
training generations of scholars who will show the ‘Indian way’ to the world. If we want to
become the Knowledge Leader in this century and be the ‘Viśvaguru’, it is imperative that we
regain a comprehensive knowledge of our heritage and demonstrate the ‘Indian way’ of doing
things to the entire world. Therefore, the IKS Division of Ministry of Education at AICTE has been
established with a vision to promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research on all
aspects of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), update and disseminate IKS knowledge for further
innovations and societal applications.

Functions of IKS division:

1) Facilitate and coordinate IKS based/related inter and transdisciplinary work done by various
institutions in India and abroad including Universities, Institutions of national importance,
R&D Laboratories and different ministries and inspire private sector organizations to engage
with it.
2) Establish, guide and monitor subject-wise interdisciplinary research groups comprising of
researchers from institutes, centers and individuals.
3) Create and promote popularization schemes.
4) Facilitate funding of various projects and develop mechanisms to undertake research.
5) Make Policy recommendations wherever required for the promotion of IKS.

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Overview of the Competitive Research Proposals Program of IKS
Division of MoE @ AICTE
The Competitive Grants Program of the Indian Knowledge Systems is designed to
encourage and fund research studies that will contribute to the research mission of the IKS
Division. Our goal is to make catalytic grants that encourage original, serious, and deep
scholarly research in the Indian Knowledge Systems and rejuvenate IKS research in India. The
funds available to support the Competitive Grants Program are discretionary funds provided by
the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India to support the activities of the IKS Division. The level of
funding available for the program each year is determined by the MoE, Govt. of India. Each
proposal call of the division will focus on certain thematic areas identified with the help of
experts and IKS researcher community feedback.

Funding research that may eventually lead to deeper understanding or practical

products or to solutions to contemporary problems is the top priority. The research proposals
must be interdisciplinary, involving the study of the traditional concepts, methods, technologies,
or approaches using the modern tools and approaches wherever necessary, in order to solve
contemporary societal problems or develop deeper understanding of the Indian Knowledge
Systems. Research proposals should be collaborative and involve traditional scholars/scholars
well versed with the traditional texts and practices and compare them wherever possible to the
developments in modern sciences.
This call for proposals has the following research priority areas. We intend to support up to
5-6 high quality research proposals in each area subject to availability of funding. We may not
fund any proposals in a thematic area if we do not receive high quality proposals.
1. Mathematics and Astronomy: Bharat has a rich tradition of mathematics and astronomy.
Most of the mathematics taught in schools today either originated or was developed in
Bharat. The mathematics of Bharat involved sophisticated concepts which were also of great
practical utility. Proposals are invited to investigate the historical development of
mathematics and astronomy (not astrology) through study of the original texts or of ancient
structures and instruments. Relationship between the astronomical phenomena and the
Panchanga for determining the timing of the festivals and agricultural operations, traditional
methods for periodic correction of the astronomical models, study of the simplicity and
optimality of the algorithms developed in Indian mathematics and astronomy are a priority.

2. Chemical science and technology: In India, chemistry (Rasayanashastra) was given the
special designation as a “shastra”, ie. A system of codified knowledge. Several methods to
produce alloys, acids, bases, salts and other chemicals were developed, studied carefully and
tested and deployed for various uses including medicines, mortars, dyes and pigments for
textiles, arts, murals, paintings in India. Research proposals in the chemical sciences
especially with a focus on recreating these technologies for preparing medicines, mortars,
dyes and pigments and other materials are also invited. Recreation of environmentally

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 friendly, non-toxic, bio-based pigments and dyes, and mordants used in traditional Indian
textiles, murals in temples and caves are a priority.

