1. Introduction
- What is Ajivika?: Ajivika was an ancient Indian heterodox sect that emerged around the 6th century BCE.
- Founder: Makkhali Gosala (a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira).
- Philosophy: Believed in Niyati (Fate or Determinism), meaning that all events in life are predestined and human efforts cannot change destiny.
- Significance: One of the three major sects (along with Buddhism and Jainism) during the time of Mahavira and Buddha.
2. Origin & Founder
✔ Makkhali Gosala (Founder):
- Born in Magadha or Vaishali.
- Initially a follower of Mahavira (Jainism) but later broke away.
- Preached Niyativada (Doctrine of Fate), rejecting karma and free will.
✔ Time Period: 6th Century BCE – 14th Century CE (declined after 1st millennium CE).
✔ Patronage:
- Bindusara (Father of Ashoka) was a follower of Ajivika sect.
- Ashoka briefly supported Ajivikas but later promoted Buddhism.
- Flourished in Magadha and South India (Tamil Nadu & Karnataka).
3. Core Beliefs of Ajivika Philosophy
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Niyativada (Doctrine of Fate) | Everything in life is predetermined. Human effort, karma, and morality do not change destiny. |
| No Free Will | No individual control over life events. Everything is fixed in advance. |
| Rejection of Karma | Opposed Jain and Buddhist belief that karma determines future birth. |
| Materialist & Atheist Outlook | No belief in a creator god or rituals. |
| Cycle of Rebirth | Souls go through fixed cycles of rebirth before reaching final liberation. |
4. Decline of Ajivika Sect
✔ Lost royal patronage after Mauryan rule.
✔ Criticized by Buddhists and Jains.
✔ Declined by the 14th century CE, with no surviving followers today.
5. Ajivika’s Influence on Indian Thought
✔ First sect to develop a theory of determinism (Niyati-Vada).
✔ Challenged Buddhist and Jain concepts of Karma and Free Will.
✔ Influenced later philosophical debates on fate and destiny in Indian thought.
6. MCQs on Ajivika Sect
- Who was the founder of the Ajivika sect?
a) Mahavira
b) Makkhali Gosala
c) Gautama Buddha
d) Ashoka
➤ Answer: b) Makkhali Gosala - Which doctrine was central to Ajivika philosophy?
a) Karma
b) Niyati (Fate)
c) Ahimsa
d) Dukkha
➤ Answer: b) Niyati (Fate) - Which Mauryan emperor was a follower of the Ajivika sect?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Bindusara
c) Ashoka
d) Brihadratha
➤ Answer: b) Bindusara - Why did the Ajivika sect decline?
a) Lack of royal patronage
b) Opposition from Buddhists and Jains
c) No support for karma and moral responsibility
d) All of the above
➤ Answer: d) All of the above - Which religious sect was a rival of the Ajivikas during the 6th century BCE?
a) Shaivism
b) Vaishnavism
c) Jainism
d) Sikhism
➤ Answer: c) Jainism
7. Subjective Questions for Exams
- Who was Makkhali Gosala, and what were his teachings?
- Explain the concept of Niyativada in Ajivika philosophy.
- Compare the Ajivika sect with Buddhism and Jainism.
- Why did the Ajivika sect decline over time?
- How did the Ajivika sect influence Indian philosophy?
8. Conclusion
The Ajivika sect was one of the most important philosophical movements of ancient India, challenging the dominant Buddhist and Jain doctrines. However, due to lack of adaptability and opposition from other religions, it declined over time, leaving behind a unique but forgotten legacy in Indian thought. 🚀
This structured format ensures easy recall for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs. Let me know if you need modifications! 😊