Changes

of Indian thought.  

of Indian thought.  

* Charvaka holds direct perception as proper sources of knowledge hence they rule out ‘inference’ and ‘testimony’ as the source and criterion of knowledge.

* Charvaka holds direct perception as proper sources of knowledge hence they rule out ‘inference’ and ‘testimony’ as the source and criterion of knowledge.

* Its philosophy embraces philosophical skepticism and rejects Vedas, Vedic ritualism and supernaturalism.[1][2]

* Its philosophy embraces philosophical skepticism and rejects Vedas, Vedic ritualism and supernaturalism.

* Charvakas hold that Matter is the only reality and believe that matter has always existed and will always exist.  Matter is both the material and efficient cause of the universe

* Charvakas hold that Matter is the only reality and believe that matter has always existed and will always exist.  Matter is both the material and efficient cause of the universe

* This philosophy rejects the concept of gods and souls, as they are beyond perceptual experience. They also regard heaven and hell as non-existent as they are not perceivable. 

* This philosophy rejects the concept of gods and souls, as they are beyond perceptual experience. They also regard heaven and hell as non-existent as they are not perceivable. 

==  Founder - Brhaspati ==

==  Founder - Brhaspati ==

Brihaspati is usually referred to as the founder of Charvaka or Lokāyata philosophy.[4] while Ajita Kesakambali is credited as the forerunner of the Charvakas,[3]    

Brihaspati is usually referred to as the founder of Charvaka or Lokāyata philosophy.[4] while Ajita Kesakambali is credited as the forerunner of the Charvakas,     

Unfortunately, the basic sources if this system are not available today, destroyed due to lack of royal patronage and due to influence of other philosophers. Much of the primary literature the Brhaspatya sutras (ca. 600 BCE), are missing or lost.[5]  Most references available in the present day is obtained through cross references scattered in Sanskrit literature.   

Unfortunately, the basic sources if this system are not available today, destroyed due to lack of royal patronage and due to influence of other philosophers. Much of the primary literature the Brhaspatya sutras (ca. 600 BCE), are missing or lost.[5]  Most references available in the present day is obtained through cross references scattered in Sanskrit literature.