The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Rosetta Stone is a granodiorite stele discovered in 1799 which proved to be the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. It dates back to 196 BC during the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to standard historical texts, the stone contains inscriptions in three different scripts/languages, allowing scholars to compare them.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The inscription is written in three scripts: Hieroglyphic (used for sacred purposes), Demotic (the common script of the people), and Greek (the language of the administration). Because scholars could read Greek, they used it to decipher the other two.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Scholars noticed that the names of rulers (kings and queens) in the hieroglyphic text were enclosed in an oval frame. This frame is technically called a cartouche.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: In the decipherment process, it was established that the symbol of a lion stood for the letter 'L' and the symbol of a bird stood for the letter 'A'. The statement reverses these associations.
Key Takeaway:
The Rosetta Stone was instrumental in deciphering ancient Egyptian scripts because it presented the same decree in a known language (Greek) alongside the unknown Egyptian scripts (Hieroglyphic and Demotic).