As per the classical Indian School of Logic (Nyāya), verbal testimony (śabda pramāṇa) includes:

(A) Only injunctive sentences

(B) Words of a scripture

(C) Words of any teacher

(D) Words of a trustworthy person

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

In the classical Indian School of Logic (Nyāya), śabda pramāṇa (verbal testimony) refers to the valid knowledge derived from the words of a trustworthy and competent authority. The key inclusions are:
· (B) Words of a scripture: Scriptures, being the repository of eternal truths, are considered a valid source of knowledge.
· (D) Words of a trustworthy person: Trustworthy individuals, especially those with expertise or moral integrity, are reliable sources of verbal testimony.
Information Booster:
1. Śabda pramāṇa is the fourth means of valid knowledge in Nyāya, after perception, inference, and comparison.
2. It is valid only when the speaker is āpta (trustworthy and competent).
3. Scriptures and trusted authorities are key sources of verbal testimony.
4. Verbal testimony is particularly important for knowing things beyond direct perception, like metaphysical truths.
5. Nyāya emphasizes logical validation of any testimony, even from authoritative sources.
Additional Knowledge:
· (A) Only injunctive sentences: Limited to commands or directives, this is not comprehensive for verbal testimony. Nyāya includes descriptive and prescriptive knowledge.
· (C) Words of any teacher: A teacher’s testimony must be verified for trustworthiness. Not all teachers meet the criteria of āpta.