Give reasons for the following.
King Tut’s body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny.
Tut’s body had been subjected to repeated scrutiny because it was the world’s most famous mummy. Besides the fascination of the gold-plated face of the coffin, the visitors of the tomb believed that there was a mystery regarding the young ruler’s untimely death. They also wondered if pharaoh’s curse that befalls those who disturbed his resting place was indeed true or not.
Give reasons for the following.
Howard Carter’s investigation was resented.
Howard Carter’s investigation, which was held in the 1920s, was resented because the body of King Tut was badly damaged in an effort to separate it from the golden coffin. He had undertaken unscientific methods to extract the gold and did not make any efforts to study the remains for the cause of death.
Give reasons for the following.
Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king’s remains.
Howard had to chisel away the solidified resin to raise the remains of Tut because it had been cemented to the bottom of the coffin with no sign of getting free from it. No power could separate the body from the coffin, not even putting it out in the boiling hot sun had melted the solid raisin.
Give reasons for the following.
Tut’s body was buried along with gilded treasures.
Tut’s body was buried along with gold and other treasures because the royals and wealthy people at that time wished and believed that they could carry their wealth with them when they died, to use in the afterlife.
Give reasons for the following.
The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.
The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun because he wanted to restore all that his father had destroyed.
List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as “wacky”.
The events that led Ray Johnsen to describe Akhenaten wacky were that he had promoted the worship of Aten (the sun disk) from Amun the major God, changed his name from Amenhotep to Akhenaten, moved the religious capital from Thebes to Akhetaten, and destroyed temples and idols of Amun shocking the whole country.
What were the results of the CT scan?
The CT Scan showed King Tut's neck vertebrae, a hand and several views of the rib-cage and a transaction of the skull. All of it showed that nothing had gone seriously wrong.
List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis.
In forensic analysis, the advances in technologies that have shaped the future of archeology are the introduction of medical technology that focuses on the aspects of life and mysteries of death rather than the treasure buried with the remains. The x-ray was invented, followed by CT scanner through which diagnostic imaging could be done. It projects a three-dimensional virtual body from ancient remains to reveal parts of the body that were preserved for thousands of years.
Explain the statement, “King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned — in death, as in life...”
By this statement, we can see that King Tut was indeed the first pharaoh whose mummified body was scanned 3,300 years after his death. He was a prominent figure when he was alive. Even if he was just a boy, he was intelligent and practical-minded, making bold decisions and restored the lost customs and traditions which were destroyed by his father. He ruled for nine years but his death was unexpected, leading to the mystery surrounding the cause.
Discuss the following in groups of two pairs, each pair in a group taking opposite points of view.
Scientific intervention is necessary to unearth buried mysteries.
For
Scientific intervention is necessary to unearth buried mysteries. Thanks to the invention of devices like CT scanner and others, many archaeological remains, and artifacts have revealed valuable information about the history of our past but there are many unearthed secrets which are yet to be discovered. Scientific intervention allows us to unearth these mysteries so that we can understand our past that shapes our present.
Against
Knowing history is a mandatory part of understanding our present. But we must know our limits while excavating our past. King Tut’s mummy was thoroughly investigated by excavating, examining, scanning, etc. spending tons of money and resources. But the mystery of the boy pharaoh’s death was not discovered. Therefore, we should try to invest our efforts as long it produces the desired results in order to prevent unnecessary losses and cause disturbance to the peaceful life of the community.
Discuss the following in groups of two pairs, each pair in a group taking opposite points of view.
Advanced technology gives us conclusive evidence of past events.
For
Advanced technology gives us conclusive evidence of past events. It is true, since the CT scanner provided more concrete images than the x-ray. The advanced machines indeed are more equipped to perform the job more easily and accurately. It also saves time and effort and inflicts little or no damage to the delicate artifacts while investigating its parts. From such machines, we can get better results.
