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Class 11 English Chapter 3 Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues
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Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues
Chapter: 3
HORNBILL
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1. Give reasons for the following.
(i) King Tut’s body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny.
Ans: King Tut died very young when he was only a teenager. His untimely death gave rise to many speculations. To find out the mystery of his untimely death, his body had been subjected to repeated scrutiny.
(ii) Howard Carter’s investigation was resented.
Ans: In 1922, Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, discovered King Tut’s tomb. However, his investigation was resented because he focused more on retrieving the treasures, particularly gold, rather than carefully studying the details of Tut’s life and the circumstances of his death.
(iii) Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king’s remains.
Ans: During King Tut’s ritual burial, resins were applied around his corpse, causing the mummy to become cemented to the bottom of the coffin. To loosen the resins, Carter placed the mummy under the scorching sun, but it remained stuck. Ultimately, he had to chisel away the hardened resins to free the mummy for examination.
(iv) Tut’s body was buried along with gilded treasures.
Ans: Ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife, so they buried great treasures along with the dead body. Tut was adorned with all such riches for his journey after life.
(v) The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.
Ans: Amun was the chief god of ancient Egypt, but an earlier king, Amenhotep, demolished his name and temple, replacing his worship with that of Aten, the sun god. However, when Tut became king, he sought to restore the old religious order, reviving Amun’s worship. To honor this revival and leave a lasting legacy, he changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, meaning “the living image of Amun.”
2. (i) List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as “wacky”.
Ans: Akhenaten promoted the worship of Aten, the sun disk, and changed his name from Amenhotep to Akhenaten, meaning “servant of the Aten.” He relocated the religious capital from Thebes to the newly established city of Akhetaten, now known as Amarna. His actions shocked the entire nation as he attacked their principal god, Amun, by destroying his images and closing his temples.
(ii) What were the results of the CT scan?
Ans: The CT scan of Tut’s body produced detailed images of his skull, ribs, and other bones. These scans provided valuable insights into his physical condition and possible causes of death, although they did not fully resolve the mystery surrounding his demise.
(iii) List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis.
Ans: Technology has advanced a lot to help forensic analysis of a thing more easily. CT scan (Computerised Tomography) is such a modern contribution of advanced technology. CT scan is used to take hundreds of x-rays in cross-section. There x- rays are put together like slices of bread to create the three-dimensional virtual body.
(iv) Explain the statement, “King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned – in death, as in life…”
Ans: The statement means that King Tut, who was a prominent ruler in life, continued to lead in death by being one of the first mummies to undergo a CT scan. This modern technology provided detailed images of his remains, helping researchers gain insights into his life and mysterious death.
| TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT |
Discuss the following in groups of two pairs, each pair in a group taking opposite points of view.
1. Scientific intervention is necessary to unearth buried mysteries.
Ans: For: Advanced scientific interventions provide new insights into the lives and deaths of renowned and intriguing historical figures. Technologies like CT scans not only help unravel present-day mysteries but also shed light on the buried past. This, in turn, aids in verifying and authenticating historical events.
Against: Scientific interventions can sometimes create complications. Archaeologists have already provided substantial knowledge of past events through history, architecture, and culture, which has contributed to the progress of the modern world. However, excessive scientific involvement may lead to controversies and disruptions that could hinder human advancement.
2. Advanced technology gives us conclusive evidence of past events.
Ans: For: Advanced technology plays a crucial role in uncovering and verifying past events. Without scientific tools, archaeology would rely heavily on interpretation, sometimes bordering on speculation. Technologies like carbon dating, DNA analysis, and CT scans provide valuable insights that strengthen historical research. While scientific findings may not always be completely conclusive, they offer a more objective and evidence-based approach compared to traditional historical narratives.
Against: Scientific findings alone do not provide conclusive evidence to anything. What we need to know is the history of the period, the people, and also understand the life in those days. For example, the CT scan of King Tut alludes to the fact that he might have been murdered. But that is not conclusive evidence. Ultimately, to know the rest of the story we have to rely on history and archaeological findings.
