What does a person's rank indicate?
The passage is about a boy, Hanumanthappa, who excelled in the field of studies inspite of all the odds.
The second sentence mentions that rank is much more than an index, and that it is a symbol of perseverance and hardwork as well. And thus, Option C, is the most suitable answer, as both the qualities are linked with the synonyms of success and as its results.
The other options, indicate both the features individually, which cannot be accepted, as both of the combined follows the best answer to the question, and the Option d states both as incorrect, which is wrong as well, as both the features are indicated in the passage.