Which of the following pramanas are accepted as valid by the Naiyayikas?
(A) Perception
(B) Inference
(C) Presumption
(D) Verbal Testimony
(E) Comparison
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

The Naiyāyikas, adherents of the Nyāya school of Indian philosophy, recognize four valid pramāṇas (means of knowledge):
1. Perception (Pratyakṣa):
· Direct knowledge obtained through the senses.
· Example: Seeing a pot and knowing it exists.
2. Inference (Anumāna):
· Logical reasoning based on observed facts.
· Example: Observing smoke on a hill and inferring fire.
3. Verbal Testimony (Śabda):
· Knowledge derived from a reliable verbal source, such as scriptures or authoritative persons.
· Example: Learning about distant events from credible witnesses.
4. Comparison (Upamāna):
· Knowledge obtained by comparing something unfamiliar to a familiar standard.
· Example: Learning what a gavaya (wild cow) is by comparing it to a cow.
Information Booster Nyāya’s Four Pramāṇas:
· Pratyakṣa (Perception): Knowledge through sensory experience.
· Anumāna (Inference): Knowledge derived through logical reasoning.
· Śabda (Verbal Testimony): Knowledge from a trustworthy source.
· Upamāna (Comparison): Knowledge gained through analogy or comparison.
Additional Knowledge:
The Naiyāyikas do not accept Presumption (Arthāpatti) as an independent pramāṇa. This is because they believe all cases of presumption can be subsumed under inference (anumāna).