With reference to early Indian philosophical thought on matter, consider the following statements: 1. Acharya Kanada proposed that matter is continuous and not made of discrete particles. 2. He postulated the formation of pairs or triplets from minute particles. 3. He considered these particles to be eternal and indivisible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation In ancient Indian philosophy, the Vaisheshika school, founded by Acharya Kanada (approx. 600 BC), propounded an early atomic theory. He conceptualized the smallest, indivisible particle of matter, termed Parmanu. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Acharya Kanada did not propose that matter is continuous. He theorized that if matter (Padarth) is divided repeatedly, a stage is reached where further division is impossible. These ultimate discrete particles were named Parmanu. This opposes the concept of continuous matter. - Statement 2 is Correct. Kanada postulated that these minute particles could combine to form composite structures. He suggested that two atoms combine to form a binary molecule called Dwinuka (diad), and three diads combine to form a Trinuka (triad). - Statement 3 is Correct. According to Vaisheshika philosophy, the Parmanu is the fundamental building block of the physical universe. It was described as eternal, indestructible, spherical, and indivisible. Key Takeaway: Acharya Kanada is credited with the earliest Indian atomic theory, proposing that matter consists of indivisible, eternal, and discrete particles called Parmanu, rather than being continuous.

NCERT Class 11 Science — Chapter 1: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

mcqmedium

With reference to early Indian philosophical thought on matter, consider the following statements:

Acharya Kanada proposed that matter is continuous and not made of discrete particles.
He postulated the formation of pairs or triplets from minute particles.
He considered these particles to be eternal and indivisible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

In ancient Indian philosophy, the Vaisheshika school, founded by Acharya Kanada (approx. 600 BC), propounded an early atomic theory. He conceptualized the smallest, indivisible particle of matter, termed Parmanu.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Acharya Kanada did not propose that matter is continuous. He theorized that if matter (Padarth) is divided repeatedly, a stage is reached where further division is impossible. These ultimate discrete particles were named Parmanu. This opposes the concept of continuous matter.
Statement 2 is Correct. Kanada postulated that these minute particles could combine to form composite structures. He suggested that two atoms combine to form a binary molecule called Dwinuka (diad), and three diads combine to form a Trinuka (triad).
Statement 3 is Correct. According to Vaisheshika philosophy, the Parmanu is the fundamental building block of the physical universe. It was described as eternal, indestructible, spherical, and indivisible.

Key Takeaway:
Acharya Kanada is credited with the earliest Indian atomic theory, proposing that matter consists of indivisible, eternal, and discrete particles called Parmanu, rather than being continuous.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

What is the correct symbol for the SI unit ‘mole’?

easy

Who is credited with proposing the Law of Conservation of Mass?

easy

Which of the following are considered chemical properties of matter? 1. Melting point 2. Boiling point 3. Acidity 4. Reactivity with acids Select the correct answer using the code given below.

medium

Which international body and treaty are responsible for the maintenance of the SI unit system?

medium

Who is credited with proposing the Law of Definite Proportions?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 1: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Science chapters

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Acharya Kanada did not propose that matter is continuous. He theorized that if matter (Padarth) is divided repeatedly, a stage is reached where further division is impossible. These ultimate discrete particles were named Parmanu. This opposes the concept of continuous matter.
Statement 2 is Correct. Kanada postulated that these minute particles could combine to form composite structures. He suggested that two atoms combine to form a binary molecule called Dwinuka (diad), and three diads combine to form a Trinuka (triad).
Statement 3 is Correct. According to Vaisheshika philosophy, the Parmanu is the fundamental building block of the physical universe. It was described as eternal, indestructible, spherical, and indivisible.