Nyaya logic describes a five-membered inferential structure consisting of pratijñā (proposition), hetu (reason), udāharaṇa or dṛṣṭānta (example), upanaya (application) and nigamana (conclusion). Pramāṇa, meaning means of valid knowledge, is an important epistemological category in Indian philosophy but is not listed as one of these five components of a single inferential act. Therefore, it does not belong in the avayava sequence.
Option A:
Option A, pratijñā, is indeed the first member, stating the thesis that is to be proved.
Option B:
Option B, hetu, gives the reason or ground for the thesis and is a recognised member of the five-part structure.
Option C:
Option C, dṛṣṭānta, provides a familiar example to illustrate the universal concomitance and is also part of the classical scheme.
Option D:
Option D names a broader notion related to sources of knowledge, not a specific segment of the fivefold inferential form, so it is the one that does not fit.
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