Discovering Tut.

The saga continues

Q.1 Who was Tut? Why was his mummy scanned?
Ans. Tut was the last heir of a powerful family that ruled Egypt and its empire for centuries. When
he died, he was just a teenager. A CT scan was done on his mummy to get new clues about his life
and the mystery behind his death.

Q.2. Why was Carters investigation resented?

Ans. Though Howard Carter was an archeologist, he did not use proper scientific methods while
excavating Tuts mummy. It resulted in great damage to the mummy. The breast bone and front
ribs went missing.

Q.3.What were things buried with Tuts mummy? And Why?

Ans. It was buried with stunning artefacts in gold, also with the everyday things: board games, a
bronze razor, linen undergarments cases of food and wine. This was done to guarantee his
resurrection because the Egyptian rulers believed in life after death.

Q.4 Why did Ray Johnson describe Akhenaten as wacky?

Ans. Ray Johnson described him aswacky because of his eccentric (strange) nature and
decisions. He moved the religious capital from the old city of Thebes to the new city of Akhenaten,
and he attacked Amun, a major god, smashing his images and closing his temples. It was his
eccentric behavior that caused turmoil in the kingdom.

Q.5 What is the Pharaohs curse?

Ans The Pharaohs curse is inscribed on the walls of the burial chambers of the Pharaohs inside the
pyramids. It affirms of death or misfortune falling upon those who disturbs him.

Q.6. Who is Zahi Hawass?

Ans. Zahi Hawass is an archaeologist. He is the Secretary General of Egypts Supreme Council of
Antiquities.

Q.7. Who is Howard Carter? What did he do that put King Tuts mummy in a bad condition?
Ans. (Howard Carter is the British archaeologist who had discovered Tutankhamens tomb and his
mummy in the year 1922.) Howard Carter had found out that the ritual resins which were used in
the coffin had hardened cementing Tut to the bottom of his solid gold coffin and none was able to
move the mummy with the use of simple force. Therefore, he put the coffin in the scorching sun of
summertime Egypt with the idea that it would loosen the resin. But this idea was also unsuccessful.
After that with no way out he had to use a chisel to separate the mummy from the coffin and this
damaged the mummy to a large extent.

Q.8. Why were the Pharaohs buried with tremendous amount of wealth?
Ans. The ancient Egyptians believed that there is life after death. That is why the Pharaohs were
buried with tremendous amount of wealth including things of daily use so that they could use them
in the life after death.
Q.9.What was the nature of the wealth with which King Tuts mummy was buried?
Ans. The wealth with which King Tut was buried remains the richest royal collection ever found
and this has become part of the pharaohs legend. The wealth basically contains different stunning
artifacts of gold.

Q10.What were the things of daily use which were buried with him?
Ans. Tut was also buried with everyday things which it was thought he would want in the afterlife
and these things are:
1.board games,
2.a bronze razor,
3.linen undergarments
4.and cases of food and wine.

Q11. How has archaeology changed over the years?

Ans. From the time of the discovery of Tutankhamens tomb back in the year 1922 to the present
time the nature of archaeology has changed and thus it now focuses less on treasure and more on
the fascinating details of life and the intriguing mysteries of death.

12. What do you mean by a CT scan?

Ans CT scan means Computed Tomography. It is a process by which hundreds of X-rays in cross
section are put together like slices of bread to create a three-dimensional virtual body.

Landscape of the soul Question Answer

Q.1 Contrast the Chinese view of art with the European view with examples.
Answer: The Chinese painting are based on an imaginative, inner or spiritual approach whereas
the European painting reproduces an actual view, of an external or real object. The painting Daozi
and master painters of Europe illustrate the difference.

Q.2 Explain the concept ofShanshui.

Answer: Shanshui represents two complementary poles of the universe, yang and yin.
Literally Shanshui means mountain water. Mountain is yang the vertical stable, warm and
dry element. Water is yin horizon resting on earth, fluid and cool. The interaction of yin i.e. the
receptive female aspect of universal energy and yang the active and masculine energy creates
the images.