3. Sustainable Agriculture and Food preservation: Bharat is blessed with a large area
conducive for agriculture which formed the basis for her prosperity. With the advent of the
green revolution, the food security of the nation was assured despite a four-fold increase in
the population. However, it is increasingly evident that the industrial methods of agriculture
are not sustainable and is resulting in the degradation of the soil health. There is a need to
develop alternatives inspired by traditional practices of Bharat to move towards a more
sustainable agriculture without jeopardizing food security of the Nation. Proposals focusing
on replacement of pesticides with traditional alternatives area priority. Proposals for
developing economically viable technologies or strategies for improving soil health based on
the traditional practices of Bharat is a top priority.
4. Architectural engineering, vaastu and shilpa shastra: Bharat is world-renowned for its
splendid architecture and associated technologies, from rock-cut marvels to imposing
constructed buildings for religious or civil purposes. How were these monuments planned
and executed? What sort of knowledge of mathematics or civil engineering was involved?
And how were the supply chains for raw materials, human and material resources managed?
IKS division invites proposals that delve into such details of a particular structure /
monument as top priority. Proposals that are about general aspects of architectural
engineering, vaastu and shilpa shastras are not currently of interest to the IKS division.

5. New universal sociological models based on emic perspective: The Indian way of thinking
was always concerned about लोकहित, not merely मनुष्यहित (anthropocentric).
Also, theory-making within the Indian traditions followed the अनुबं ध-चतुष्टय, which
includes
िषय:, फल: (प्रयोजन:), अ धकारी and सं बंध:। How can this be integrated into mainstream
sociological thinking? Therefore, the development of Indic methods of sociological analysis
using a new set of instruments that are not ascertained by any other means of cognition
(pramana) and explain a large set of societal facts to obtain results that are not achievable
from any other source are critically needed. Placing our folktales, songs, and performances
within the sociological, anthropological, folkloristics, and the social and behavioral sciences,
and their analysis from an emic point of view is much needed. Can the texts of Panini and
Bhatrahari be used to provide a universal sociolinguistic theory? Indic sociological categories
that investigate how Indians create meaning and how meaning is
communicated using indigenous inductive and deductive approaches to knowing, which are
anchored in the self-reflexive, self-conscious sociology and anthropology of the Vedas, is
another area that needs immediate attention. Its origins lie in the academic study of how
signs and symbols (visual and linguistic) create meaning. Can digital/social media be studied
from an Indic sociological perspective to curb certain vices (competitiveness, narcissism,
aggression, and hypocrisy) and encourage certain virtues (curiosity, kindness, respect, and
restraint)? What can an Indic sociology offer that helps individuals embody a unique

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 potential for wonder, connection, inspiration, and even joy/delight? Can there be digital
humanities from an Indic perspective?
6. IKS approaches for management of water resources, weather and rainfall predictions :
India in its long history has faced many vagaries of nature including floods, droughts and
uneven precipitation patterns. To address these challenges and adapt to diverse situations,
every region of Bharat developed its own traditional knowledge in the construction of wells,
ponds, lakes, reservoirs, dams and other water-harvesting and water-management
structures. Often these methods and strategies were multidimensional, addressing not only
the needs of the society, but also those of agriculture and domesticated animals. In this
thematic area, water-management techniques, including water-harvesting, water-storage,
irrigation and other distribution methods, are a top priority. Also the relevance of those
traditional knowledge systems to contemporary problems of water management. Indians
had pioneered various methods for rainfall predictions in the near term to long term.
Rainfall was considered ‘poorva chitti’ (i.e., something that can be known apriori) in the
vedas. Rishis Kashyapa, Parashara, Gautama and Vatsa are well known for their rainfall
prediction methods. Varahamihira describes the concept of ‘Garbhottamma’. Short- and
long-term weather forecasts are discussed in various agricultural and astronomical texts
such as krishi parashara. Many of these methods need evaluation using modern scientific
methodology. Proposals that delve deep into these methods and evaluate them using
modern methodology and latest data are a priority. To qualify under this theme, the
proposals must cite a primary text, physical evidence (including from archaeological
excavations), or an oral tradition on which the proposal is based, propose advance studies
using modern methodologies, and assess the applicability to the maintenance of the
ecosystem services. Simply replicating a traditional technology/method or using a modern
water-management technique will not be considered to be responsive to this theme.
7. IKS approaches to psychology, cognition, and consciousness: Consciousness studies in
Bharat have a very long tradition and the approaches developed in Bharat are being
explored in various contemporary studies. Proposals are invited for novel studies in the
areas of ayurveda, vipassana (mindfulness) approaches of Buddhists, health, wellness and
consciousness studies based on the Indian traditions. Studies of the impact of the spiritual
practices such as meditation, mantra chanting and kirtans in an individual vs. group settings
on the physiological and mental health outcomes of participants are encouraged. Bharat has
been the civilizational center of using first person approach to understanding the universe.
Research studies that focus on developing and advancing the first person perspective and
demonstrating its utility to address current societal challenges are a priority.
8. Evidence based music and dance interventions and its relevance in contemporary world:
Recent studies have corroborated the long standing observation in the bharateeya sangita
and natyashastra paramparas that music is not only relaxing but uplifts individuals and also
has measurable physical impacts on its listeners. This has been widely known in Bharat and
the various ragas are specified to be sung in different times of the day and to indicate
various rasas. Pursuing music was considered the upasana of the naadabrahma in Bharat. It
is perhaps not an exaggeration to say that the use of music and dance as a form of therapy

