Passage: The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished over 4,000 years ago, is known for its remarkably organized cities such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. These settlements featured advanced drainage systems, standardized brick sizes, and grid-patterned streets, suggesting strong centralized planning. Yet despite decades of excavation, scholars still debate why this civilization declined, with theories ranging from climate change to shifting river courses. Question: In the passage, the word ‘flourished’ most nearly means:

Question

Passage: The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished over 4,000 years ago, is known for its remarkably organized cities such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. These settlements featured advanced drainage systems, standardized brick sizes, and grid-patterned streets, suggesting strong centralized planning. Yet despite decades of excavation, scholars still debate why this civilization declined, with theories ranging from climate change to shifting river courses. Question: In the passage, the word &#8216;flourished&#8217; most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

Thrived or developed successfully. 'Flourished' describes the civilization's peak, thriving period, not its decline or discovery

Explanation