Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. Nestled between the snow-clad Himalayas and the vast plains of India, the Brahmaputra River is one of Asia’s most magnificent and life-sustaining waterways. Originating from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet, it journeys across rugged mountains, deep valleys, and fertile plains as it travels through China, India, and Bangladesh before merging gracefully with the Ganges and emptying into the Bay of Bengal. In India, the river nourishes the fertile lands of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, supporting agriculture, fishing, and riverine transport that sustain millions of livelihoods. Its annual floods, though destructive at times, replenish the soil, recharge groundwater, and sustain an extraordinary range of flora and fauna. The Brahmaputra is also deeply woven into the cultural, spiritual, and emotional life of the people. Many festivals, legends, and folk songs of Assam celebrate its grandeur, generosity, and unpredictable power. Today, however, it faces growing challenges from climate change, deforestation, pollution, and unplanned development that threaten its fragile ecological balance. Yet, despite these pressures, the river continues to symbolize resilience, renewal, and continuity, reminding humanity of the delicate bond between nature and civilization. The story of the Brahmaputra is not merely about geography; it is a timeless lesson in coexistence, harmony, and respect for nature’s eternal rhythm. What does the Brahmaputra symbolize in the passage?

The correct answer is Resilience and renewal . Key Points The passage explicitly identifies that despite modern environmental pressures such as climate change , deforestation , and pollution , the Brahmaputra River continues to symbolize resilience , renewal , and continuity . Resilience is illustrated through the river’s enduring journey from its source at the Angsi Glacier in Tibet , traversing through China , India , and Bangladesh before merging with the Ganges . The theme of renewal is rooted in the river’s annual floods , which, while occasionally destructive, perform the vital ecological task of replenishing the soil with nutrients and recharging groundwater . The river supports agriculture , fishing , and riverine transport in regions like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh , proving its capacity to sustain millions of livelihoods through its natural cycles. The narrative describes the river as a timeless lesson in coexistence and harmony , reflecting its ability to persist and refresh the fragile ecological balance of the Bay of Bengal drainage basin. Additional Information Analysis of conceptual options: Technological progress : The passage presents unplanned development as a threat to the river rather than something the river symbolizes; it focuses on nature’s eternal rhythm over modern human construction. Industrial growth : While the river provides resources, the text emphasizes the spiritual , cultural , and emotional life of the people through folk songs and festivals , rather than industrial utility. Political power : The focus remains on the delicate bond between nature and civilization and the magnificent grandeur of the waterway, with no mention of political authority or control. Fragile Ecological Balance : This refers to the stability of the Himalayan and plains ecosystems, which are currently threatened by human-induced environmental changes mentioned in the text.