UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

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

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.