[Solved] Who founded the Ajivaka Sect? | Makkhali Gosala

'Ajivaka' sect was founded by:

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1996]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

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

Authentic Source Evidence

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

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which Mauryan king was a patron of the Ajivikas?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Niyati 2 Bindusara 3 Barabar Caves 2