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UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 5

Topic: Ancient history

Q5

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 answer
  3. (c) Manushya (humans)
  4. (d) Tiryancha (animals and plants)

Solution.

Answer: (b) Yaksha (demi-gods)

  1. Jain cosmology classifies transmigrating souls (samsari jivas) into four main states of existence (gati): Deva (celestial beings/gods), Manushya (humans), Tiryancha (animals, birds, and plants), and Naraki (hellish beings).
  2. Yaksha (demi-gods) is not a separate gati; Yakshas are a sub-class (Vyantara) within the Deva gati.