Which of the following words best fits blank (E)?
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 rooted.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Context:
The sentence containing blank (E) states: "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 key phrase here is "reflecting a way of life that has endured for centuries," which indicates that the bond is strong, traditional, and firmly established.

2. Evaluate the Options:
• forgotten: Means no longer remembered or thought of. This contradicts the passage's point that the bond has lasted for centuries.
• rooted: Means deeply established, firmly fixed, or strongly ingrained. This perfectly matches the context of a long-standing tradition or connection.
• broken: Means damaged or fractured. This contradicts the positive continuation of the bond.
• artificial: Means made by human skill rather than natural; insincere. This does not fit the authentic, historical connection described.
• limited: Means restricted in size or amount. This does not express the strength of a long-enduring bond.

3. Conclusion:
The word rooted logically completes the context of a deeply ingrained cultural and traditional relationship that persists despite modern urbanization.