Assertion (A) : "I am a minister and hence I cannot become king", said Atan Burhagohain. Reason (R) : The primary or absolutely indispensable qualification of kingship was possession of blue blood. Select the correct answer from the following options.

Assertion (A) is correct. Atan Burhagohain, one of the most respected and powerful ministers in the Ahom kingdom, notably refused offers or suggestions to take the throne himself during periods of political instability, citing his position as a minister and not belonging to the royal bloodline. Reason (R) is correct. The Ahom monarchy followed a strict principle of succession based on lineage; only those belonging to the royal family (descendants of the first king Sukaphaa) were considered eligible for kingship. Possession of 'blue blood' or royal lineage was indeed the primary and indispensable qualification. Reason (R) directly explains why Atan Burhagohain, despite his capabilities and influence, could not become king according to the Ahom constitutional tradition, thus it is the correct explanation for (A).