Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Jain cosmology recognises four gatis (forms of existence) in which the soul transmigrates: Deva (gods), Manushya (humans), Tiryancha (animals and plants), and Naraki (hell-beings). Yaksha (demi-gods) is not a separate gati; yakshas are sub-classes of devas. The trap is plausibility — yakshas figure prominently in Jain (and Buddhist) iconography as attendant deities of Tirthankaras, so unprepared candidates assume they form a separate category. Reference: A.L. Basham, The Wonder That Was India, chapter on Jainism.