Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included? Options: (A) Deva (gods) | (B) Yaksha (demi-gods) | (C) Manushya (humans) | (D) Tiryanch (animals and plants)

Correct answer: (B) Yaksha (demi-gods). Explanation: In Jainism, the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) involves the soul (Jiva) taking birth in one of the four states of existence, known as Gati. These four main forms are:Deva Gati: Heavenly beings or gods.Manushya Gati: Human beings.Tiryanch Gati: Animals, plants, and microorganisms.Naraka Gati: Hellish beings.Yaksha (demi-gods) is not one of the four primary states of existence. In Jain cosmology, Yakshas and Yakshinis are attendant deities associated with the Tirthankaras and are categorized under specific classes of Devas (such as Vyantara Devas), rather than being a separate main form of existence. Therefore, Yaksha is the correct answer.

Q15 (IAS/2026) History & Culture › Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy Official Key

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

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Your answer: — · Correct: B

Explanation

In Jainism, the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) involves the soul (Jiva) taking birth in one of the four states of existence, known as Gati. These four main forms are:

Deva Gati: Heavenly beings or gods.
Manushya Gati: Human beings.
Tiryanch Gati: Animals, plants, and microorganisms.
Naraka Gati: Hellish beings.

Yaksha (demi-gods) is not one of the four primary states of existence. In Jain cosmology, Yakshas and Yakshinis are attendant deities associated with the Tirthankaras and are categorized under specific classes of Devas (such as Vyantara Devas), rather than being a separate main form of existence. Therefore, Yaksha is the correct answer.

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Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included? [A] Deva (gods) [B] Yaks…

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Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 10/10

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UPSC consistently targets Jainism and Buddhism, but this question digs deeper into Jaina cosmology (the 4 Gatis) rather than just basic tenets. While standard NCERTs cover Jiva/Ajiva, knowing the exact four realms requires relying on standard reference texts or detailed philosophy modules. Use this as a cue to map out Buddhist and Jaina metaphysical frameworks.

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This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1: List the four main forms of existence of life (Gati) recognized in Jainism.

Statement 1

List the four main forms of existence of life (Gati) recognized in Jainism.

Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web / Current Affairs

dgma.gov.in Primary · Govt

Presence: 5/5

Why this source?

Directly identifies 'Gatis' as 'Forms of Existence' in Jainism.
Explicitly lists the four categories: celestial (gods), hellish (denizens of hell), human, and non-human (animal/plant).

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

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