Define Pramana.

Pramana, in Indian philosophy, refers to the concept of valid knowledge or a means of knowledge that allows individuals to gain accurate and reliable information about the world. It is a foundational concept in various philosophical schools, including Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Mimamsa.

There are six traditional pramanas recognized in Indian philosophy:

1. Pratyaksha (Perception): Knowledge gained through direct perception of the external world through the senses.

2. Anumana (Inference): Knowledge derived through logical reasoning and inference, allowing one to conclude the existence of something based on observable evidence.

3. Upamana (Comparison): Knowledge gained through comparison and analogy, where the understanding of something unfamiliar is facilitated by comparing it to something familiar.

4. Shabda (Verbal Testimony): Knowledge acquired through the testimony or verbal communication of reliable sources, such as scriptures, teachers, or trustworthy individuals.

5. Arthaapatti (Presumption): Knowledge obtained through postulation or presumption, used when other means fail to explain a particular phenomenon.

6. Anupalabdhi (Non-Perception): Knowledge derived from the non-perception or absence of an object, leading to the understanding of its non-existence.

Pramana serves as a framework for epistemology, guiding individuals in determining the validity of knowledge and the reliability of different sources of information in their quest for understanding the nature of reality.