Q3. Who was the untutored genius who created a paradise and what is the nature of his
contribution to art?
Answer: Theuntutored genius who created a paradise is Shri. Nek Chand who created Rock
Garden at Chandigarh. He has sculpted a garden with stone and recycled material. His art is
recognized as Indias biggest contribution tooutsider art.

Q4.The Emperor may rule over the territory he has conquered, but only the artist knows the way
within. Explain.
Answer: The Emperor is a symbol of authority and power. His will prevail in the land under his
rule. His word is law for the people spread over the territory he rules. The emperor may get the
services of talented persons and master artists. The acquisition of power, pelf and physical objects
does not make him superior to the artists. The artist has a spiritual insight into the nature of things.
He understands the working of the mysterious ways of the universe. His spiritual enlightenment
and vision can help the emperor to attain the goal of life i.e., the liberation of the soul from the
framework of body. It is only the artist who knows the way within the territory the emperor has
conquered. The way here means both the path and the method. His approach, is purely spiritual
which person, burdened with materialistic approach fail to acquire and appreciate.

Q.5. The Landscape is an inner one, a spiritual and conceptual space.

Answer: A classical Chinese landscape is not meant to reproduce and actual view as would a
western figurative painting. The European painter aims to create illusionary likeness whereas the
Asian artists try to capture the essence of inner life and spirit. For the Chinese painter, the
landscape is not a real one. He does not choose a single viewpoint. Hence his landscape can be
viewed from different angles. One can enter it from any point and then travel in it. The Chinese
artist creates a path for our eyes to travel up and down and then back again, in a leisurely
movement. These paintings require the active participation of the viewer. This participation is
physical as well as mental. We must try not only to see the painting but enter the mind of the
painter as well. It is only by understanding the ideals that motivate the painter, that we can
understand the true import or the essence. It is because his landscape is an inner one, a spiritual
and conceptual space.

The Ailing Planet: The Green Movements

Q1. Significance of The Worlds most dangerous animal at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka,
Zambia:
Ans.The notice signifies that there is depletion of resources and deterioration of environment. Man
is responsible for this and his own survival is threatened.

Q2. Why does the author agree that the growth of world population is one of the strongest factors
distorting the future of human society?
Ans The population of India was estimated to be 920 million in 1994. Overpopulation upsets all
plans of development and puts a severe strain on the earths principal biological systems. This
leads to poverty and unemployment and development is hampered.

Q3. The causes for endless anguish to common man are:

Ans The endless anguish is caused to common man, when laws are constituted but are never
enforced or respected in our country. Evils like casteism, untouchability, and bonded labor still
exist and need to be abolished by strict laws.

Q4. The unusually alarming statistics about the population that the author talks about are:
Ans The author says that the population explosion has distorted the future of human society.
Mankind took a million years to reach the first billion. The second billion was added in just
another 100 years and the twentieth century has added 3.7 billion more. The present population is
over 5.7 billion. Every four days the population increases by one million.

Q5. Importance of Green Revolution:

Ans The Green Revolution is important as the signs of the earth which relate to life shows the
earth as a patient. We have moral obligations. We must become good stewards of the planet and
act as responsible trustees of the legacy for future generations.

Q6. Concept of sustainable development:

Ans Sustainable development is that progress which is made to meet the needs of the present and
takes care not to endanger the future. This means we must not deprive the world of its resources
and protect our endangered species.

Q7. Role of industry in the new era of responsibility:

Ans Industry is the main source of environmental pollution. In the new era of responsibility, the
industrialists must become conscious of their responsibility towards environment. They should
remain environmental friendly even when they exist as leading manufacturers.

Q8. Explain the statement forests precede mankind; deserts follow.

Ans Forests have helped to nurture mankind from times immemorial but man has destroyed these
forests ruthlessly and deserts have taken their place. Man is destroying himself by destroying
forests.

Q9. What are the four principal biological systems that the author refers to?
Ans The author refers to fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands as they form the foundation of
the global economic system. They provide raw materials for industry.

Q10. How are the earths principal biological systems being depleted?
Ans. Earths principal biological systems are being depleted by excessive use. Over fishing is
quite common. Forests are being destroyed to obtain firewood for cooking. Grasslands are turning
into deserts and produce from croplands is decreasing.

