Art & Culture question from UPSC CSE-Prelims, 2026
Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Yaksha (demi-gods)
In Jain philosophy, the universe is populated by uncreated, eternal souls (jivas). Depending on their accumulated karma, these souls cycle through the Samsara (the cycle of birth and death) across four distinct realms or forms of existence. This concept is known as Gati (states of existence) or Chaturgati (the fourfold path of worldly life).
The four recognized Gatis are:
Deva (Celestial/Gods): Heavenly beings who enjoy worldly pleasures but are still bound by karma and must eventually be reborn.
Manushya (Humans): The most critical form of existence because it is only from the human birth that a soul can achieve absolute liberation (Moksha).
Tiryancha (Animals, Plants, and Microorganisms): This broad category includes all non-human, non-divine sub-human life forms, spanning from complex animals down to single-sensed organisms like plants and elements.
Naraki (Hellish beings): The fourth form (not listed in the core options), which includes souls experiencing intense suffering in the various hellish realms due to bad karma.
Why Yaksha is the correct choice:
While Yakshas and Yakshinis are highly visible figures in Jain art, temple architecture, and popular folklore—often acting as protective guardian deities (Shasana Devatas) of the Tirthankaras—they are not classified as an independent, major category of life. Instead, within Jain cosmology, they are considered a sub-category or a lower class of spirits belonging to the broader Deva (celestial) realm.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
