Abstract: Flood disasters are among the most frequent and devastating natural calamities in India. Traditional flood management practices rooted in India’s indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) have provided sustainable solutions for centuries, reflecting harmony between human settlements and nature. This paper aims to integrate traditional wisdom with modern strategies for effective flood disaster management. Drawing examples from across India—including the embankment systems of Bihar, tank irrigation in Tamil Nadu, and the floodplain management of Assam—this paper highlights the necessity of blending local knowledge with scientific innovation for resilient communities. The study employs a qualitative methodology involving literature reviews, case studies, and spatial analysis through GIS data interpretation. Results indicate that traditional approaches can significantly complement modern techniques when systematically institutionalized within India’s disaster management framework.

Keywords: Flood Disaster, Traditional Knowledge, Indian Knowledge System, Flood Management, Resilience, GIS, Disaster Mitigation.