PROTECTION OF TRADITIONALKNOWLEDGE IN INDIA

In common parlance Traditional knowledge means the knowledge based on tradition. Knowledge1 has been the most coveted possession of mankind since the industrial revolution.2 The industrial boom after the World Wars has highlighted the importance of the so-called intellectual knowledge.3 Recently the importance of knowledge that has been in the public domain4 has come into question.5 The pattern of evolution of society has been marked by a process by which the societies in developed countries have moved towards a more technological orientation. Consequentially some traditional knowledge including traditional practices has been left behind and newer practices that are better or at least considered better are being used. Knowledge that is no longer part of the so-called developed societies but retained by traditional societies has of late gained attention