Ajivika School – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture

Classified as a Nastika or heterodox school of Indian Philosophy, Ajivika School emerged as a shramana movement in the 5th century BCE.

• Rivalry with Vedic Religion, Buddhism, and Jainism: Ajivika was a major rival to Vedic religion, early Buddhism, and Jainism during its time.
• Founder: Goshala Maskariputra (Gosala Makkhaliputta) founded the Ajivika School, and he was considered friends with Mahavira.
• Time Period: The school thrived during the 5th century BCE, coinciding with the development of Jainism and Buddhism.
• Original Scriptures: The original scriptures of Ajivika philosophy may have existed, but they are currently lost. Insights are drawn from mentions in secondary sources of ancient Indian literature.
• Doctrine – Niyati (Fate) Doctrine: Ajivika is known for its Niyati doctrine of absolute determinism, rejecting the concept of free will. Everything is considered preordained by cosmic principles.
• Karma Doctrine: Ajivikas considered the karma doctrine as a fallacy, differing from other Indian philosophical traditions.
• Metaphysics – Atom Theory: Ajivika metaphysics included a theory of atoms, later adapted by the Vaisheshika school. Everything is composed of atoms with predetermined aggregation and nature influenced by cosmic forces.
• Popularity and Decline: Ajivika philosophy reached its height of popularity during the rule of Mauryan emperor Bindusara in the 4th century BCE. Although it declined, it survived for nearly 2,000 years until the 14th century CE in the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Ashoka’s Connection: Ashoka, known for spreading Buddhism, was an Ajivik for most of his life.
• Barabar Caves: The oldest rock-cut caves in India, the Barabar Caves in Bihar, were constructed for Ajiviks and Jains for retreat and meditation during the Mauryan Empire.
• Asceticism: Similar to Jains, Ajiviks practiced asceticism, wearing no clothes and living as ascetic monks in organized groups.
• Extreme Austerities: Ajivikas were known for practicing severe austerities, including lying on nails, walking through fire, enduring extreme weather, and spending time in large earthen pots for penance.
• Inclusivity: There was no caste discrimination, and people from all walks of life joined the Ajivika movement.
• Philosophical Appeal: The Ājīvika philosophy, along with the Cārvāka philosophy, appealed most to the warrior, industrial, and mercantile classes in ancient Indian society.
• Enduring Legacy: The reputation of Ajivikas for their fearsome penance spread to later Chinese and Japanese literature.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ajivika Philosophy

1. What is the Ajivika philosophy?
   • According to this philosophy, everything in the universe, including human actions and events, is predestined and governed by an eternal cosmic force. The Ajivikas believed in the existence of an unchanging, universal law that governs all aspects of life.
2. What is the meaning of Ajivikas in UPSC?
   • Ajivika refers to an ascetic sect that emerged in India around the same time as Buddhism and Jainism. Founded by Goshala Maskariputra, it lasted until the 14th century. The name may mean “following the ascetic way of life.”
3. What was the central belief among the Ajivikas?
   • The central belief of the Ajivikas was that everything is predetermined by fate (niyati), and human actions have no consequence. They held that an unchanging, cosmic force governs all aspects of life.
4. Who was the proponent of Ajivika philosophy?
   • The Ajivika sect was founded by Makkhali Gosala, also known as Gosala Maskariputra, in ancient India.
5. What is the difference between Ajivika and Charvaka?
   • The Ajivika sect emphasized determinism and the cycle of birth and rebirth, while the Charvaka sect (or Carvaka) promoted materialism, atheism, and a focus on the pursuit of pleasure in the present life.
6. Do Ajivikas believe in rebirth?
   • The Ajivikas believed in the concept of rebirth. While they rejected the existence of gods, they maintained a belief in the soul and its cycle of rebirth, with the fate of the soul determined by fate rather than a deity or free will.
7. Who were Ajivikas in history?
   • Ajivikas were followers of an ascetic sect that emerged in India during the same period as Buddhism and Jainism. Founded by Goshala Maskariputra, the Ajivikas believed in concepts such as karma, fatalism, and passivity. The sect gained popularity during the reign of Bindusara.