ABSTRACT
The study of intelligence has recently outgrown the cognitively loaded psychometric tradition of research. Explorations with the notions of social and emotional intelligence, prudence, and wisdom, as well as the emergence of social constructionist view have expanded the discourse on intelligence in different directions. Reports from diverse cultures indicate that the social representation and emphasis on aspects of intelligence vary across cultures. Against this backdrop, this study makes an effort to articulate the indigenous notion of intelligence in the Indian cultural context. The analysis of textual sources available in the form of suktis, proverbs in Hindi language, and laypersons’ conception and use of intelligence in their day-to-day life indicates four dimensions of intelligence. In order of priority, these dimensions are: Personality and Motivation, Social Competence, Reasoning and Problem Solving, and Communication Skills. Intelligence is conceptualised mainly in terms of socio-affective characteristics of individuals. It is considered an important attribute of the individual so far as it contributes to performance, social harmony, and well-being of the people. Results have been explained in terms of the distinctive features of the Indian society.
