History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c15.s4.28

c15.s4.28

The above evidence indicates that at an early period communities of Ājīvika laymen were to be found in all the great cities of the Ganges basin. While they included members of all classes the sect was especially patronized by the rising mercantile groups. That two potters, Hālāhalā and Saddālaputta should be included among the few names which are mentioned, that Gosāla should have used a potter's workshop at his headquarters, and that pots were employed in Ājīvika penances,¹ together suggest that the sect was in some way specially connected with the potter caste, and made a special appeal to its members.