Modern Science: Atomic Theory
Contributors: John Dalton (1766-1844) Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937)
Description: The Atomic Theory, formulated by John Dalton in the 19th century, proposes that matter is composed of indivisible and indestructible particles known as atoms. Dalton's work laid the foundation for modern atomic theory.
Time Period: 19th Century
Location: United Kingdom

Ernest Rutherford

John Dalton

Time Period: 6th–2nd Century BCE
Location: Bharatvarsh
Source: Vaisheshik Sutra, verse 1.1.4
EVIDENCE:

Vaisheshik Sutra, verse 1.1.4:

"आत्मा वा तद्धर्माणां साक्षात् कर्ता विशेषः"

MEANING: "The soul is the special agent in directly perceiving the qualities of an atom."

One such verse is:

अणुपरमाणूच्यम् त्रसरूपकं तत्तदवयवयोगजं नाम द्रव्यम्।

तस्य संयोगजवत्वादवयवत्वाच्च सत्त्वमात्रं सत्याम्।

अणवत्त्वादवयवत्वाच्च। तस्य संयोगजवत्वाच्च।

तस्य संयोगजवत्वादवयवत्वाच्च सत्त्वमात्रं सत्याम्।

Its translation is:

The substance made up of molecules and atoms and their relationships is called matter. Its existence is only in combination and combination of components, it has only the form of existence. It is because of the existence of molecules and their combinations that matter becomes existence.

Description:

In this sutra, it is considered that the substance made up of molecules and atoms, and their combinations, is called 'matter'. Its existence lies in the sums and combinations of its components. This sutra has clearly stated that the existence of matter depends on its parts and their combinations.

Modern Science Connection: Kanaad's Vaisheshik Sutras hint at an atomic theory, sharing conceptual ground with Dalton's later atomic theory. Hence, atomic structure and its theory were already conveyed by Maharshi Kanaad to the world many years ago through which modern science and theories have come into existence.

Ancient Science: Vaisheshik Sutras by Kanaad (Father of Atomic Theory & Physics)

Atomic Theory and Kanaad's Vaisheshik Sutras

Conclusion: John Dalton's 19th-century Atomic Theory proposed that matter consists of indivisible atoms. In ancient India, Kanaad's Vaisheshik Sutras, dating back to the 6th–2nd century BCE, contain an aphorism suggesting an atomic theory, where the soul is the special agent in perceiving the qualities of an atom. This connection highlights the conceptual similarities between ancient Indian philosophical thought and modern atomic theory.

हिन्दी अनुवाद