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Vaidyaratnam Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine

Conceptual parallels between Paramanu vada and Dalton’s Atomic Theory: A Cross-Disciplinary Review

Volume 8, Issue 1 • 2026
Review Article

Vaishnavi Prahallada1, Vasudev Anandrao Chate2, Shreevathsa3

  1. PG Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhantha, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, India
  2. Professor, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhantha, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, India
  3. HOD, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhantha, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, India
Received: 2026-01-12
Accepted: 2026-08-11
Published: 2026-09-03

Abstract

Science is a systematic pursuit of knowledge that involves the study of natural phenomena and their practical application. It encompasses diverse disciplines, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the physical world. Chemistry is one such branch of science concerned with the composition, structure, properties, and transformations of matter and is often regarded as the science of atoms and molecules. Dalton's Atomic Theory, proposed in -A New System of Chemical Philosophy, marked a paradigm shift in understanding the composition of matter. Meanwhile, ancient Indian science is a rich repository of scientific concepts, many of which continue to hold relevance in the modern era. Among these, Ayurveda and Vaisheshika Darshana explain the atomic nature of matter through Karya-Karana Siddhanta, which encompasses Paramanu Vada. The present study aims to explore the conceptual parallels between Paramanu Vada and Dalton's Atomic Theory, withvspecial emphasis on the role of Vayu, Karma, and Swabhava in the reorganization of atoms in biological systems. A comprehensive literary review was carried out using classical Ayurvedic texts, Padartha Vijnana textbooks, NCERT chemistry textbooks, and relevant published literature. The analysis revealed notable similarities between the concepts of Ayurveda and Vaisheshika Darshana and Dalton's Atomic Theory while also highlighting the unique biological perspective of Ayurveda regarding atomic interactions. This study attempts to bridge ancient Indian scientific thought with modern atomic theory, emphasizing the relevance of Paramanu Vada in understanding the nature of matter.

Keywords- Paramanu Vada, Atom, Dalton's atomic theory, Karya-Karana Siddhantha

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