Thread by @ShastricKnow

Thread on idea and theory of atomic theory in ancient India .
Stolen by some 'intellectuals'

The Vaisheshika sutra about paramanuh states
That which is existent and has no cause (i.e., an atom) is eternal is paramanu .It is not perceived but is inferred from its effect. [10]. (iv.1.1-5)

Some ( majority) people translate the word Paramanu as atom . However the word atom is not the correct translation of Paramanu . Here is why !

Paramānu (परमानु, “atom”) is defined in the Nyāyasūtra (4.2.17ff).—

All the material objects of the world are made up of some parts

This material object is divided into smaller parts and the latter is further divisible into smaller parts which are further divisible into still smaller parts. This process cannot go on infinitely and the ultimate minutest part of matter which cannot be further divisible is

called paramānu. This paramanu is partless, eternal and indivisible
.

Vātsyāyana (Nyāyabhāṣya on Nyāyasūtra 4.2.16) gives his opinion that a paramānu is the smallest part of a composite thing which cannot be divided into smaller parts. Uddyotakara (Nyāyavārtika  4.2.22) states

that if something is divisible then it cannot be a pararamānu. Paramanu is indestructible. Vācaspati (Nyāyavārtikatātparyaṭīkā 4.2.17) points out that paramānu is called paramānu for its smallest size which cannot be divided into smaller parts. According to Jayanta Bhaṭṭa

Nyāyamañjarī) paramānu is called to param- anu as it cannot be further divided. It cannot be produced and destroyed. Therefore, paramanuh is eternal.

Now we all know all know atom is divisible so it can't be paramanuh . Anything that fits the definition is paramanuh .