Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included ?
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Answer: B. Jainism recognises four states of existence (gatis): Deva (heavenly beings), Manushya (humans), Tiryancha (animals and plants) and Naraki (hell beings). Yaksha is not one of the four.
Watch for: Yakshas appear often in Jain art, so students assume they form a separate category of existence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because Deva is one of the four gatis.
- C. Wrong because Manushya is one of the four gatis.
- D. Wrong because Tiryancha is one of the four gatis.
Source to check: Tattvartha Sutra (Umasvati), on the four gatis; NCERT Class 12 'Themes in Indian History Part I', Chapter 4 'Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings'
Answer from the provisional UPSC key; it may change when the final key is out. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.