3. Traditions, rituals and funerary practices must be respected.
Ans: For: Traditions, rituals, and funerary practices reflect the social customs of people from a specific time and place, forming the foundation of their cultural heritage. These practices should be respected, as our ancestors built their lives on faith and the strength of these age-old traditions. It is unfair to dismiss them entirely in favor of science, disregarding what was once held sacred by our predecessors.
Against: Many rituals, traditional beliefs, and funerary practices are rooted in superstition and social discrimination. Those that lack logic or defy reason should not be followed simply because they have existed for centuries. If we continue to hold on to baseless ideas, our knowledge and education serve little purpose. While traditional beliefs that do not obstruct human progress deserve respect, those based on mere superstition should not be upheld.
4. Knowledge about the past is useful to complete our knowledge of the world we live in.
Ans: For: Knowledge about the past is very important because it tells us who we are. Our present is a continuation of our past and that in turn will pave the future. We can learn a lot from our past, imbibe the good and discard the bad, so that we become better human beings. The mistakes that we have committed in the past can be a learning lesson. Delving into the past does not make anyone regressive, in fact it can strengthen us with its huge gamut of knowledge. We have a lot to learn from ancient civilizations which boast of astounding inventions and discoveries on which our knowledge stands today.
Against: If we have to progress in life, we have to look ahead, not behind. The past is gone and we should let it go. The world has changed and so have human needs and demands. How can we learn anything from our history when times were so different from what they are today? Science and technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, so let us just keep pace with that. How can the knowledge about the mysterious death of a king 3,300 years ago help us today? It does not bear any relevance.
| THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE |
1. Read the following piece of information from The Encyclopedia of Language by David Crystal.
Egyptian is now extinct: its history dates from before the third millennium B.C., preserved in many hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyrus manuscripts. Around the second century A.D., it developed into a language known as Coptic. Coptic may still have been used as late as the early nineteenth century and is still used as a religious language by Monophysite Christians in Egypt.
Ans: This passage from The Encyclopedia of Language by David Crystal provides a brief historical overview of the Egyptian language. It states that Egyptian, now extinct, dates back to before the third millennium B.C. and has been preserved through hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyrus manuscripts. By the second century A.D., Egyptian evolved into Coptic, which remained in use until at least the early nineteenth century. Although no longer a spoken language, Coptic continues to be used as a religious language by Monophysite Christians in Egypt.
2. What do you think are the reasons for the extinction of languages?
Ans: Some of the reasons for the extinction of languages are as follows:
(i) Cultural shifts and modernization, leading to the dominance of widely spoken languages.
(ii) Globalization, advancements in technology, and telecommunication, which promote the use of a few dominant languages while diminishing regional or indigenous languages.
(iii) An example of an extinct language is Ainu (Japan) or Tasmanian languages, as they are no longer spoken as native languages.
3. Do you think it is important to preserve languages?
Ans: Yes, it is important to preserve languages as they are responsible for the development of the culture of the community. It helps in preservation of one’s heritage and traditions. Language allows us to share our ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others. It has the power to build societies.
4. In what ways do you think we could help prevent the extinction of languages and dialects?
Ans: Extinction of languages and dialects can be prevented through the following ways:
(i) Teaching children to use their mother tongue.
(ii) Teaching the languages in colleges and universities and encouraging students to specialise in the same.
(iii) Transferring the vocabulary and dialects of the language to the next generation.
| WORKING WITH WORDS |
1. Given below are some interesting combinations of words. Explain why they have been used together.
(i) Ghostly dust devils.
Ans: Ghostly dust devils: The combination of these words enhances the eeriness of the atmosphere. In keeping with the pharaoh’s curse, the writer has drawn up the image of ghosts as the winds blew up the desert sands.
(ii) Desert sky.
Ans: Desert sky: The sky over the desert. It looked different from other parts. There was something strange in the sky above, as in the desert below.
(iii) Stunning artefacts.
Ans: Stunning artefacts: These were the marvellous and impressive prehistoric man-made objects found in the coffin of King Tut that stunned the entire world.
(iv) Funerary treasures.
Ans: Funerary treasures: These were the precious and valuable objects used in the funeral or burial of the king. It brings out the extravagance of Egyptian royalty.