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 was first investigated in Bharat. Proposals are invited for studies that combine the music
therapy with clinical studies to demonstrate the tangible and measurable improvements in
the mental and physical wellbeing. Studies that focus on investigating music and dance
therapy for their potential to reduce the mental anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies
especially among youth and working populations are a top priority. Scientifically
demonstrable improvements in dyslexic and autistic children using music and dance are top
priority under this program.
9. Pashuayurveda based approaches: Globally it is being recognized that antimicrobial
resistant (AMR) bacteria in animals are a major public health concern because animal
products form a major source of food consumed by human beings. The global consumption
of antimicrobials in animals today is about 70000 tons and it is estimated that in the year
2030 the consumption will be doubled. In the last 15 years, National Diary Development
Board (NDDB) has used pashu Ayurveda based practices for 30 clinical conditions. This
program that has demonstrated the recovery of the cattle treated with pashu Ayurveda
formulations ranges from 75 to 100 %. The reduction of the antibiotic residue (87.86 %) in
the milk is clearly observed. It is becoming evident from this outreach experience of NDDB
network that ethno-veterinary herbal preparations have major potential to serve India and
the world as a low cost and efficacious alternative to antibiotics for animal diseases. Pashu-
Ayurveda thus represents a globally relevant knowledge that represents a systemic theory of
biological change which complements molecular biology and can make Bharat a world
leader in Animal health. The IKS division invites action oriented research proposals for
scientific evaluation of pashu Ayurveda. The thrust areas for research support will be the
following: Clinical/ field research to demonstrated effectiveness of pashu Ayurveda on high
morbidity conditions of animals (cows, goats, poultry, fish); Research to establish reduction
of AMR bacteria and residues in food products of animal origin; Lab research to establish
scientific mode of action of classical pashu Ayurveda products; Research on product
development to standardize pashu Ayurveda products in user friendly and cost effective
formats, that can be put to global use.

Proposal Eligibility Criteria/Preparation and Submission Instructions

The IKS is inviting research proposals from researchers working in the Indian Knowledge
Systems. Faculty members in any Govt. recognized educational institutions (private/public),
Govt. funded labs and NGOs/Trusts/foundations are eligible to apply. To be eligible for this
grant, NGOs/Trusts/foundations must be solely working in the research and education related
to Indian Knowledge Systems. Independent researchers without an institutional affiliation are
not eligible to apply. Researchers who have been funded by IKS Division through the Research
proposal program/IKS center program in earlier rounds are not eligible to apply as Principal
Investigators or Co-Principal Investigators. They can however be involved as a collaborator.

