Antarvidya || Debra Thana Sahid Kshudiram Smriti Mahavidyalaya

Kannada's Atomism and Nanotechnology: A Comparative Analysis on the Ancient Indian Atom and Modern Science

Shweta
Doctoral Fellow
Department of Philosophy
University of Delhi
shweta@philosophy.du.ac.in

Submitted on: 14.11.2025
Accepted on: 28.06.2026

Abstract: The debate on Vaisheshika atomism with nanotechnology engages multidimensional arguments in relation to its existence at the level of the indivisible particles as well as to their nature of matter. Genetic, a traditional Indian philosophical position, postulating that each and every matter is aeon, made up of indestructible, imperceptible particles which are assumed to be eternal, and therefore collectively known as Paramãṇus Ātya. Modern scientific advancements, conversely, provided experiential evidence for the existence of atoms and subatomic particles. The contradiction, thus, raises the question if the paramāṇus that Vaisheshika posits correspond immediately to the atoms and to the subatomic particles in the way that modern physics describes, or whether they belong altogether to a different ontological category.

Nanotechnology, meanwhile, a representation of manipulations of matter at the level of atoms or molecules, lies between one and 100 nanometers. has an enormous scope, from medicine, electronics, through materials science, to the production of energy. This technology enables the design of new materials such as nanoelectronics, targeted drug delivery systems and what not. In this regard, the debate raises a train of thoughts related to epistemological issues concerning the nature of knowledge and the fit between the classical philosophical approaches on how knowledge should be acquired and the modern scientific approaches.

Ultimately, the debate between nanotechnology and Vaisheshika effectuate substantial queries about the nature of matter and matter in relation to the acquisition of knowledge and technological development from the philosophical perspective. The area is relatively complex and corresponds across the sciences and philosophies; for that matter, the discussion calls for an interdisciplinary approach and holistic understanding.

References:

[1] Acharya, Debasish. “A Brief Comparative Study of Atomic Theory or Atomism between Western Scientists and Eastern Philosophers.” International Journal of Novel Research and Development (IJNRD). IJNRD.org, 2025. Web. 4 Nov. 2025. https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2504077.pdf.

[2] “Ancient Atomism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 18 Oct. 2022. Web. 7 Sep. 2025. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atomism-ancient/#NyaaVaisAtom.

[3] “Atomic Theory in Indian Philosophy.” Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Encyclopedia.com, 24 Nov. 2024. Web. 7 Sep. 2025. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/atomic-theory-indian-philosophy.

[4] “Atomism in Vaiśeṣika Philosophy: A Critical Analysis.” The Cho.in, 2018. Web. 10 Oct. 2025. https://thecho.in/atomism-in-vaisesika-philosophy-a-critical-analysis/.

[5] Baxter, F. “The Origin of Philosophy.” Pondering Philosopher, 11 May 2023. Web. 4 Nov. 2025. https://www.ponderingphilosopher.com/the-origin-of-philosophy/.

[6] Feynman, R. “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom: An Invitation to Enter a New Field of Physics.” Engineering and Science 23 (1960): 22–36. Print. Quoted in K. E. Drexler, “Nanotechnology: From Feynman to Funding.”

[7] Gillan, J., and J. Gillan. “Acharya Kanad: An Indian Sage Who Developed Atomic Theory 2,600 Years Ago.” Ancient Origins: Reconstructing the Story of Humanity’s Past, 16 Apr. 2022. Web. 10 Oct. 2025. https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/indian-sage-acharya-kanad-001399.

[8] Gupta, S., and Bankura Zilla Saradamani Mahila Mahavidyapith. “The Concept of Atom in Vaisesika Philosophy.” Suraj Punj Journal for Multidisciplinary Research 9.5 (2019): 468–470. Web. 15 Sep. 2025. https://spjmr.com/gallery/48-spjmr-996.f.pdf.

[9] Hornyak, G. L., H. Tibbals, J. Dutta, and J. J. Moore. Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2008. Print.

[10] Krishnaji. Science and Technology in the Vedas. 1995. Print.