Voice of the Rain

The poet Walt Whitman writes of a conversation he once had with the rain as it dropped gently
from the heavens.Who are you? the poet asked. Strangely, the raindrops replied and the poet
translates its answer for the readers.

I am the poem of the earth, said the rain. The rain adds that it is born in the form of invisible
and intangible vapors that rise eternally from the earths land and deep-water bodies. It then
reaches heaven (the sky) and changes its appearance complete to form clouds of abstract,
changeable shapes. Yet, at its core, it remains the same as it was at birth.

It then returns to earth as little droplets which wash away the dust and rejuvenate the
drought-ridden, dry land. New plants find life which would have otherwise remained hidden and
unborn inside the land as mere seeds. Thus, this perpetual cyclic lifestyle ensures that the rain
returns to its origin, the earth, giving it life, and making it pure and beautiful.

The poet realizes that the rains life is similar to that of any song. A songs birth place is the poet
s heart. Once complete, it is passed on (wanders) from one person to another. It may change (reck
d) or remain the same (unreckd) as it travels, but one day, it returns to the poet with all due love
of the listeners.

1.How does the rain justify its claim I am the Poem of Earth?
Ans The rain calls itself the poem of earth because, the poem rendered by a poet, has the task of
bringing joy, happiness, life to its readers. In the manner, the rain drops, and falling over drought
stricken earth, brings new life to the land as it also returns to its origin just like the rain drops.

2.What answer did the rain give to the poet about its origin?
Ans. The rain answered that it was the poem of the earth. It rose eternally out of the land and
bottomless sea into the sky. There its form changed but the essence remained the same.

3.On what does the rain descend? What does it do to the things on which it falls?
Ans The rain descends on droughts, atoms and dust particles on the surface of the earth. It also
falls on everything that is on the earth. It gives life to the things on which it falls. The things that
do not get rain remain like seeds latent and unborn.

4.Who does I refer to in the first and third line of this extract?
Ans I in the first line is referred to the poet asking a question. I in the third line is the rain
drop.

5.What do you understand by the phrase Strange to tell?

Ans Strange to tell means that it is an unusual and extraordinary answer given by the raindrops
to the poet who asked who it was.

6.From where does the rain originate?

Ans The rain originates from the land and the bottomless (deep sea) in the form of water vapor.

7.How does it originate?

Ans With the heat of the sun, the water evaporates from the sea or land and forms water- vapor
which rises up in the atmosphere.

8.
I descend to lave the droughts, Atomies, dust- layers of the globe,
And all that in them without me were seeds
Only, latent, unborn

a. With what purpose does the rain descend from the sky?
-The rain drops fall from the sky in order to give life to the dry areas and wash the famine-stricken
lands.
b. How does the rain help the seeds?
-The rain helps the seeds to germinate and grow into a new life.

c.What is latent and unborn and why?

-The seeds are dormant and unborn because of lack of water which is needed for them to
germinate and form a new plant.

9.
And forever, by day and night,
I give back life to my own origin,
And make pure and beautify it.

a. In what manner does the rain help its own origin?

-The rain helps its own origin by watering the land and quenching the thirst of drought stricken
areas.

b. Why has the poet given the life cycle of the song?
-The poet has compared the life cycle of the rain drops to that of the song saying that they both
return to their origin after fulfilling their tasks.

c.What is made pure?

-The earth on which rain falls is made pure.

10.
(For song, issuing from its birth-place, after fulfillment, wandering Reckd or unreckdd, duly
with love returns.)

a. Why are the last lines put within brackets?

-The last lines are put in brackets because they do not form the voice of the rain or the poet. They
only certain a general observation by the poet about the course of a song.

b.Reckd or unreckd, what does this phrase mean?

-Reckd or unreckd means whether cared for or not cared for.

c.Where does the song return?

-The song returns to the place of its origin i.e. comes back to the poet
 Rangas Marriage

Question 1:
Comment on the influence of Englishthe language and the way of life on Indian life as
reflected in the story. What is the narrators attitude to English?
Answer: The narrator says that during the last ten years English language has made an inroad into
Indian countryside. Now there are many who know English. During the holidays, one comes
across them on every street, talking in English. They bring in English words even while talking in
Kannada. The narrator considers it disgraceful. He illustrates his point of view by giving an
example. A bundle of firewood was bought at Rama Raos house. Rama Raos son asked the
woman how much he should give her. When she said, Four pice, the boy told her that he did
not have any change and asked her to come the next day. The poor woman did not understand
the English word change and went away muttering to herself. Thus, the use of English
language before a native Kannada speaker caused confusion.
Ranga was influenced by the English way of life. Like them he wanted to marry a mature girl and
not a young present-day bride. He told the narrator that he would marry when he grew a bit older.
Secondly, he wanted to marry a girl he admired. He was not in favor of arranged marriages. This
shows the influence of English way of life on modem young educated Indians. The narrator did
not approve of it.

Question 2: Astrologers perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than what they
learn from the study of the stars. Comment with reference to the story.
Answer:
This story presents astrologers in an unfavorable light. The author seems to be having a dig at
them through the words of the narrator. The story gives a graphic description of how the narrator
employs the astrologer to trick an unwilling young man to agree to marry a young girl. He tutors
him in all that he wants him to say.
The narrator took Ranga to the astrologer. The Shastri took out his paraphernalia. These included
two sheets of paper, some cowries and a book of Palmyra leaves. He called astrology ancient
science. He moved his lips fast as he counted on his fingers. He did some calculations before
telling Ranga that he was thinking about a girl. She had the name of something found in the ocean.
He assured them that their negotiations would definitely bear fruit. Ranga was impressed by the
science of astrology.
That evening the narrator congratulated Shastri for repeating everything he had taught without
giving rise to any suspicion. He mocked astrology by saying, What a marvelous shastra yours
is! The Shastri didnt like it and said that he could have found it out himself from his shastra.
This shows that astrologers perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture them what
they learn from the study of the stars.

Question 3:
Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Discuss.
Answer:
In the past, marriages in India were usually arranged by parents/relatives. The story Rangas
Marriage shows how the narrator arranges Rangas marriage with the help of the astrologer.
After independence, certain changes have come in the economic and social set-up of the Indian
society. Women empowerment has made women mens comrades and equals and not a mere
prisoner confined within the four walls. Women education and access to jobs have changed the
attitude of modem males towards them. A girl is now accepted as a partner in marriage for her
worth or qualities rather than the dowry. Marriageable young boys and girls have now more say in
the choice of partners. Early marriages have been banned legally. The minimum age for marriage
for a girl is 18 and for a boy it is 21. By this time, they attain physical, emotional and mental
maturity. Indian society has certainly moved a long way from the time of arranged marriages when
the formal consent of the bride/bridegroom was taken for granted and the elders fixed everything.

Question 4:
What kind of a person do you think the narrator is?
Answer:
The narrator, Shyama, is dark in color. He calls himself a dark piece of oil-cake. He is an
elderly gentleman. He is keen observer of men and manners. He notices the influence of English
the language and the way of life on Indian society. He is a purist who is pained at the
indiscriminate use of English words in Kannada conversation. He considers it disgraceful. He does
not approve of the English custom of love-marriage either. He is a well-meaning gentleman who
has the good of others in his heart. He learns of Rangas views about marriage from Ranga
himself. He is a good judge of human character. He thinks that Ranga would make a good husband.
The narrator is a good strategist. He cleverly calls Ranga to his home when Ratna is singing a
song. He notices Rangas reaction and interest in her and arouses his curiosity by arranging a
meeting with the astrologer. First, he says that Ratna is married, but when he finds Ranga deeply
interested in her, he confesses that he was wrongly informed. In short, the narrator tries his utmost
to get the marriage settled.
The narrator loves fun and humor. He has the capacity to make others laugh at him. He employs a
rambling style and gives many similes and metaphors to heighten the literary value of the story.
The touches of local color make the story full of ethnic color and authentic.

Question 5. What does the narrator say about Hosahalli?

Answer:
Hosahalli village is the scene of action. There is no mention of it in geography books written by
the sahibs in England or Indian writers. No cartographer has put it on the map. The narrator
highlights its importance by comparing it to the filling of the karigadubua festival meal.

