Word

Nastika Darshanas

Sanskrit

नास्तिक दर्शन

IAST

nāstika darśana

In General

The branches of thought which do not accept Vedas as sources of knowledge are called Nastika Darsanas. It is not a word synonymous to atheist since the Astika need not believe in God or power of almighty in strict sense.

Charvakas are materialists and they are often called as Nastikas, meaning not Astikas. Buddhists and Jains do not accept Veda and thus they are also called as Nastikas.