Funding best research is our priority. When proposals are similarly scored, we give
preference to assistant professors, associate professors and professors (in this order).

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Researchers may submit up to two proposals as principal investigator, but only one will be
funded. A researcher can be involved in a maximum of three proposals as a PI or co-PI. If a
faculty member submits two proposals and both are ranked for funding, the person will be
asked to the proposal for which she/he would like to receive funding. The proposal can be
submitted in any Indian Language included in the Eighth Schedule or English.
1. Proposal(s) should focus on research important to IKS's research mission. Research
may be basic or applied. Preference will be given to proposals that may eventually
lead to practical products or practices or leads to solutions to contemporary
problems.
2. It is mandatory requirement that the team must have at least one person (PI or
CoPI or Collaborator) who can read the primary text without the aid or any
translations.
3. Joint, interdisciplinary projects are preferred, and encouraged.
4. The typical awards for research projects are Rs. 5-10 lakhs (total amount) and a
maximum award will be Rs. 20 Lakhs (total amount) over a period of two years for
experimental projects.
5. All projects must be completed before 31st March, 2025 unless an extension is
granted.
6. Proposal deadline is mentioned on the first page of this document. Proposals must
be submitted through online link given on the first page of this document only. Any
other form of submissions will not be considered. Late proposals will not be
accepted for any reason.
7. Awards will be announced, and funds will be available in March 2023.
8. Progress reports are due 1st September 2023, 31st January, 2024 and 1st July 2024.
The research carried out in the project will be reviewed at the end of one year (Feb.,
2024) by a committee. Future grants will be made only upon favourable
recommendations.
9. Final reports are due 31st March 2025. Besides a detailed report, IKS division requests
that a no more than 300-word layperson language summary (Suitable for publicly
posting on the webpage) and several photos of your work be submitted with each
report. These may be used in IKS’s annual report or on our website.
10. Please prepare the proposal as per the proposal guidelines given below. Failure to
follow these proposal guidelines will result in your proposal not being reviewed or
funded.
• Please use the proposal template provided. If you use the version at the end of
this document, you will need to adjust pagination and margins. Proposals that do
not follow the template will be rejected without review. There will be no further
communication entertained if the proposal does not follow the template
provided.
• Use the signature page provided and make it a separate page in your document.
• Complete the cover page provided. Make it a separate page in your document.

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 • The proposal body with appropriate references should not be more than ten (10)
pages long. Please write your proposal in clear simple language and do not list
references unless you cite them.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides, single line spacing, at least 11-point font.
• Please place page numbers at bottom center of the pages.
• A complete proposal includes the following separate documents (as pdf only):
▪ Document 1: Cover page
▪ Document 2: Proposal narrative
▪ Document 3: Budget page
▪ Document 4: PI and CoPI resumes
▪ Document 5: PI signature and institutional approval pages
• Each of the document files must be <10MB.
• Once your proposal is finalized, save as a PDF file using this naming format
YOURLASTNAME_IKS_BGSYojana3. If you are submitting two proposals, add a
suffix identifier to each file name, i.e.,
YOURLASTNAME_IKS_BGSYojana3_projectname
11. Submission Process
• Please visit the IKS Division website and fill the details here: iksindia.org
• Upload your PDF proposal files (<10 MB) and then press the submit button
• If your submission has been successful in the web system, a notification will be
sent within two days informing you of the successful submission. If you
submitted a proposal but do not receive such notice, please contact the IKS.
12. Budget Distribution:
• The project funds for research over two years will be sanctioned in two
installments.
• Proposals proposing more than the budget limit (20 lakhs) will be returned
without review and automatically excluded from the review process. There will
be no further communication in this regard.
• Funding will be provided to support the following
▪ Salary for project personnel/project associates/research fellowships/interns.
PI or Co-PI salaries/honorariums are NOT supported.
▪ Supplies: includes equipment with an individual piece value less than
₹10,000, i.e. ten temperature sensors or chemical bottles at ₹1000 each are
still considered to be supplies. Any service charges for the analysis of samples
can be included in this budget head.
▪ Equipment/Facilities: Any non-consumable item with a single piece value
less than ₹10,000 or over is considered equipment. Please note that
construction of new facilities (Brick and mortar) is not allowed in this project.
Acquisition of resource such as books are acceptable under this budget head.
Purchase of computers/laptops/printers are allowed only under

