The founder of Ajivika was Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of the ancient Indian philosopher, Mahavira, who founded the Jainism religion. Makkhali Gosala was born in the 6th century BCE in a village called Savatthi, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

According to historical records, Makkhali Gosala was a student of the renowned philosopher and teacher, Purana Kassapa. However, he eventually broke away from his teacher's teachings and developed his own philosophy, which came to be known as Ajivika.

Makkhali Gosala's philosophy was heavily influenced by the concept of fate and determinism. He believed that everything in the universe, including human actions, was predetermined and could not be changed. This idea of fate was central to the Ajivika philosophy, and it heavily influenced their way of life.

The word "Ajivika" is derived from the Sanskrit word "ajiva," which means livelihood or means of subsistence. This name was given to the philosophy because it focused on the idea of fate determining one's livelihood and actions.

Makkhali Gosala's teachings gained popularity in ancient India, and he attracted many followers, including kings and nobles. However, his philosophy also faced criticism and opposition from other contemporary schools of thought, such as Jainism and Buddhism.

According to Ajivika beliefs, every living being is made up of six eternal elements - earth, water, fire, air, space, and consciousness. These elements combined to form a person's body, and upon death, they would disperse and recombine to form a new being. This belief in the cyclical nature of life and death was another fundamental aspect of Ajivika philosophy.

Makkhali Gosala's teachings also included strict rules and regulations for his followers. They were expected to follow a strict code of conduct, including celibacy, non-violence, and detachment from material possessions. These rules were meant to help individuals accept their predetermined fate and live a simple, ascetic life.

Despite its popularity, Ajivika gradually declined after Makkhali Gosala's death. Today, there are no known followers of this philosophy, and it is considered a defunct school of thought. However, its influence can still be seen in the concept of determinism and the belief in fate in some modern religions and philosophies.

In conclusion, Makkhali Gosala was the founder of Ajivika, a deterministic philosophy that focused on the concept of fate and predetermined actions. His teachings had a significant impact on ancient Indian society and continue to influence philosophical thought to this day.