Question 6:
What are the two-special produce of Hosahalli and in what respect?
Answer:
First is the raw mango. The sourness of its bite is sure to get straight to the brahmarandhra, i.e. the
soft part in childs head where skull bones join later. Second specialty is a creeper growing in the
water of the village pond. Its flowers are a feast to behold. You can serve afternoon meal to the
whole family on its two leaves.
Question 7:
The best way of getting to know a place is to visit it. Which place does Masti Venkatesha
Iyengar refer to? What do you know learn about it?
Answer:
The author refers to Hosahalli, the village of Rangappa and the narrator. From the narrators point
of view, it is an important village in the Mysore state. People may not have heard of it, as there is
no mention of it in Geography books. The place has been ignored both by British and Indian
authors. No cartographer has put it on the map.
The raw mangoes from the mango trees in the village are quite sour. The extreme potency of the
sourness of these mangoes is amply illustrated by the comment: Just take a bite. The sourness is
sure to go straight to your brahmarandhra. The creeper growing in the village pond had beautiful
flowers and broad leaves. The latter can serve as plates for serving afternoon meal. The village
doctor Gundabhatta also speaks glowingly of Hosahalli.

Question 8:
What was special about Rangappa? How did the villagers react to it?
Answer:
Ten years ago, there were not many people in Hosahalli village who knew English. Rangappa, the
accountants son enjoyed a unique distinction. He was the first one to be sent to Bangalore to
pursue his studies. This was considered an act of courage on the part of his father. It was an
important event in the villagea sort of first of its type.
Naturally, Rangas homecoming was a great event. The crowds of villagers milled around his
house to see whether he had changed or not. People were quite excited because Ranga had
returned home after studying English at Bangalore. An old lady ran her hand over Rangas chest.
She looked into his eyes. She was satisfied to find the sacred thread on his body. She felt happy
that he had not lost his caste. People disappeared from the scene, once they realized that Ranga
had not undergone any material change.

Question 9:
Give a brief account of the narrators two meetings with Ranga after the latters return from
Bangalore. What opinion did he form about the young man?
Answer:
When Ranga returned home after getting his education in Bangalore, crowds of people collected
round his home to see him. The narrator was attracted by the crowd. He too went and stood in the
courtyard. Ranga came out with a smile on his face. After everyone had gone, the narrator asked
Rangappa how he was. Ranga noticed him and came near him. He folded his hands and touched
the narrators feet. He said that he was all right, with the narrators blessings. The narrator
blessed him and wished that he might get married soon. They exchanged some polite friendly
remarks. Then the narrator left.
That afternoon, when the narrator was resting, Ranga came to his house with a couple of oranges
in his hand. The narrator thought that Ranga was a generous, considerate fellow. He was of the
opinion that it would be fine to have him marry, settle down and be of service to the society.

Question 10:
Comment on the title of the story Rangas Marriage.
Answer:
The title of the story is quite appropriate and suggestive. It at once sums up the theme of the story.
The whole story has one central issue Rangas marriage. It begins with Rangas refusal to marry
just then and ends with his blissful married life. All the incidents contribute to the central theme.
The writer has presented the working of a young educated Indians mind and heart. He is easily
influenced by the English way of life and customs. He wants to adopt them in his own life as well.
The narrator, who is his well-wisher takes deep interest in him and takes active steps to wean
Ranga away from the fantasy of love-marriage. By arousing his interest and fascination in a young
girl, Ratna, he makes Ranga agree to marry her. Thus, Rangas one condition for marriage is
fulfilledhe knows the girl and loves her. She does not fulfil the other condition of being a
mature girl in twentiesshe is just eleven at that time.

