Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

However, even after Independence in 1947, British expatriate firms did not suddenly ______ from India.

divest

he most appropriate option to fill in the blank is divest.

The sentence is about British expatriate firms in India after Independence in 1947. The word "divest" means to sell or get rid of something, especially a business interest. It is the most appropriate word to use in this context, as it suggests that the British expatriate firms did not suddenly close down or leave India, but rather sold off their business interests in the country.

The other options are not as appropriate:

• Close means to stop operating or functioning. It would not be accurate to use "close" in this context, as the British expatriate firms did not suddenly stop operating in India.
• Disallow means to refuse to accept or approve something. It would not be accurate to use "disallow" in this context, as the British expatriate firms were not refused permission to operate in India.
• Consecrate means to make something holy or sacred. It would not be accurate to use "consecrate" in this context, as the British expatriate firms were not making India holy or sacred.