[11] Linton, J. D., and S. T. Walsh. “Introduction to the Field of Nanotechnology Ethics and Policy.” Journal of Business Ethics 109.4 (2012): 547–549. Web. 16 Sep. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1428-x.

[12] Litton, P. “‘Nanoethics’? What’s New?” Hastings Center Report 37.1 (2007): 22–25. Web. 4 Nov. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1353/hcr.2007.0011.

[13] Mahato, Joydip. “Comparing Vaiśeṣika Atomism with Modern Atomic Theory.” International Journal of Humanities Social Science and Management 4.4 (2024): 701–703. Web. 6 Nov. 2025. https://ijhssm.org/issue_dcp/Comparing%20Vaisesika%20Atomism%20with%20Modern%20Atomic%20Theory.pdf.

[14] Pal, B. “Atomism in Vaisheshik Philosophy: An Analysis of the Fundamental Building Blocks of the Universe.” The Creative Launcher 8.3 (2023): 74–83. Web. 14 Oct. 2025. https://doi.org/10.53032/tcl.2023.8.3.09.

[15] PM, V. “Atomic Concepts in Vaiseshika Philosophy and Modern Science—Some Similarities and Contrasts.” University of Calicut, 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2025. https://www.academia.edu/11764014/Atomic_concepts_in_Vaiseshika_philosophy_and_modern_science_some_similarities_and_contrasts.

[16] Purram, Vaishnnavi, G. Srinivasa Rao, and Panem Charanarur. “The Subtle Origins of Modern Quantum Physics: An Analysis of Maya and the Vedic Concept of Consciousness.” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews 4.9 (2023): 2048–2064. Web. 28 Sep. 2025. https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V4ISSUE9/IJRPR17324.pdf.

[17] Roco, M. C., and W. S. Bainbridge. “Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.” Springer eBooks, 2001. Web. 4 Nov. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3012-9.

[18] Sanatansinhnaad. “Atomic Theory: by John Dalton or Acharya Kanada.” Sanatan Sinhnaad, 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 28 Sep. 2025. https://sanatansinhnaad.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/atomic-theory-by-john-dalton-or-acharya-kanada/.

[19] Sebastian, K. L. “The Development of the Concept of Atoms and Molecules—Dalton and Beyond.” Resonance: Journal of Science Education 15.1 (2010): 8–15. Print.

[20] Taniguchi, N. “On the Basic Concept of Nanotechnology.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Production Engineering, Tokyo, 1974. Print.

[21] Walunj, Aishwarya Barku, Prof. “The Untold Journey of Indian Father of Atomic Theory from Kashyap to Maharshi Kanad.” The Contribution and Achievements of Men in Various Spheres at National and International Levels. Ed. Dr. Snehal Taware. Pune: Snehavardhan Prakashan, 2022. 207–210. Print. https://mpcollegepimpri.edu.in/zel_admin/uploads/research_pdf/20230412014134.

[22] Westra, Jaco, ed. “Assessing Health and Environmental Risks of Nanoparticles: An Overview.” RIVM Rapport, 2014. 13–28. Web. 4 Nov. 2025. https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/2014-0157.pdf.

Key Words: Atomism, Nanotechnology, Vaisheshika, debate, modern science, Ancient Indian philosophy

Download Pdf

How to Cite

APA 7th Edition

Shweta. (2026). Kannada’s Atomism and Nanotechnology: A Comparative Analysis on the Ancient Indian Atom and Modern Science. Antarvidya, 2(1), 12–21. https://doi.org/10.66182/antarvidya.v2.i1.002.2026

MLA 9th Edition

Shweta. “Kannada’s Atomism and Nanotechnology: A Comparative Analysis on the Ancient Indian Atom and Modern Science.” Antarvidya, vol. 2, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 12–21. https://doi.org/10.66182/antarvidya.v2.i1.002.2026.

Published in
June 2026
Copyright © 2026 Shweta (Author)
Kannada's Atomism and Nanotechnology: A Comparative Analysis on the Ancient Indian Atom and Modern Science © 2026 by Shweta is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

Kannada's Atomism and Nanotechnology: A Comparative Analysis on the Ancient Indian Atom and Modern Science

References:

LOCATION