Sciences / Vidyās

We might have heard about, “sister sciences” of India. We might have a vague idea of what they might include. We might be surprised that, traditionally, there have been a specific number of them–some of which we may not have heard. We might also be surprised to find other subjects, like yoga or dance, don’t make the list of, “sciences.” That doesn’t mean they are not related. The sciences, arts and philosophical systems of India naturally influence each other, as they do anywhere. It’s just that yoga would more classically be considered a darśana, or philosophy, and dance to be in the category of arts (kalās). Here are the traditional 14 sister sciences vidyās, along with a brief description. They consist of the four vedas, the four upavedas and the six vedāṅgas: