An American is told by his friend that Asian buffalo is like bison in such and such respects. When the American visits Asia and comes across a buffalo, he comes to know that the animal seen by him is buffalo. Which of the following means of knowledge (pramāņa) is used in this instance?

Correct option is B

In the Nyaya philosophy, Upamāna (comparison) is one of the accepted means of knowledge ( pramāņa). It refers to the knowledge of an unfamiliar object by comparing it to a known object based on a verbal description given beforehand. In this case, the American learns about the buffalo by comparing it to a bison based on his friend’s description. When he sees a buffalo in Asia, he recognizes it because he recalls the comparison made earlier.
Information Booster 1. Upamāna (Comparison): Knowledge gained by comparing an unfamiliar object with a familiar one based on prior information.
2. Nyaya Philosophy recognizes four primary pramāņas: Perception ( Pratyakṣa), Inference ( Anumāna), Comparison ( Upamāna), and Verbal Testimony ( Śabda).
3. Example of Upamāna: Learning that a gavaya (wild ox) is like a cow, and recognizing it when you encounter one.
4. Upamāna bridges the gap between known and unknown entities through a comparative framework.
5. This method is crucial for acquiring knowledge in cases where direct perception or inference alone is insufficient.
Additional Knowledge · (a) Postulation (Arthāpatti): This means of knowledge involves presumption or postulation to explain a contradiction. For example, inferring that a person must eat during the day if they do not eat at night. It does not apply to comparison-based recognition.
· (c) Perception (Pratyakṣa): Direct sensory knowledge of an object. While the American sees the buffalo, his recognition relies on comparison, not direct perception alone.
· (d) Verbal Testimony (Śabda): This involves gaining knowledge through the words of a reliable authority. Though the friend’s description is verbal, recognition here happens through comparison, not testimony.