India’s Knowledge, the West’s Profit: How Ancient Wisdom Became Global Business

 


India has always been a cradle of knowledge — from mathematics and astronomy to medicine, textiles, and philosophy. Yet, in today’s global economy, much of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage is being monetized more effectively by Western corporations than by India itself.

🌍 Key Highlights

  • Colonial Legacy & Consumer Psychology

    • Post-colonial societies often perceive Western brands as more “modern” and “reliable.”

    • Example: Haldi doodh is dismissed as old-fashioned in India, but “turmeric latte” sells for $5–7 in U.S. cafés.

  • Yoga: India’s Gift, West’s Industry

    • Rooted in ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, yoga is India’s spiritual export.

    • Yet, the U.S. yoga market alone generated $22 billion in 2023, dominated by brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga.

  • Ayurveda → Global Wellness

    • Ayurveda inspired supplements, detox kits, and adaptogenic teas.

    • The global wellness economy is worth $4.5 trillion, but Western companies capture most of the profits through influencer marketing and premium branding.

  • Turmeric: The Superfood Rush

    • India exports raw turmeric, while Western firms add value through capsules, beverages, and extracts.

    • Result: India earns less, while the West controls branding and pricing in a $5 billion market.


  • Food Rebranding

    • “Masala chai” becomes “chai tea,” “naan” becomes “naan bread,” and “curry powder” (a British invention) dominates Western supermarkets.

    • Indian cuisine is globalized, but profits largely bypass Indian producers.

  • Ancient Contributions, Modern Oversight

    • India gave the world zero, advanced astronomy, surgical techniques, and even debated the speed of light centuries ago.

    • Yet, these contributions are rarely credited in global narratives.

  • Patent Battles

    • Cases of biopiracy (turmeric, neem, basmati rice) forced India to create the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to protect its heritage.


💡 Takeaway

India’s intellectual and cultural treasures continue to shape the world, but the commercial benefits often flow westward. The challenge ahead is not just preserving heritage but building global Indian brands that reclaim ownership of this legacy.

Images: Created by Bing; Source: TimesLife

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