Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Tagore and Gandhi were undoubtedly the two outstanding and _________ figures of India in the first half of twentieth century.

dominating

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is dominating.

The word "dominating" means "having a powerful or controlling influence". It is the most accurate word to describe the influence of Tagore and Gandhi in India in the first half of the 20th century.

The other options are incorrect.

• Activating means "making something start to work or operate". It is not the correct word to use in this sentence because Tagore and Gandhi did not make India start to work or operate, they were already working and operating.
• Resuming means "beginning something again after a break". It is not the correct word to use in this sentence because Tagore and Gandhi did not resume anything, they were already active in India.
• Appreciating means "having a high regard for someone or something". It is not the correct word to use in this sentence because Tagore and Gandhi were not just appreciated in India, they were also dominating.