[Solved] Charvaka Philosophy: Materialism & Rejection of Afterlife

'Live well, as long as you live. Live well even by borrowing, for once cremated, there is no return.' This rejection of afterlife is an aphorism of the:

[UPSC CSE Prelims 1994]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Charvaka (or Lokayata) is the ancient Indian school of materialism that rejected the Vedas, the soul, and the concept of an afterlife.

Authentic Source Evidence

Their core text (now lost but quoted by critics) taught that perception is the only source of knowledge. Since we cannot perceive a soul or a next world, we should focus on the pleasures of this life.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option D is correct. The quote reflects the quintessential Charvaka view that death is the final end ('Bhasmibhutasya dehasya punaragamanam kutah').

Logic 2: Ajivikas (C) believed in fate (Niyati). Sunyavada (B) is a Buddhist school of 'Emptiness'. Kapalikas (A) were an extreme tantric Shaiva sect. None of these were purely materialistic hedonists like the Charvakas.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the Charvaka view on the Vedas?"

They completely rejected the Vedas, considering them to be compositions of 'buffoons, knaves, and demons' designed to deceive the simple-minded.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Charvaka philosophy represents a rare and radical stream of total materialism and skepticism within the ancient Indian intellectual landscape."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Lokayata 3 Materialism 2 Pramana 2

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