Ancient Flight, Modern Questions: Aerospace Students Explore the Legacy of Vimanika Shastra

Bengaluru, 7th May 2026: The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted a distinguished lecture on Indian Knowledge System (IKS): Vimanika Shastra on 7 May 2026 at the JAIN Global Campus, bringing together students and faculty for an interdisciplinary exploration of India’s historical perspectives on aviation and aerospace thought.

Delivered by Dr Ashwin C Gowda, the session examined the ideas and interpretations associated with Vimanika Shastra - a body of literature often linked to ancient Indian concepts of aerial vehicles and flight. Rather than treating the subject as mythology or unquestioned fact, the lecture encouraged participants to approach traditional knowledge systems through scientific curiosity, critical reasoning, and academic inquiry.

The programme opened with an introduction to the broader framework of Indian Knowledge Systems and their contributions to disciplines such as mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, and mechanics. From there, the discussion moved into the conceptual world of Vimanas, exploring references to flight, navigation, materials, and engineering imagination found in ancient texts and commentaries.

What distinguished the session was its balanced approach. Students were encouraged to analyse historical claims using modern engineering principles while also recognising the cultural and philosophical significance of India’s scientific heritage. The lecture positioned ancient aerospace ideas not necessarily as technical blueprints, but as reflections of humanity’s enduring fascination with flight and innovation.

The interactive discussion that followed became one of the event’s most engaging moments. Students raised questions about the historical authenticity of Vimanika Shastra, the symbolic versus literal interpretation of ancient texts, and the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in contemporary engineering education. Faculty members added further perspectives, creating a thoughtful exchange that bridged history, science, and critical scholarship.

Attended by 50 students and 10 faculty members, the lecture reflected the department’s growing emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research-oriented thinking. By connecting traditional intellectual traditions with modern aerospace discussions, the programme encouraged participants to view engineering not only as a technical discipline, but also as part of a larger cultural and historical continuum.