The Concept of Labor in the Indian Knowledge System and the Modern Labor Market: A Comparative Study

Surekha Sachin Rumane

Affiliation: Department of Economics, Savitribai Phule Pune University

S.S.S.M. Arts, Science and Commerce College, Saikheda, Tal. Niphad, Dist. Nashik

Email: surekhasrumane22@gmail.com

Abstract : In the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), the concept of 'Labor' is not viewed merely as a means of production but is presented as a moral, social, and spiritual duty. Various facets of labor have been clarified in the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Smriti texts, and Kautilya's Arthashastra. Conversely, the modern labor market is primarily based on economic factors such as wages, skills, productivity, and demand-supply.

This research presents a comparative study between traditional Indian perspectives on labor and the modern labor market structure. The findings indicate that the concept of moral values in labor can be highly relevant and useful even in today’s unorganized and gig economies.

Keywords:Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Labor, Karma Yoga, Modern Labor Market, Gig Economy, Arthashastra, Moral Values.