(v) Scientific detachment.
Ans: Scientific detachment: These two words put together bring out the detachment of a person who studies the mummy with a very scientific approach. For him, the historical preservation was of lesser importance than scientific investigation.
(vi) Dark-bellied clouds.
Ans: Dark-bellied clouds: Huge formations of dark clouds moved rapidly across the sky all day when the mummy was taken out of the coffin. The dark clouds enhanced the sinister feeling in the desert.
(vii) Casket grey.
Ans: Casket grey: Casket is the coffin and thus associated with gloominess. The dark clouds hovering in the sky veiled the dull, gloomy stars of the evening.
(viii) Eternal brilliance.
Ans: Eternal brilliance: These two words put together bring out the stunning shine and radiance of the objects in the coffin of Tutankhamun even after three thousand years of burial.
(ix) Ritual resins.
Ans: Ritual resins: Resin is a viscous substance extracted from plants or trees. Here, put together with “ritual,” it means this substance was used in the rituals of burial in ancient Egypt.
(x) Virtual body.
Ans: Virtual body: This is the body created in effect, not in reality. CT scan puts together hundreds of x-rays in cross-section to create a three-dimensional body which almost looks like the real one.
2. Here are some commonly used medical terms. Find out their meanings.
| CT Scan | MRI | Tomography |
| Autopsy | Dialysis | ECG |
| Post Mortem | Angiography | Biopsy |
Ans: CT scan: Computer-assisted imaging using a succession of X-ray beams to produce cross-sectional images of the body.
Autopsy: It is an examination or dissection done on a dead body to discover the cause of death or damage done by a disease, etc. It is commonly known as postmortem.
Postmortem: Similar to an autopsy, it means an examination of a body to determine the cause of death.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, it is a radiation free computer-assisted imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
Dialysis: It is used to treat kidney failures by replacing the function of kidneys which filter out wastes and excess water from the blood.
Angiography: A special contrast x-ray called angiogram is used to detect abnormality in blood vessels such as narrowing of a large artery.
Tomography: Computerised tomography (CT) scanning uses x-rays in conjunction to a computer. A series of x-rays is passed through the body at slightly different angles to produce highly detailed cross sectional images of the body called tomograms.
ECG: Electrocardiography is used to record the electrical activity of the heart. Several electrodes are attached to the skin to transmit the electrical activity of the heart to the ECG machine.
Biopsy: It is the removal of bits of living tissue, fluid, etc. from the body for diagnostic examination.
| THINGS TO DO |
1. The constellation Orion is associated with the legend of Osiris, the god of the afterlife.
Find out the astronomical descriptions and legends associated with the following.
(i) Ursa Major (Saptarishi mandala).
Ans: Ursa Major (Saptarishi mandala): A Group of seven stars around a pole that can be seen from the northern latitudes all night. According to Indian mythology, they are associated with the seven great sages or rishis. Bhrigu, Atri, Angiras, Vasishtha, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu.
(ii) Polaris (Dhruva tara).
Ans: Polaris (Dhruva tara): It is the second brightest star in a fixed position in the northern hemisphere. It is the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation and is commonly known as the North Star. It is associated with the legend of Dhruva.
(iii) Pegasus (Winged horse).
Ans: Pegasus (Winged horse): It is a large constellation in the northern hemisphere and derives its name from the winged horse in Greek mythology.
(iv) Sirius (Dog star).
Ans: Sirius (Dog star): It is the brightest of all stars, in bluish white colour. It lies in the constellation of Canis Major.
(v) Gemini (Mithuna).
Ans: Gemini (Mithuna): A northern constellation containing the stars Castor and Pollux, represented as twins standing together.
2. Some of the leaves and flowers mentioned in the passage for adorning the dead are willow, olive, celery, lotus, cornflower. Which of these are common in our country?
Ans: Lotus and olive are common in our country.
3. Name some leaves and flowers that are used as adornments in our country.
Ans: Major leaves used as adornments in India are banana, mango and peepal. Major flowers used are rose, lotus, jasmine, marigold, Rajnigandha and chameli.
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