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?
A.Deva (gods)
B.Yaksha (demi-gods)✓ Correct
C.Manushya (humans)
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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