Which of the following words best fits blank (B)?

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by a letter. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately.

The cow has always held a ______(A) place in Indian society, revered not only for its religious significance but also for its immense contribution to rural livelihoods. Farmers across the country have long been ______(B) on cattle for milk, manure, and draught power, making the cow an inseparable part of agricultural life. The dairy industry, which has grown ______(C) over the decades, now stands as one of the largest in the world, providing employment to millions of households. Government schemes have been launched to ______(D) the welfare of cattle and improve the quality of indigenous breeds through scientific intervention. Despite rapid urbanisation, the bond between rural communities and their cattle remains deeply ______(E), reflecting a way of life that has endured for centuries.

The correct answer is dependent.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Context:

The sentence associated with blank (B) states: "Farmers across the country have long been ______(B) on cattle for milk, manure, and draught power, making the cow an inseparable part of agricultural life."

2. Examine the Prepositional Clue:

Notice the word "on" immediately following blank (B). In English grammar, the adjective "dependent" is commonly followed by the preposition "on" (i.e., dependent on something/someone), meaning relying on or relying upon.

3. Evaluate the Options:

• critical: Means vital or expressing disapproval. While critical can mean crucial, "critical on" is grammatically incorrect in this context.
• imposed: Means forced or placed upon. Doesn't fit the sentence logically or syntactically.
• dependent: Means relying on someone or something for support or help. "Farmers have long been dependent on cattle..." makes complete sense both grammatically and contextually.
• reluctant: Means unwilling and hesitant. It is followed by "to", not "on".
• hostile: Means unfriendly or aggressive. It is followed by "to" or "towards", which contradicts the positive tone of the passage.

4. Conclusion:

Therefore, the word dependent best fits blank (B) to show that farmers rely on cattle for milk, manure, and draught power.