Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Philosopher/Text) | List II (Tradition) A. Makkhali Gosala | 1. Fatalist (Ajivika) B. Ajita Kesakambalin | 2. Materialist (Lokayata) C. Uttaradhyayana Sutta | 3. Buddhist D. Sutta Pitaka | 4. Jaina

The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3 Explanation This question pertains to ancient Indian philosophical traditions and their proponents or associated texts, specifically focusing on heterodox schools like Ajivika, Lokayata, Jainism, and Buddhism. Statement-wise Analysis 1. A. Makkhali Gosala - 1. Fatalist (Ajivika): Correct. Makkhali Gosala was a prominent ascetic and a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha. He is recognized as the founder of the Ajivika school of philosophy, which is characterized by its doctrine of Niyati (fate or destiny), asserting that all events are predetermined and human effort has no bearing on the outcome. This aligns with the fatalist tradition. 2. B. Ajita Kesakambalin - 2. Materialist (Lokayata): Correct. Ajita Kesakambalin was an ancient Indian philosopher who advocated a materialist viewpoint. He is often associated with the Lokayata or Charvaka school, which rejected the existence of an afterlife, karma, and supernatural entities, emphasizing direct perception as the only valid source of knowledge and advocating for living life to the fullest in the present. 3. C. Uttaradhyayana Sutta - 4. Jaina: Correct. The Uttaradhyayana Sutta is a significant and ancient text within the Svetambara canon of Jainism. It contains teachings, dialogues, and narratives attributed to Mahavira and his disciples, providing insights into Jaina ethics, ascetic practices, and philosophical doctrines. 4. D. Sutta Pitaka - 3. Buddhist: Correct. The Sutta Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka, the sacred canon of Buddhism. It comprises discourses (suttas) attributed to Gautama Buddha and sometimes his close disciples, covering various aspects of Buddhist doctrine, ethics, and monastic discipline. Key Takeaway Understanding the founders, key texts, and core tenets of major ancient Indian philosophical schools, including heterodox traditions like Ajivika, Lokayata, Jainism, and Buddhism, is essential.

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List I (Philosopher/Text)	List II (Tradition)
A. Makkhali Gosala	1. Fatalist (Ajivika)
B. Ajita Kesakambalin	2. Materialist (Lokayata)
C. Uttaradhyayana Sutta	3. Buddhist
D. Sutta Pitaka	4. Jaina

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
BA-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
CA-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
DA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

Explanation

This question pertains to ancient Indian philosophical traditions and their proponents or associated texts, specifically focusing on heterodox schools like Ajivika, Lokayata, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Makkhali Gosala - 1. Fatalist (Ajivika):
Correct. Makkhali Gosala was a prominent ascetic and a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha. He is recognized as the founder of the Ajivika school of philosophy, which is characterized by its doctrine of Niyati (fate or destiny), asserting that all events are predetermined and human effort has no bearing on the outcome. This aligns with the fatalist tradition.
B. Ajita Kesakambalin - 2. Materialist (Lokayata):
Correct. Ajita Kesakambalin was an ancient Indian philosopher who advocated a materialist viewpoint. He is often associated with the Lokayata or Charvaka school, which rejected the existence of an afterlife, karma, and supernatural entities, emphasizing direct perception as the only valid source of knowledge and advocating for living life to the fullest in the present.
C. Uttaradhyayana Sutta - 4. Jaina:
Correct. The Uttaradhyayana Sutta is a significant and ancient text within the Svetambara canon of Jainism. It contains teachings, dialogues, and narratives attributed to Mahavira and his disciples, providing insights into Jaina ethics, ascetic practices, and philosophical doctrines.
D. Sutta Pitaka - 3. Buddhist:
Correct. The Sutta Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka, the sacred canon of Buddhism. It comprises discourses (suttas) attributed to Gautama Buddha and sometimes his close disciples, covering various aspects of Buddhist doctrine, ethics, and monastic discipline.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the founders, key texts, and core tenets of major ancient Indian philosophical schools, including heterodox traditions like Ajivika, Lokayata, Jainism, and Buddhism, is essential.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the Jaina monastic vows, consider the following statements: 1. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows, including observing celibacy. 2. The vow to abstain from possessing property was optional for nuns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the development of Mahayana Buddhism, consider the following statements: 1. It strictly prohibited the worship of images of the Buddha. 2. It introduced the idea of a saviour who could ensure salvation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In Jaina philosophy, the cycle of birth and rebirth is believed to be determined by:

easy

James Fergusson, an early modern art historian, interpreted the site of Sanchi primarily as a centre associated with which of the following forms of worship?

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With reference to the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. The French and English showed no interest in the Sanchi Stupa. 2. Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum provided funds for the preservation of the site and the building of a museum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

Explanation

This question pertains to ancient Indian philosophical traditions and their proponents or associated texts, specifically focusing on heterodox schools like Ajivika, Lokayata, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Makkhali Gosala - 1. Fatalist (Ajivika):
Correct. Makkhali Gosala was a prominent ascetic and a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha. He is recognized as the founder of the Ajivika school of philosophy, which is characterized by its doctrine of Niyati (fate or destiny), asserting that all events are predetermined and human effort has no bearing on the outcome. This aligns with the fatalist tradition.
B. Ajita Kesakambalin - 2. Materialist (Lokayata):
Correct. Ajita Kesakambalin was an ancient Indian philosopher who advocated a materialist viewpoint. He is often associated with the Lokayata or Charvaka school, which rejected the existence of an afterlife, karma, and supernatural entities, emphasizing direct perception as the only valid source of knowledge and advocating for living life to the fullest in the present.
C. Uttaradhyayana Sutta - 4. Jaina:
Correct. The Uttaradhyayana Sutta is a significant and ancient text within the Svetambara canon of Jainism. It contains teachings, dialogues, and narratives attributed to Mahavira and his disciples, providing insights into Jaina ethics, ascetic practices, and philosophical doctrines.
D. Sutta Pitaka - 3. Buddhist:
Correct. The Sutta Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka, the sacred canon of Buddhism. It comprises discourses (suttas) attributed to Gautama Buddha and sometimes his close disciples, covering various aspects of Buddhist doctrine, ethics, and monastic discipline.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the founders, key texts, and core tenets of major ancient Indian philosophical schools, including heterodox traditions like Ajivika, Lokayata, Jainism, and Buddhism, is essential.