What is the contribution of the following in Atomic structure?

(a) Maharshi Kanada

(b) Democritus?

(a) The idea of the smallest unit of matter was given by Maharshi Kanada. According to him, matter consisted of indestructible minute particles called paramanus, now called atoms. A paramanus does not exist in free state, rather it combines with other paramanus to form a bigger particle called anu, now known as molecule. There are different types of paramanus. Each one of them exhibits specific properties.

(b) Democritus called the paramanu an atom, which is derived from the Greek word atomos, meaning indivisible.