Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other labeled as Reason (R). **Assertion (A):** The widespread adoption of iron technology, particularly iron plowshares, was the sole primary driver for the agricultural surplus that triggered the second urbanization in the Middle Gangetic Plains. **Reason (R):** The heavy, alluvial soil of the Middle Gangetic basin could not be cleared or deeply cultivated without the use of heavy iron implements. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

Options:

  • A: Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • B: Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • C: (A) is true but (R) is false.
  • D: (A) is false but (R) is true.

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