Which of the following heterodox sects of ancient India was founded by Makkhali Gosala and emphasized the absolute determinism of fate or destiny, known as 'Niyati'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Ajivika sect was founded by Makkhali Gosala during the sixth century BCE and became famous for its doctrine of Niyati, which asserts that all beings are powerless and everything is strictly predetermined by fate. Other options like Lokayata advocated materialist skepticism rather than predestination. Bindusara was a notable Mauryan emperor patronizing this heterodox tradition.