NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 3 — Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues
This chapter, "Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues," from NCERT's Class 11 English Hornbill textbook, delves into the life and death of the young Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. It recounts the discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922, the subsequent speculation about his demise, and the recent CT scan conducted in 2005 to uncover new clues. The text highlights the rich funerary treasures found, the challenges Carter faced in preserving the mummy, and the ongoing efforts to reconstruct an accurate image of the boyish pharaoh. The chapter explores the blend of historical mystery and scientific investigation surrounding Tut's legacy, providing students with insights into ancient Egyptian history and archaeological practices.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 599 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical significance of Tutankhamun's tomb discovery.
- Learn about the archaeological methods used by Howard Carter.
- Appreciate the role of modern technology like CT scans in historical research.
- Analyze the challenges and controversies surrounding the preservation of ancient artifacts.
- Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating different theories about Tut's life and death.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| forensic reconstruction | The scientific study of crime scene evidence to recreate events or identify individuals. |
| funerary treasures | Valuable objects buried with a person for use in the afterlife. |
| scudded across | Moved quickly and lightly, referring to clouds. |
| circumvented | Found a way around an obstacle or difficulty. |
| casket grey | A dark, somber shade of grey, like that of a coffin. |
| computed tomography | A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body (CT scan). |
| resurrection | The act of bringing someone or something back to life or back into use. |
| eerie detail | Strange and frightening details. |
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Practice questions
- Who discovered Tut's tomb and in which year? Answer: Howard Carter discovered Tut's tomb in 1922.
- What was the most extreme possibility speculated about Tut's death? Answer: Murder was speculated as the most extreme possibility.
- What modern technology was used to scan Tut's mummy? Answer: A CT scanner was used to scan Tut's mummy.
- What problem did Howard Carter face when trying to remove the mummy from its coffin? Answer: The ritual resins had hardened, cementing Tut to the bottom of his solid gold coffin.
Frequently asked questions
Who was King Tut?
King Tut was a young Egyptian pharaoh, the last heir of a powerful dynasty, who died over 3,300 years ago.
When was Tut's tomb discovered?
Tut's tomb was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.
Why was a CT scan performed on Tut's mummy?
The CT scan was performed to probe medical mysteries, gain clues about his life and death, and provide data for forensic reconstruction.
What condition was the mummy in when examined?
The mummy was in very bad condition, partly due to actions taken by Howard Carter in the 1920s.
What were some of the items found in Tut's tomb?
Tut was buried with funerary treasures like gold artifacts, as well as everyday items such as board games, a bronze razor, and food and wine.
What difficulty did Carter encounter with the mummy?
Carter found that the ritual resins had hardened, cementing the mummy to the solid gold coffin, making it impossible to move without force.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 3 — Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.