UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 5
Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included ?
Correct answer: Option B
History
Options
- (a) Deva (gods)
- (b) Yaksha (demi-gods)
- (c) Manushya (humans)
- (d) Tiryancha (animals and plants)
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (B) — Yaksha (demi-gods)
Explanation
- Jainism recognizes four main forms of existence (gatis) in the cycle of birth and death (samsara): Deva (gods/celestial beings), Manushya (humans), Tiryancha (animals and plants), and Naraki (hellish beings).
- Yaksha (demi-gods) is not one of the four gatis in Jain philosophy, although Yakshas and Yakshinis are associated with Jain tradition as attendant deities of the Tirthankaras.
- The concept of four gatis is fundamental to Jain cosmology and soteriology, as liberation (moksha) means escaping from the cycle of these four forms of existence.
Statement Analysis
- a. Deva (gods): Incorrect choice. Deva is one of the four recognized gatis in Jainism.
- b. Yaksha (demi-gods): Correct choice. Yaksha is NOT one of the four main forms of existence in Jainism. The fourth gati is Naraki (hellish beings), not Yaksha.
- c. Manushya (humans): Incorrect choice. Manushya is one of the four recognized gatis in Jainism.
- d. Tiryancha (animals and plants): Incorrect choice. Tiryancha is one of the four recognized gatis in Jainism.