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 extraordinary circumstances with strong justification and explicit approval
from the IKS Division. Maximum equipment/facilities budget cannot exceed
20% of the total budget.
▪ Travel and conferences: Any travel and related expenses to attend domestic
conferences within India are allowed in this grant. International travel is
explicitly not allowed. The PI’s must plan on attending the Annual IKS
Symposium/conference. The maximum allowable travel and conference
expenses are 5% of the total budget.
▪ Contingencies: Maximum contingency allowed is 5% of the total budget.
▪ Overhead: Maximum overhead allowed is 5% of the total budget.
• Matching grants: While not mandatory, institutional support through matching
grants or any other financial or in-kind support is encouraged to leverage the
scant resources of the IKS division. Please indicate monetary and in-kind support
from other sources for this project.
13. Please direct any questions to team IKS (iksresearch@aicte-india.org).

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Review Process
1. We will follow a blind three phase peer review process.
2. The rating criteria that will be used by the reviewers are given in the next section.
3. All proposals will be reviewed by multiple independent experts.
4. There will be a presentation before an expert committee for final selection.
5. The PIs in Phase III will receive the average scores for their proposal, and the reviewer
comments. The minimum cutoff score for the selected proposals will also be shared in
the interest of process integrity and transparency.

Figure 1. Overview of the three-phase review process

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Proposal Rating Criteria
The following criteria will be used by the reviewers of your proposal to evaluate and rank
your proposal against others. Please think about these questions carefully and answer them
clearly in your proposal using the proposal structure specified.
• Are the research plan and goals clearly stated and understandable? (10 points)
• Is this project relevant to IKS Division’s mission and focus areas? (20 points)
• Does the proposed research address a significant problem or potential? To what extent
is the proposed research original, innovative, or new? (20 points)
• Will the results of this study be useful? Might they make a difference? What are the
economic/environmental/social benefits of this research? (15 points)
• Does the proposed budget seem appropriate for the work to be executed in the
project? (10 points)
• Does the PI and the team have necessary competence, prior experience and expertise to
undertake the proposed research in the proposed topic? (25 points)
Strength of the proposal (up to 100 words): Please list the specific strengths of the proposal.
Weakness of the proposal (up to 100 words): Please list the specific weaknesses of the proposal
if any.
NOT withstanding the weaknesses do you think that there are some specific reasons due to
which the project may still be considered for support?
Summary Statement (up to 100 words): Please indicate whether this proposal should be
supported or not.

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Further guidance on proposal preparation
Considerations in preparing your proposal:
1. The charge of the IKS is to support research in Indian Knowledge Systems that will make
meaningful contributions to the furtherance of IKS.
2. A good proposal will emphasize how the proposed research is intended to contribute
towards the IKS’s mission either in the near future or by leading to major developments in
the long run. Simply satisfying curiosity or compiling data for a refereed paper will not be in
the interest of the IKS Division and will not impress the reviewers.
3. The projects must strictly be related to IKS themes. Projects which are not within the scope
of this solicitation will be rejected in Phase 1 review (internal review process) without any
further communication in this regard. Projects must have clear scope that can be completed
in two years. The projects must have clear quantifiable deliverables. Writing a
comprehensive report is required for all projects. For projects that involve performing arts,
a comprehensive multimedia documentation is expected.

