Prama̅, according to Nyaya, is : 

The correct answer is - Yathartha

Key Points

• Yathartha
  • In Nyaya philosophy, Pramā refers to valid knowledge or correct cognition.
  • Yathartha means reality or truth, indicating knowledge that corresponds to the true nature of the object.
  • Pramā is contrasted with errors or false knowledge such as Smṛti (memory), Saṃśaya (doubt), and Vikalpa (imagination).
  • Hence, Pramā is valid knowledge, and Yathartha (reality) is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Nyaya Philosophy
  • The Nyaya school of philosophy is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy.
  • It emphasizes logic and epistemology as the means to gain knowledge.
  • The major focus is on pramāṇa (means of knowledge) which includes perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony.
• Pramāṇa
  • Pramāṇa is a critical concept in Indian philosophy, referring to the reliable and valid means of obtaining knowledge.
  • The four types of pramāṇa in Nyaya are:
    • Pratyakṣa (perception)
    • Anumāna (inference)
    • Upamāna (comparison)
    • Śabda (verbal testimony)
• Other Concepts
  • Smṛti (memory) is the recollection of past experiences and is not considered a valid means of knowledge in Nyaya.
  • Saṃśaya (doubt) indicates uncertainty and is not a form of valid knowledge.
  • Vikalpa (imagination) refers to the creation of mental images or ideas that do not correspond to reality, thus not a valid means of knowledge.