[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Minerals and Metals in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996) › v2.c44.5 # Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.5 Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.5 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c44.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c44.5) Kaṇāda, the founder of the \*Vaiśeṣika\* system of philosophy was primarily concerned with the material aspects of the universe. He postulated only four kinds of elements: \*kṣiti\*, \*ap\*, \*tejas\* and \*vāyu\*. In his view \*ākāśa\* is non-material and serves merely as an inert substratum for sound and energy to travel. The later-day astronomer, Āryabhaṭ also accepted this principle of four elements, ignored the Vedāntic concept of twin forms of \*ākāśa\* and the origin of matter from non-matter. Kaṇāda believed that light and heat are different forms of \*tejas\* and the atoms or \*aṇus\* are eternal, ultimate, indivisible and infinitesimal. (Gough, 1975: 138) - [Previous: v2.c44.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c44.4) - [Next: v2.c44.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c44.6) - [Up: v2.c44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c44) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c44.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c44.5) · Pramāṇa