Table 1. Examples of what qualify/do not qualify as an IKS project

Is an IKS project Is NOT an IKS project

Study of mortar composition used in Study of bridges and ships in a locality.
older bridges/forts/temples.
Documenting and evaluating the water Monitoring plastic pollution in a river.
treatment methods practiced by
communities.
Studying the relevance and applicability Studying the economic theories of
of Chanakya’s arthashastra is relevant Adam Smith or MMT.
for solving current societal problems.
Study of port construction in Dholavira Studying ships in a port.
and Lothal and estimating the capacity
of those ports.
A study of the influence of Sanskrit Visiting schools to see how Sanskrit
education on the cognitive abilities of education is imparted.
the students.
Identifying the contextual and Enumerating the occurrences of words
etymological meanings of the words (ex. (ex. Dharma, nyaya, papa, punya) in a
Dharma, nyaya, papa, punya) in a purana
purana for the current societal context.

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4. Clear communication is the key: Proposals that clearly specify the contribution of the
research will score higher.
5. Because conveying the results of research to potential users is important, requesting funds
for defraying costs of such activities is permitted.
6. We do not fund acquisition or construction of facilities (bricks and mortar). Requests for
equipment needed to carry out proposed research are permitted. The proposal must
describe your need and specify how the equipment will be used in this specific research.
Funding will not be provided to better equip your laboratory or facilitate other work.
7. It may happen that your reviewers could be scholars who may have only a minimal
familiarity with the details of your specialized field. Please write your justification,
objectives, procedures, and impacts such that a person who may only have a limited
background in your area can understand what you are saying – like talking with your next-
door neighbor. A proposal that reviewers cannot readily understand is likely to be poorly
rated and not funded.
8. While it may be easy for you to cut-and-paste material from another proposal when
preparing your IKS proposal, your proposal will be rejected if it is obvious that you have
done so. Even if you borrow phrases or ideas (NOT cut and paste) ensure that you
proofread your proposal to remove any telltale dates, timelines or references that could
serve as a cut and paste “giveaway.”
9. Research that is original and innovative tends to be favored. If appropriate, describe to
what extent your proposed study fits this description.
10. Future funding is difficult to predict but tell us how the results of your research might help
lead to future grant funding from other sources.
11. Please keep in mind that funds to finance this research are limited. We will make a call on
the number of proposals to be funded based on the availability of funds.
12. Please ensure that you cite all your references in your text. Be sure to remove “ghost”
references – a citation listed in the text but not the reference section. Web links to general
background information may be included in the text for reader edification purposes. All
proposals must include at least one primary text in the references. Please do not use web
links to journal articles.
13. If you intend to use IKS project funds in concert with other funding to complete a project, be
sure to thoroughly describe the other funding source(s) and amount(s) on your budget
page. Reviewers are interested in knowing about funds leveraging possibilities.

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 THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS DIVISION OF MoE @ AICTE
भारतीयज्ञानसंवर्नयोजना
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROGRAM – 2022-2023
2022-23 IKS SAMVARDHINI PROPOSAL COVER PAGE (not included in page limit)
Proposal title: traditional water management system of Thirukovilor Town, Kalakurichi district,
Tamilnadu.

Lead Researcher (Principal Investigator):

Name: Dr.Swetha Madhusudhanan
Email address: msac2k6@gmail.com
Phone number: 9840540696
Academic rank:Professor
Appointment type: permanent
Physical work location: Dr.M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute ,
Academic home department: Architecture and Planning
Co-PI(s) (if any): Ar.V.Radhika, Ar. Z.Fathima Taskeeen ,Ar.K.IndraPriya, Er.P.Madhusudhanan

Cooperator(s)/Collaborator(s) (if any):

Project Budget Amount:

I certify that I will lead the project and complete all the tasks outlined in the proposal. I certify
that a complete project report will be submitted at the end of the project and the funding
support from IKS Division of MoE @AICTE will be acknowledged in any publication resulting
from this work.

