The word "Vidyaa" means scientific discipline. For instance Rag Vidyaa, which is the science of rhythm. From Rag Vidyaa comes the hundreds of "Ragas" or rhythm patterns used in Indian classical music. It is the complete knowledge available to man about the effects of rhythm on consciousness.
A musical piece is nothing unless the proper Raga is chosen to set exactly the right mood. There are those who have spent their entire lives mastering this science.
In the three Sikh holy books over three hundred Ragas are mentioned. Rag Vidyaa is a good example of the depth and vastness of the knowledge which forms the Vedic tradition.
The source of the Vedas has been debated for many years. Today however with the help of modern technology this debate has been put to rest. Around 1850 a German archeologist named Max Müller discovered what he believed to be evidence of a dramatic change in Indian culture around 600 AD.
This is the date he puts as the "Vedic period". It is also the date of what appeared to be a mass migration of people in India. Müller was convinced that this was due to an invasion of a superior race of Eastern Europeans he called "Aryan".
During the British occupation of India the Aryan invasion theory was included as a part of Indian history. The British seizing the psychological high ground with the concept that all the wisdom of India came from white people.
The word "Aryan" in Sanskrit means something like the English word "Gentlemen". It has nothing to do with language, race, or culture. There are references in some of the oldest Vedic texts of sunken city off the coast of Gujarat and a mysterious lost river Saraswati. Through the use of satellite imaging both have been rediscovered. Archeological dating have been carried out in the sunken city of Darwan and along the route of the extinct Saraswati. These date the sites around 4000 BC which establishes the Vedic period thousands of years earlier then Müller suggested.
Unlike the Egyptians or the Romans or the Greeks the Aryans left no trace of their existence except in India. The migration Müller uncovered was most likely due to weather changes which caused the great Saraswati to slowly dry up and the people of the Indus to migrate. Modern archeology has discovered what might be evidence of tribes of migrating nomadic herdsmen coming for eastern Europe. They had no culture, no written language, and no clear history these are likely Müllers Aryan's.
There is another meaning to Vidyaa which is "living science" .By this it is meant that the Vidyaa which ever it is can be applied to everyday life by everyday people it is a "Lifestyle". The famous healing system "Ayurvedia" is a good example.. Traditionally Indian cooking is based not only on nutrition but also healing qualities. There are hundreds of "Masalas" or spice mixtures used in Indian cooking. They are chosen not only for flavor but also for the type of energy they produce in the body. These same Masalas are found in beverages, massage oils, Jams, Incense. When all of these aspects can be focused on a particular condition the effects are very powerful.
Shastra Vidyaa the Science of combat is a living science and can be applied to everyday life by everyday people. Just as yoga and meditation in ancient times were commonly practiced in India so to was Shastra Vidyaa. The qualities of a noble warrior were seen as a necessity for a successful life. Guru Hargobind established this for the Sikhs by the concept of the Saint/Soldier. Even today this remains a popular theme in Sikhism.