Against
Technology gives us great evidence of the archaeological remains but not the complete truth is revealed. For instance, King Tut’s mummy was scanned by CT scanner donated by a prominent scientific institution but it could not reveal the exact cause of the pharaoh’s unexpected death but subtle hints. Also, several manuscripts and have not been deciphered by the best-advanced machines.
Discuss the following in groups of two pairs, each pair in a group taking opposite points of view.
Traditions, rituals and funerary practices must be respected.
For
It is true that when we excavate tombs we have little consideration for the sentiments of the community that buried the dead. Such burials were carried out with the utmost respect, reverence, sentiment, sorrow, and with the best of the ability of those tasked with such burials. We must respect and acknowledge such sentiments and efforts to preserve the customs of the community and not disturb the dead.
Against
It is true that we should respect the funerary respects of the dead but these customs must be investigated in order to learn about the lives of the community that lived in the past. By knowing the society of the past we can work on improving the present one and track our progress as we go. By understanding and learning the culture and histories of civilizations around the world, we can understand each other better and eradicate our differences.
Discuss the following in groups of two pairs, each pair in a group taking opposite points of view.
Knowledge about the past is useful to complete our knowledge of the world we live in.
For
Knowledge about the past is useful to complete our knowledge of the world we live in. By knowing the secrets of the past we can find meaning in our present lives. It is widely known that the past shapes the present, so if we can discover our past we can learn from the mistakes committed by our ancestors to improve our present life. We can also draw inspiration from the selfless deeds of rulers, martyrs, patriots, etc. to benefit the society and extend our helping hand to the needy.
Against
Some things from the past are best left unknown or undiscovered. There are possibilities that forbidden knowledge or secrets could lead to a chain of untold, unexpected events that could disturb our current peace. Past controversies, conflicts could bring up buried hatred, resentment, and stir up fresh trouble.
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.
What do you think are the reasons for the extinction of languages?
There are many reasons why languages are going extinct. Very often a dominant language which is not native to the locals displaces the main language. Other reasons include the genocide of entire races and poor preservation of cultural heritage and loss and damage of historical records.
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.
Do you think it is important to preserve languages?
Yes, it is important to preserve languages. Languages are a significant tool for understanding and preserving a culture and its traditions. It also allows one to connect to their roots. Literature is a means of preserving and studying a language.
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.
In what ways do you think we could help prevent the extinction of languages and dialects?
The ways in which we can preserve language and dialects is to recover and practice a dead language. In order to do so, we must remain connected to our roots, enable children to speak in their mother tongue more often, read old books in one's native language and have conversations with the elderly people.
Given below are some interesting combinations of words. Explain why they have been used together.
(i) ghostly dust devils (vi) dark-bellied clouds
(ii) desert sky (vii) casket grey
(iii) stunning artifacts (viii) eternal brilliance
(iv) funerary treasures (ix) ritual resins
(v) scientific detachment (x) virtual body
(i) This refers to strong movements of dusty winds in a desert. It is called devils because the winds are punishing and inflicting discomfort on the workers for disturbing King Tut’s tomb.
(ii) Suggests dryness and arid conditions of a desert.
(iii) Artifacts and treasures of high market value, beauty, brilliance which were found in the tomb.
(iv) Treasures which were buried with the mummy of King Tut were all made of gold, and extremely valuable.
(v) Refers to detachment from scientific intervention, traditional
(vi) Clouds which are dark in color and give a sign of possible storm and heavy rain.
(vii) The stars are being covered by dark grey clouds just like jewels are kept in a casket.
(viii) Refers to something that will last forever, unaffected by time. It is used here to describe the shine and lustre of the golden treasure and artifacts belonging to Tut.
(ix) The resins that are used by custom to prepare a body for mummification and in burial rituals.
(x) An artificial body or an image created by a machine which represents the real body. It can be used as a reference to gather facts and knowledge about a real body.
Here are some commonly used medical terms. Find out their meanings.
CT scan, MRI, Tomography, Autopsy
Dialysis, ECG, Post mortem
Angiography, Biopsy
CT scan- They are special x-ray tests that produce cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays and a computer.
MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the bod’s soft tissue and bones.
Tomography- It refers to imaging by sections or sectioning through the use of any kind of penetrating wave. It is used in radiology, archeology, and other areas of science.
Autopsy- It is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause and manner of death of death or evaluate an injury for research purposes.
Dialysis- It is the process of removing excess water, toxins from the blood in those whose kidneys have lost the ability to perform these functions in a natural way.
ECG- The electrocardiogram or ECG is a diagnostic tool that is used to assess the electrical and muscular functions of the heart.
Post Mortem- An analysis or examination of a corpse held soon after death to determine its cause.
Angiography- It is an imaging tool used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs of the body particularly arteries, veins and heart chambers.
Biopsy- It is a medical test performed by surgeons, radiologist or cardiologist to extract sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence and extent of a disease.
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)
(ii) Polaris (Dhruva tara)
(iii) Pegasus (Winged horse)
(iv) Sirius (the Dog Star)
(v) Gemini (Mithuna)
(i) It is a constellation in the northern sky, also known as Great Bear. This constellation has been seen as a female bear by many distinct civilizations.
(ii) It is known as the Pole Star or North Star. It is the brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. The ancient name of Ursa Minor is “cynosure” Greek word for ‘dog’s tail’ and was used as an indication for northern direction for navigator purposes.
(iii) It is a constellation in the northern sky named after the winged horse in Greek mythology Pegasus who had magical powers. One of the 48 constellations listed in by astronomer Ptolemy and one of the 88 constellations recognized today.
(iv) It is a star system and the brightest star in the night sky almost as bright as Canopus the next brightest star. It is known as the ‘dog star’. It comes from the ancient Greek “Seirios” meaning ‘glowing’ or ‘scorcher’ and might have a link with Orisis. Basically depicted as Orion’s dog.
(v) It is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It was one the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy and remains of the 88 constellations. Its name in Latin is for ‘twins’ and is associated with the twins Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology.
Some of the leaves and flowers mentioned in the passage for adorning the dead are willow, olive, celery, lotus, cornflower. Which of these is common in our country?
Lotus
Name some leaves and flowers that are used as adornments in our country.
Leaves: banana, peepal, mango, basil
Flowers: marigold, jasmine, myrtles, champas, roses
What laburnum is called in your language?
Sone ka varsh (सोने का वर्ष)
What do you notice about the beginning and the ending of the poem?
At the beginning of the poem the tree is still and has no signs of life. In the end, it is motionless and empty.
Which local bird is like the goldfinch.
Lutino Indian Ringneck
To what is the bird’s movement compared? What is the basis for the comparison?
The bird’s movement is compared to that of a lizard, sleek and smooth.
Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet?
The image of the engine is evoked because the mother bird is like the ‘engine’ of her family. She works to bring food to her babies just like an engine powers a machine.
What do you like most about the poem?
I like the simple language used by the poet, the pictorial representation of the goldfinch and the movements of the tree.
What does the phrase “her barred face identity mask” mean?
This means that it is the mark of recognition that the mother bird uses to reveal her identity as the mother of her babies.
the sound words
Chirrup, chitterings, trillings, whistle-chirrup whisperings
the movement words
twitching, tremor, trembles, stokes, flirts, launches, subsides
the dominant color in the poem.
Yellow
Words which describe ‘sleek’, ‘alert’ and ‘abrupt’.
Suddenness, startlement
Words with the sound ‘ch’ as in ‘chart’ and ‘tr’ as in ‘trembles’ in the poem.
'ch’ sound-Chirrup, chitterings
‘tr’ sound- trillings, tremor, tree
Other sounds that occur frequently in the poem.
'st’, ‘ill’ and ‘ing’
Write four lines in verse form on any tree that you see around you.
The Banyan
Standing alone in the middle of vast nothingness,
She fights all her battles on her own.
Gentle though she is known to be, by nature,
Her rustling leaves turn fierce in the face of the storm.