---
title: "Charvaka: Indian Materialist Philosophy | Model Diplomat"
description: "Charvaka is an ancient Indian materialist school that rejects the Vedas and afterlife, making it essential for UPSC GS1 Indian philosophy studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/charvaka-philosophy"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Charvaka is an ancient Indian materialist and atheist school of philosophy that accepts only direct perception as valid knowledge and rejects the Vedas, soul, and afterlife.
- Why is Charvaka classified as a nāstika school?
- What is the only pramāṇa Charvaka accepts, and why?
- How does Charvaka differ from Buddhism and Jainism?
- Why are there no surviving Charvaka texts written by Charvakas?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Charvaka is an ancient Indian materialist and atheist school of philosophy that accepts only direct perception as valid knowledge and rejects the Vedas, soul, and afterlife.

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In the 14th century CE, Mādhava placed Charvaka (Lokāyata) first in his doxography Sarva-Darśana-Saṃgraha, presenting it as the lowest system to be refuted before ascending to Advaita Vedānta.

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