Vedanta philosophy occupies a central position in Indian philosophical thought, particularly due to its profound engagement with epistemological questions concerning the nature, sources, validity, and purpose of knowledge. Epistemology (Jnana Mimamsa) in Vedanta is not confined to cognitive inquiry alone; rather, it is intrinsically connected with metaphysics and the pursuit of liberation (Moksha). The present paper offers a conceptual and critical study of epistemology as propounded in Vedanta philosophy, with special reference to the concepts of knowledge (Jnana), ignorance (Avidya), means of valid knowledge (Pramanas), and liberative realisation (Brahma-Jnana).

The study examines the hierarchical structure of knowledge in Vedanta, distinguishing between empirical (Vyavaharika) and absolute (Paramarthika) knowledge, and highlights the limitations of sensory perception and inference in apprehending ultimate reality. Particular emphasis is placed on Shabda Pramana (scriptural testimony) as a distinctive epistemological feature of Vedantic thought. The paper further undertakes a comparative analysis of the epistemological positions of Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Dvaita Vedanta, revealing both their shared foundations and philosophical divergences.

The findings suggest that Vedantic epistemology presents a holistic model of knowledge in which intellectual understanding culminates in direct experiential realisation. By integrating reason, experience, and revelation, Vedanta offers a transformative epistemological framework that remains relevant to contemporary discussions in philosophy, consciousness studies, and education. The paper concludes that Vedantic epistemology constitutes a significant and enduring contribution to global philosophical discourse.