Consider the following about Ajivika sect a. Makhali Gosala was its most important leader.

Question

Consider the following about Ajivika sect:

a. Makhali Gosala was its most important leader.

b. Central idea of the philosophy was "NIYATI" that is fate.

c. The discrimination on the basis of caste and class.

d. The Ajivikas had regular sabhas for meetings.

Which of the following are correct?

1. A. b, c and d are correct
2. B. a, b and d are correct (Correct answer)
3. C. a and d are correct
4. D. More than one of the above

Correct Answer

Option B — a, b and d are correct

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is a, b and d are correct.

Key Points

• Regarding the Ajivika sect: statement (a) is correct — Makkhali Gosala was its most important teacher/leader and a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha; statement (b) is correct — the central idea of the philosophy was 'Niyati' (absolute fate/determinism), the belief that everything is pre-determined and human effort cannot change destiny; and statement (d) is correct — the Ajivikas held regular assemblies (sabhas).
• Statement (c) is incorrect — practising discrimination on the basis of caste and class was not a defining feature of the Ajivika doctrine.
• Hence the correct statements are a, b and d, making option (B) the right answer.
• The Ajivikas were patronised by rulers like Bindusara and Ashoka's grandson.

Additional Information

• The Ajivikas were founded by Makkhali Gosala, once an associate of Mahavira, and their central doctrine was Niyati — absolute determinism, in which effort changes nothing.
• That fatalism set them against both Buddhism and Jainism, which held that individual action shapes one's destiny.
• They enjoyed royal patronage under Ashoka and Dasharatha, who dedicated the Barabar and Nagarjuni caves in Bihar to them — the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.