Read the below passage and answer the question:

Different kinds of social institutions, ranging from the family to the market, can bring people together, create strong collective identities and strengthen social cohesion. The very same institutions can also be sources of inequality and exclusions. In Indian context, the term 'diversity' emphasizes differences rather than inequalities. When we say that India is a nation of great cultural diversity, we mean that there are many different types of social groups of communities living here. These are communities defined by cultural markets such as languages, religion, sect, race or caste. When these diverse communities are also part of larger entity like a nation, then difficulties may be created by competition or conflict between them. Cultural diversity can present tough challenges. The difficulties arise from the fact that cultural identities are very powerful they can arouse intense passions and are often able to mobilise large number of people. The challenges of cultural diversity can result in communal riots, demands for regional autonomy, caste wars. The major challenges that diversity poses in India - issues such as regionalism, communalism and casteism. The concept of 'community identity' is closely associated with cultural diversity based on birth and 'belonging rather than on some form of acquired qualifications or 'accomplishment'.

Ascriptive cultural identities are based on :

Birth

The correct answer is Option (4) → Birth

Ascriptive cultural identities are based on **Birth**. These identities are associated with characteristics that people inherit at birth, such as language, religion, sect, race, or caste. They are not determined by personal choice, social achievement, or merit, but rather by the circumstances of one's birth and the cultural heritage passed down through generations.