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UPSC CSE 2026 · PYQ · Ancient India / Jainism · medium

Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?

  1. A.Deva (gods)
  2. B.Yaksha (demi-gods)✓ Correct
  3. C.Manushya (humans)
  4. D.Tiryancha (animals and plants)

Explanation

Jain cosmology recognizes four main forms (gati) of existence of life into which souls (jivas) can be reborn based on their karma: Deva (celestial beings/gods), Manushya (humans), Tiryancha (animals, plants, and lower life forms), and Naraki (hell-beings). Yaksha (demi-gods) is not one of the four gatis; while yakshas appear in Jain mythology as attendant deities (yaksha-yakshini of Tirthankaras), they are classified under the Deva category and not as a separate form of existence.
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