In which of the following means of knowledge is a hitherto unseen object known through cognition of its similarity in some respects with an already seen object when one comes across that hitherto unseen object?

Correct option is C

The process described refers to Upamāna (Comparison), which is a recognized means of knowledge in Indian philosophy. It involves identifying an unknown object based on its similarity to a known object. For example, if a person sees an animal that resembles a cow they have previously seen, they can infer that the new animal is of a similar type (e.g., another species of cow).
Information Booster: 1. Pratyakṣa (Perception): Direct knowledge obtained through sensory experience.
2. Anupalabdhi (Non-cognition): Knowledge derived from the absence or non-existence of something.
3. Upamāna (Comparison): Knowledge obtained by recognizing similarities between a known and an unknown entity.
4. Arthāpatti (Postulation): Knowledge inferred from circumstantial evidence (e.g., deducing that someone must have eaten if they have not eaten all day but appear healthy).