Which of the following statements about the Ajivikas are NOT correct?
(A) The Ajivikas have often been described as fatalists.
(B) Ajita Kesakambalin belonged to the Ajivika tradition.
(C) Ajivika monks and nuns took five vows.
(D) The Ajivikas believed that everything is predetermined.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → B and C only
(A) The Ajivikas have often been described as fatalists. — Correct. The Ajivikas have often been described as fatalists.
(B) Ajita Kesakambalin belonged to the Ajivika tradition. — Incorrect. Ajita Kesakambalin was the second teacher, and he belonged to the Lokayata tradition, usually called materialists. Makkhali Gosala was the Ajivika teacher.
(C) Ajivika monks and nuns took five vows. — Incorrect. The five vows were taken by Jaina monks and nuns: no killing, stealing or lying, celibacy, and no property.
(D) The Ajivikas believed that everything is predetermined. — Correct. As fatalists, the Ajivikas believed that everything is predetermined.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.3 Debates and discussions … “The first teacher belonged to the tradition of the Ajivikas. They have often been described as fatalists: those who believe that everything is predetermined. The second teacher belonged to the tradition of the Lokayatas, usually described as materialists. …” “… According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.” |