Principal Investigator

Date

Principal Investigator Printed Name:

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 Overview of the project :

Water is an elixir of life, fundamental resource for the survival and development of the biotic environment and
without which this world would be a barren wasteland, hence it becomes important to conserve water. India has
many perennial and non-perennial rivers, but still water scarcity is widespread in the country, because of non
connectivity of rivers and varying climatic conditions. Due to reasons such as dependency on monsoon, our
ancestors who had foreseen the potential dangers of water scarcity had developed methods to conserve water that
was suited for the varied terrains of India. In today’s scenario with the exploding population, and water in scarcity,
traditional water management systems which are more eco friendly and effective than bore wells and tube wells
have to be revived and brought back to practice. Southern part of India, Tamilnadu in particular has extensive hot
and dry climate and experiences water scarcity due to drying up of rivers and lesser rainfall activity. As rain is the
major source of water, it became a necessity to conserve rain water, so centuries ago our ancestors had devised
simple water management systems such as Eri and Oorani to preserve the rainwater. Thus, t his research proposal
intends to study the ancient water management system of Thirukovilur Town, Kalakurichi district, Tamilnadu.
This town is an oldest and richest heritage settlement dating back to 6 th century and has got one of the ancient
water management system which is found to be efficient till date.

Contribution to the IKS Mission : To bring out the oldest Indian Knowledge system on traditional water management
techniques practiced in one of the heritage town in Tamilnadu .
Justification (500 words): Please provide a justification for the project and its importance.

Objectives and timelines (250 words): Please provide a clear list of specific objectives for this project. One-
Three objectives a reasonable for this RFP. Clear and specific objectives will be given higher weightage.

Project Intellectual merit (250 words): What is the intellectual merit of this project? Please clearly
specify the scientific impact of the project. What are the scientific questions that will be addressed under
the proposed research?

Project broader impacts (250 words): What are the broader (Societal, economic and environmental
impacts?

Outputs and outcomes of the proposal (250 words): What are the outputs and outcomes of the
project? Please prepare a list of specific outcomes and outputs. DO NOT use paragraphs to describe
the outputs/outcomes.

Procedures (1000 words): Please provide a summary of the procedures that will be used in this
project. While writing the summary of the procedures ensure to provide with adequate references to
literature.

Project team expertise (250 words): Please tell us about the prior experience of the PI and

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the Co- PIs in the proposed topic. What are the facilities available to the team to perform
the research work outlined in the proposal? Expertise existing with each of the investigators
in terms of preliminary results, to execute every component of the proposal should be
highlighted.

Specific roles of Co-PI(s) and Cooperator(s), if listed on cover page (250 words): What are
the specific roles of the team members? The team must include substantial contribution
from all members. If the proposal contains more than one investigator, it is important to
clearly mention the role of each Investigator in implementing the objectives of the
proposal.

Timelines (100 words): Indicate timelines for project tasks and schedule of activities giving
milestones through BAR diagram.

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References cited (not included in the page limit):
 Primary References: Cannot be left blank. Must include at least one primary text.
Primary references are the original texts pertaining to the research proposed. These are
typically in Sanskrit or other Bharateeya bhasas. The team must have at least one person
who can read the primary text without the aid or any translations.
 Translated primary texts and Secondary References: These pertain to the translations
of the primary texts into various languages including English. Secondary references
refer to the texts/articles such as commentaries for the primary texts.
 Other references: All other pertinent references are included here.

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2022-23 IKS BUDGET (not included in the page limit – please round all figures to nearest hundred rupees)

NOTE: Please do not exceed the Rs. 20 Lakhs per project limit. Proposals proposing more than
the budget limit will be returned without review and automatically excluded from the review
process.

Salaries: Include the salaries for the research fellows/project associates in this project. PI or Co-
PI salaries/honorariums are NOT supported.

