The correct answer is option 1: the Ajivikas were a sect contemporary to the Buddha. The Ajivikas were an ancient ascetic sect that existed during the time of the Buddha in ancient India. They were one of the major rival sects to Buddhism during that time. The founder of the Ajivikas was Makkhali Gosala, who was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. The sect believed in predetermined fate and absolute determinism, with the idea that human beings have no control over their lives. They practiced strict asceticism, including wearing simple clothing and begging for alms. While they were contemporary to the Buddha and were a rival sect, the Ajivikas had their own distinct beliefs and practices separate from Buddhism.