Question

The early royal tombs at Saqqara were mastabs flat topped rectangular structures. (Assertion A). Mastabs were used only for burying common people and were never meant for royal families or elite officials. (Reason R).

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is correct but R is not correct.
• D. A is not correct but R is correct.

Hint:

Understanding the context and historical significance of architectural structures in ancient civilizations is crucial for correctly interpreting such statements.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Mastabs were a type of structure used in ancient Egypt, particularly for burials. They are characterized as flat-topped rectangular structures and played significant roles in early Egyptian funerary practices.

Step 2: Meaning
Assertion A states that the early royal tombs at Saqqara were mastabs, which aligns with historical records indicating that these structures were indeed used for high-ranking individuals, including royalty. Reason R suggests that mastabs were exclusively for common people and not for royal families or elite officials, implying a misconception about their usage.

Step 3: Analysis
Assertion A is correct because the early royal tombs at Saqqara are known to have been constructed as mastabs. These structures served as significant burial sites for important figures in ancient Egyptian society, including pharaohs and other high-ranking individuals. The term "mastaba" comes from the Arabic word meaning "bench," which describes their flat-topped rectangular shape. Reason R is incorrect because it contradicts historical evidence. Mastabs were not limited to common people; they were also used for royal burials. For instance, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a significant early pyramid at Saqqara, was built as an evolution from mastabas and served as a royal tomb. This indicates that mastabs were adapted over time to accommodate higher social statuses. The assertion A is correct but reason R is not correct because it misrepresents the usage of mastabs in ancient Egyptian society.

Step 4: Conclusion
Given the analysis, we can conclude that both statements are evaluated separately: Assertion A is accurate regarding the use of mastabs for royal tombs at Saqqara. However, Reason R incorrectly states that mastabs were only used for common people and not for royalty or elite officials. Final Answer: (C)