Supplies: Includes equipment with an individual piece value less than ₹10,000, i.e. ten
temperature sensors or chemical bottles at ₹1000 each are still considered to be supplies. Any
service charges for the analysis of samples.

Equipment/Facilities: Any non-consumable item with a single piece value less than ₹10,000 or
over is considered equipment. Please note that construction of new facilities (Brick and mortar)
is not allowed in this project. Acquisition of resource such as books are acceptable under this
budget head. Purchase of computers/laptops/printers are allowed only under extraordinary
circumstances with strong justification and explicit approval from the IKS Division. Maximum
equipment/facilities budget cannot exceed 20% of the total budget (i.e. ₹ 4.0 lakhs)

Travel and conferences: Any travel and related expenses to attend domestic conferences within
India are allowed in this grant. International travel is explicitly not allowed. The PI’s must plan
on attending the Annual IKS Symposium/conference. The maximum allowable travel and
conference expenses are 5% of the total budget (i.e. ₹ 1.0 lakh)

Contingencies: Maximum contingency allowed is 5% of the total budget (i.e. Rs. 1 lakh).

Overhead: Maximum overhead allowed is 5% of the total budget (i.e. Rs. 1 lakh).

Total:

Other funding sources (if any): While not mandatory, institutional support through matching
grants or any other financial or in-kind support is encouraged to leverage the scant resources of
the IKS division. Please indicate monetary and in-kind support from other sources for this
project.

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Resume Format (Do not exceed two pages for each investigator. The resumes are not included in the page limit)
1. Name:
2. Correspondence Address:
3. Email:
4. Contact Numbers:
5. Institution:
6. Academic Qualification:
7. Work Experience (in chronological order):
8. Professional Recognition/Award/Prize/Certificate, Fellowship:
9. Peer Reviewed Publications:
10. Details of Patents (if any):
11. Books/Reports/Chapters/General Articles etc.:
12. Ongoing/completed Projects during the last 5 years:
13. Your competence to undertake this project (Maximum 500 words):
14. Any other information (Maximum 500 words):

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 Certificate from the Investigator
(Not included in the page limit)

Project Title:

It is certified that
1. The same project proposal has not been submitted elsewhere for financial support.

2. I undertake that spare time on equipment procured in the project will be made available to
other users.

3 I agree to submit ethical clearance certificate from the concerned ethical committee, if the
project involves field trails/experiments/exchange of specimens, human & animal materials etc.

4. The research work proposed in the scheme/project does not in any way duplicate the work
already done or being carried out elsewhere on the subject.

5. I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of IKS Division of MoE @AICTE grant.

Signature of the PI
Name of the PI
Affiliation of the PI
Date:
Place:

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 Endorsement from the Head of the Institution
(Not included in the page limit)

This is to certify that:

1. Certified that the Institute welcomes participation of as the Principal

Investigator and as the Co-Investigator for the project titled
, and that in the unforeseen event of discontinuance by the
Principal Investigator, the Principal Co-Investigator will assume the responsibility of the
fruitful completion of the project with due information to IKS Division of MoE @AICTE.

2. The date of project starts from the date on which the Institute receives the grant from
Indian Knowledge Systems Division of MoE @ AICTE, New Delhi.

3. The investigator will be governed by the rules and regulations of Institute and will be under
administrative control of the Institute for the duration of the project.

4. The grant-in-aid by the IKS Division of MoE @AICTE, New Delhi will be used to meet the
expenditure on the project and for the period for which the project has been sanctioned as
mentioned in the sanction order.

5. No administrative or other liability will be attached to the IKS Division of MoE @AICTE, New
Delhi at the end of the project.

6. The Institute will provide basic infrastructure and other required facilities to the investigator
for undertaking the research project.

7. The Institute will take into its books all assets created in the above project and its disposal
would be at the discretion of the IKS Division of MoE @AICTE, New Delhi.

8. The Institute assumes to undertake the financial and other management responsibilities of
the project.

Signature of the Head of the Institution with seal

Date:

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