Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-

Donkeys may be the proverbial beast of burden, and the animal itself has come to symbolise a dimwit, someone of little value. But not all donkeys are created equal. The Halari donkeys, a breed native to Gujarat's Halar region, is not just valued, it is a VVIP.

The Halari donkey is a source of 'liquid gold', with its milk, valued for its distinctive properties, known to have sold for an astounding Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 per litre at some online platforms.

But this acclaim comes with its own set of challenges. With fewer than 500 Halari donkeys remaining, the primary need is, of course, conservation. But the larger aim is not just increasing their numbers; it's about teaching farmers the best practices, so that they can command premium prices.

Recognising the pressing need for conservation, the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE) in Bikaner has started a dedicated programme to safeguard these animals. NRCE is also evaluating donkey milk for potential use in skincare products to sustain its value.

The Halari donkey is not just valued for its milk; its unique characteristics make it particularly valuable for sustainable dairy farming. Their docile nature, combined with their adaptability to various climates, makes them ideal for small-scale farmers. They also have a much lower environmental foot-print, compared to larger livestock, requiring less feed and water. Infact, their grazing habits even help maintain grassland ecosystems.

Identify the literary device used in the following sentence.

Halari donkey's milk is 'liquid gold'.

Metaphor

The correct answer is Option (3) → Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as." It states that one thing is another.

• In this sentence, the donkey's milk is directly equated to "liquid gold." This comparison is used to emphasize that the milk is extremely valuable, rare, and highly prized (like gold), thus creating a vivid, symbolic connection.

• Imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

• Pun is a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word.

• Allusion is an indirect reference to a person, event, or literary work.