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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1996

Heterodox Philosophical Schools

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

'Ajivaka' sect was founded by:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Ajivika sect was one of the major 'Sramana' movements that challenged Vedic orthodoxy alongside Buddhism and Jainism.

Explanation Historical records identify Makkhali Gosala (a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha) as the founder. The sect was famous for its strict fatalism (Niyati-vada).

Logical Breakup
Makkhali Gosala (C): He taught that human effort is useless and everything is predetermined by destiny (Niyati).
Others: Anand and Upali were disciples of Buddha; Rahulabhadra was a later Buddhist scholar.

Active Recall

Question

Which Mauryan king was a patron of the Ajivikas?

Answer

Bindusara, the father of Asoka, was a known follower of the Ajivika sect.

Core Insight

The Ajivika sect highlights the diverse intellectual landscape of the 6th century BCE, where even absolute determinism had a massive following.

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