Albert Einstein at School

Question 1:
What do you understand of Einsteins nature from his conversations with his history teacher, his
mathematics teacher and the head teacher?
Answer:
Exchanges between Einstein and History teacher show that Einstein is honest and truthful. He
admits his shortcomings frankly. He has firm and well-defined opinions. He explains precisely
what he thinks. Thus, his basic intelligence, logical reasoning and lucid expression are highlighted.
He showed the sparks of genius even at a young age. His maths teacher had a high opinion of him.
He went to the extent of saying: I cant teach you more, and probably youll soon be able to
teach me. When Albert said that it was excessive praise, the teacher acknowledged that it was
only the truth. He made the point by saying that Albert was ready immediately to enter a college
or institute for the study of higher mathematics. Albert himself said, Ive learnt all the maths,
they teach at school and a bit more.
The head teacher told Albert that he was expelling him from school because his presence in the
classroom made it impossible for the teacher to teach and other pupils to learn. No serious work
could be done while he was in the class. Albert refused to learn and he was in constant rebellion.
For a moment Albert felt tempted to tell the head teacher what he thought of him and his school.
Then he stopped himself. He didnt say even a single word. Holding his head high, he went out
with a sense of pride. Thus, he had a lot of self-control. Albert was not at all impolite. He
addressed his teachers respectfully and answered the questions honestly.

Question 2:
The school system often curbs individual talents. Discuss.
Answer:
Albert Einsteins miserable five years stay at school is a telling comment on the system of
education prevailing then and existing even now. This system of education has no room for
individual aspirations, brilliance or aptitude. It discourages genius and originality and encourages
mechanical dullards or the so called average students. This system lays stress on facts and
dates rather than ideas. It ignores originality and creativity, which lead to progress and
development.
No wonder then that most of the students manage to pass the examination by cramminglearning
things by heart and repeating it in the exams. This parrot like learning or learning without
understanding may help to get the diploma but fails to enrich the mind or inculcate ideas.
The teachers and authorities insist on discipline and conformity. The history teacher and the Head
teacher are sticklers for rules, pedagogy and discipline. Brilliant students like Albert Einstein are
considered dullard, stupid, incompetent, unfit rebels whose very presence makes it impossible for
teacher to teach and other pupils to learn.

Question 3:
How do you distinguish between information gathering and insight formation?
Answer:
Learning the dates of battles or the details about victorious armies are facts. These details are part
of knowledge which are content-based. There is no point in spending precious years of student life
on information gathering because dates or facts could be ascertained from the books any time by
just looking them up. Learning facts or parrot-like learning i.e., learning without understanding is
what we call information gathering.
Analyzing the facts, ascertaining the causes that led to a certain incident such as an uprising or a
war and learning the ideas that spring from such actions are part of insight information. It gives us
a clear perception into the true nature of a thing. Such knowledge increases our logical reasoning,
power of analysis interpretation and understanding and makes us think.

Question 4:
What factors made Einsteins life in Munich miserable? What did he realize after six months?
Answer: Two factors made Einsteins life in Munich miserable. These were his school and
residential environment. The school was a hateful place. He had many bad days when he got
punishment. He hated going back to school, but he had no option. He wishes that his father would
take him away. However, he was forced to stay there and obtain diploma. Einstein found the
system of education uninspiring and the teachers, unsympathetic.
He had his lodging in the poorest quarters of Munich. The food was bad. Lack of comfort, dirt and
squalor made his life miserable. The atmosphere of slum violence was oppressive. The landlady
would beat her children. Her husband would come home on Saturdays. He would get drunk and
beat his wife. Albert found young students fighting duels and killing others. The scars on the face
were badges of honor for the victors.

Question 5:
Comment on the role of Yuri as described in the extract.
Answer: Yuri performs an important function in young Alberts life. He is the friends, philosopher
and guide for Albert. He is in fact Alberts confidant. He has won the love and trust of Albert to
such an extent that he confides his miseries, problems and plans with him. Yuri is the only person
in Munich that Albert likes. Yuri lives among poor students who frequently indulge in fighting
duels.
Yuri helps Albert in his plans to obtain a medical certificate of nervous breakdown advising rest
for six months. He introduces Albert to Dr. Ernest Weil and asks Albert to be frank with him. Dr
Weil turns out to be a sympathetic soul and issues him the much-needed certificate.
Yuri again guides the course of Alberts ship of life. He advises Albert to obtain a written
reference from the mathematics teacher before seeing the head teacher. Albert follows his advice
faithfully. The certificate, however, proves useless because the head teacher has already decided to
expel Albert for his undesirable activities. This, however, does not diminish Yuris role in Albert
s life. He is like a pillar of strength to the miserable young Albert in a foreign land.