In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. India remains one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. (1)______ from its many religions and sects, India (2)______ home to innumerable castes and tribes, as well (3)______ to more than a dozen major and (4)______ of minor linguistic groups from (5)______ language families unrelated to one another. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 3.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'As'. Key Points The given sentence 'to innumerable castes and tribes, as well (3)______ to more than a dozen major ...' requires the most appropriate preposition from the given options to be filled in blank number 3. The marked option 'as' is used as a preposition in 'As well as' which means 'in addition to, besides' . Example: Coach Rahul Dravid as well as the Indian team is ready for the T20 world cup. As per the meaning, usage, and example of the given preposition 'as well as' , 'As' is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The implied meaning of the sentence is, India is home to innumerable castes and tribes besides to more than a dozen major." Therefore, the correct answer is option 3. Additional Information Let us understand the usage of other given options : With : used to say that people or things are in a place together or are doing something together. So: We use so as a subordinating conjunction to introduce clauses of result or decision. By : We use by to imply 'beside' or 'at the side of'.