Question

UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

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

1. Deva (gods)
2. Yaksha (demi-gods)
3. Manushya (humans)
4. Tiryancha (animals and plants)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: Yaksha (demi-gods)

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Jainism is an ancient Indian religious tradition associated with Mahavira, a contemporary of the Buddha. According to Jain philosophy, life exists in four main forms of existence:

Deva – gods
Manushya – humans
Naraka/Naraki – hell beings
Tiryancha – animals and plants

The Jain doctrine further classifies living beings on the basis of their sense faculties, ranging from one sensed organisms to more complex life forms.
The term Yaksha refers to semi-divine or attendant deities in Indian religious traditions, but it is not one of the four principal forms of existence recognized in Jainism.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

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