The River Valley Civilisation: Egyptian Civilisation — Important Questions

Pharaoh

Step 1: In ancient Egypt, the ruler held a very powerful position. Step 2: The Egyptian king was both the political and religious head of the people. Step 3: He was considered to be God's representative on Earth, and his statues were placed in temples for worship. Step 4: This all-powerful ruler was called the 'Pharaoh.' Step 5: Emperor and Caesar are titles used in the Roman world, and Sultan is used in Islamic kingdoms — none of these apply to ancient Egypt. The correct answer is 'Pharaoh.'

Peasants

Step 1: Egyptian society was divided into three distinct classes. Step 2: At the top was the Pharaoh, followed by the privileged class of higher clergy, rich landowners, and government officials. Step 3: The middle class included merchants, artisans, teachers, and doctors. Step 4: The lowest class, which formed the majority, was made up of peasants — common farming people who worked hard for survival. Step 5: Slaves were below even the peasants on the social ladder and were mostly prisoners of war, but they did not form the majority. Therefore, 'Peasants' is the correct answer.

Agriculture

Step 1: The Nile's annual floods deposited rich, fertile soil on its banks. Step 2: This made farming very productive in Egypt. Step 3: As a result, agriculture became the chief occupation of the Egyptians. Step 4: Other occupations like manufacturing weapons, furniture, jewellery, and trading were also important, but they were secondary to farming. Step 5: Fishing, hunting, and trade were practised but were not the primary occupation. Hence, 'Agriculture' is the correct answer.

The art of preserving a dead body using chemicals to prevent decay

Step 1: The ancient Egyptians believed strongly in life after death. Step 2: They believed that the soul would continue to live within the physical body after death. Step 3: Therefore, it was important to preserve the body so the soul could use it. Step 4: This process of treating a dead body with chemicals to prevent it from decaying is called 'mummification,' and the preserved body is called a 'mummy.' Step 5: Building pyramids is architecture, hieroglyphics is writing, and temple ceremonies are religious practices — none of these describe mummification.