Knowledge

The knowledge systems (Vidya) are not primarily encyclopedic, and cannot be indexed based on Shastra (शास्त्र) alone.

Scholarly research

There is a famous answer by Swami Lakshmanjoo, when an American student asked: "Where can I study in India?" -- Lakshmanjoo answered that it is difficult to find the right place and the right teacher in India. Many "get lost in the mud". 

Scholarly research is essential to understand spiritual teachings. But it is also essential to know, that Shastra isn't enough. The intention of scholarly research isn't to proof or to acknowledge specific spiritual aspects. It is to support the authentic traditions, and give more meaning to them.