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

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.

Correct Answer: steadily

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Context of Blank (C):

The sentence containing blank (C) reads: "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."

2. Understand the Meaning of the Sentence:

The passage highlights how the dairy industry has developed over a long period ("over the decades") to become one of the largest in the world. This indicates consistent, continuous, and reliable growth over time.

3. Evaluate the Given Options:

• narrowly: Means by a small margin or in a restricted manner. This does not fit the context of becoming one of the largest industries in the world.

• carelessly: Means without care or attention. Growth of an industry is not described as careless in an informative text.

• steadily: Means in a regular, consistent, and continuous manner. This perfectly matches the context of growth happening progressively "over the decades."

• abruptly: Means suddenly or unexpectedly. Growth spanning over decades is gradual and continuous, not abrupt.

4. Conclusion:

The word "steadily" is the most appropriate fit for blank (C) as it accurately describes the gradual and continuous expansion of the dairy industry over several decades.