Which dravyas according to the Vaiśeṣikas are sometimes nitya and sometimes anitya. Select the correct code.

Correct option is B

Correct answer: b Earth, water, fire and air only
​Introduction: ​The Vaiśeṣika system classifies physical substances ( dravyas) based on their elemental structure, which determines whether they are eternal ( nitya) or non-eternal ( anitya).
​Information Booster: · ​ The Atomic Theory: The four material elements— Earth (pṛthivī), Water (ap), Fire (tejas), and Air (vāyu)—exist in two distinct states: atomic and composite.
· ​ When they are Nitya (Eternal): In their fundamental, indivisible atomic form ( paramāṇu-rūpa), these four substances are eternal. They can never be destroyed, created, or divided further.
· ​ When they are Anitya (Non-eternal): When these atoms combine to form composite objects ( kārya-rūpa), such as a clay pot, a cup of water, a flame, or wind, these manifested forms are temporary and subject to creation and destruction.
· ​ Dual Nature: Therefore, only these four specific physical elements possess this dual characteristic of being both eternal (as atoms) and non-eternal (as compound products).
​Additional Knowledge: · ​ Ether (Ākāśa):
· ​Ākāśa is the fifth physical substance, but unlike the other four, it does not exist in atomic form.
· ​It is a single, all-pervading ( vibhu), and structurally partless substance. Hence, it is always eternal ( nitya) and can never be non-eternal ( anitya).
· ​ Other Eternal Substances:
· ​Other dravyas like Time ( kāla), Space ( dik), Self ( ātman), and Mind ( manas) are also structurally uniform and eternally established; they do not undergo composite structural creation or destruction.