Answer:
The three options that support the inference that sugar cane had special significance in the ancient era are:
B. "sugar cane was now an ingredient in ceremonies involving fire"
D. "Perhaps that transformation itself seemed magical"
E. "sugar cane is called ikshu, which means 'something that people want"
Explanation:
The whole passage shows the importance sugar cane had in ancient eras, but some lines offer information to support that claim.
First, the line that says sugar cane was used in ceremonies offers good evidence. As we know, rituals and ceremonies are a big part of any culture, and the elements involved in it are of great importance.
Second, the line that speaks of the transformation and how it seemed magical. Of course, we understand how cooking or burning something will turn it into something else, but in ancient times, the transformation of sugar cane into "sweet, dark brown clumps" was regarded as extraordinary.
Finally, the line that talks of the name given to the sugar cane, "ikshu". Its meaning shows how important the sugar cane had become, how valued it was by the people.
