UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Jain thinkers distinguish between direct and indirect forms of valid knowledge. The direct form is called pratyaksha and the indirect form is called paroksha. This basic division underlies further sub-classifications such as empirical and transcendental perception. Thus, the pair mentioned in the stem is pratyaksha and paroksha.

Option A:
Option A is correct because pratyaksha literally means what is "before the eyes" and stands in contrast to paroksha, which is "beyond the eyes" or indirect. The Jaina framework of pramanas begins from this fundamental bifurcation.

Option B:
Option B, sabda, is verbal testimony and is usually counted as a kind of paroksha rather than as the direct counterpart to it. It cannot complete the basic dichotomy introduced in the question.

Option C:
Option C, anumana, is inference, which again belongs on the side of indirect knowledge rather than being placed opposite to it.

Option D:
Option D, upamana, is comparison-based cognition and, like anumana and sabda, is treated as a mediated form of knowing, not as the direct pole of the distinction.