The correct option is Ajivika sect.
Explanation
The Lomas Rishi cave is part of the Barabar Hill caves, which represent the earliest surviving examples of rock-cut architecture in India. These caves date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and are located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar.
Historical Context and Sectarian Affiliation:
- The Barabar caves were constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha.
- Inscriptions found in the Barabar caves (specifically the Sudama and Karna Chopar caves) explicitly state that Ashoka dedicated these rock-cut sanctuaries to the Ajivika sect.
- Although the Lomas Rishi cave itself lacks a contemporary inscription, it is architecturally and geographically part of this specific group intended for the Ajivikas.
- The Ajivika sect, founded by Makkhali Gosala, was a contemporary rival to Buddhism and Jainism, adhering to a philosophy of absolute determinism (Niyati).
Key Takeaway: The Barabar Hill caves, including Lomas Rishi, mark the beginning of rock-cut architecture in India and were patronized by the Mauryan rulers primarily for the Ajivika ascetics.