Ajita Kesakambali

Ajita Kesakambali was an ancient Indian philosopher in the 6th century BC. He is considered to be the first known proponent of Indian materialism, and forerunner to the Charvaka school. He was probably a contemporary of the Buddha and Mahavira. It has frequently been noted that the doctrines of the Lokayata school were considerably drawn from Ajita’s teachings.
There is no evidence to support that Kesamkambali was a hedonist, because he led a very simple life. He wore a garment made of hair and lived an ascetic lifestyle. He did not wear precious ornaments, did not surround himself with beautiful women, and did not live in gluttony. Hedonism was used as a “straw man” argument by opponents of Charvaka.