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R.A.S./R.T.S. Prelims 2013

Heterodox Traditions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The sect which believed in abiding nature of destiny:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ajivika was a heterodox school of ancient India that rivaled early Buddhism and Jainism with its unique theory of predestination.

Explanation Founded by Makkhali Gosala, the Ajivikas believed in the principle of Niyati (Fate). They argued that there is no 'free will' and that every soul must pass through a fixed number of incarnations before ending suffering, regardless of human effort.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is correct. 'Destiny' is the defining characteristic of this now-extinct school.
Logic 2: Jainism (A) and Buddhism (D) emphasize individual effort and Karma, while Charvaka (C) emphasizes random materialism. Only Ajivikas posited that life is totally predetermined.

Active Recall

Question

What was the Ajivika view on moral effort?

Answer

They believed that neither good nor evil deeds could change one's fate, as the entire course of life is mapped out by the cosmic force of Niyati.

Core Insight

The Ajivika philosophy represents a radical form of fatalism that challenged the ethics of personal responsibility promoted by their contemporaries, the Buddha and Mahavira.

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