Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer.

There is not much difference between the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers and fatalists and materialists. We can see this through following points:

1. Ahimsa of non-violence was the idea of the Jain and Buddhist philosophers. However this ideology was even supported by the Hindu religion.
2. Upanishads believes and teaches karma, which held an important position in Buddhism as well as Jainism.
3. Fatalists and materialists believe that human beings are made of earth, water, sky, air and fire.