CHETTINAD VIDYASHRAM

Without History, There

Would Be No Future

GAUTAM ANAND
KIRTIK KUMAR

X1-F2 SHRAVAN THIYAGARAJAN

DEEPTHI S
SIVASREESEN
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere thanks to our

Correspondent Dr. Mrs. Meena Muthiah , Principal
Dr. Mrs. S. Amudha Lakshmi and Vice Principal
Mrs. Tharnee Ganesan for their encouragement to
work on this project. I am grateful to my English
teacher Mrs Gayathri Subramanian and the
Department of English for the constant guidance
and support to complete the project.
SERIAL NO. TOPIC
I INTRODUCTION
II MUMMIFICATION – MYTHS
AND REASONS
 OBJECTIVES OF
EXCAVATIONS /
EXHUMATIONS
 HOWARD CARTER
III VERSUS
CONTEMPORARY
RESEARCHERS
 EMPLOYMENT OF
INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY AND
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN
ARCHAEOLOGY

IV CHALLENGES FACED
DURING THE
EXCAVATIONS OF KING
TUT'S TOMB
RELEVANCE OF
 V INFORMATION REGARDING
ANCIENT
INFRASTRUCTURE,
LIFESTYLE,DIET , AND
EDUCATION

VI REVELATION OF
EXCAVATION AT
KEEZHADI
VII CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

Without History there is no Memory; And

without Memory, there is no Future.

History is the knowledge of and study of the past. It is the story of the past and a
form of collective memory. History is the story of who we are and where we
come from. Throughout history many events have further evolved the human
race, in ways not necessarily evident on first glance. In this case study, we
attempt to look at multiple facets of the history of mummification and excavation
and gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world of the past.
 MUMMIFICATION – MYTHS AND REASONS

Mummification, the ancient Egyptian practice of preserving the deceased's body for the
afterlife, has fascinated people for centuries. This complex and enigmatic process has
given rise to numerous myths and misconceptions, with its most famous recipient being
King Tutankhamun.

Mummification has garnered its fair share

of myths and misconceptions over the
years, largely due to its portrayal in
popular culture and the incomplete
understanding of the process. Let's dispel
some of these myths:

1. Mummies come back to life: Popular culture often portrays mummies as

reanimated, malevolent creatures. In reality, mummification was a means to
ensure the deceased's journey to the afterlife was successful, not to bring them
back to life.
 2. All mummies are Egyptian pharaohs: While the most famous mummies belong
to pharaohs, Egyptians from various social classes underwent mummification. It
was not limited to the elite.
3. Mummification always included the removal of vital organs: Contrary to popular
belief, not all mummification processes involved removing the heart. The level
of detail and preservation varied according to the individual's status and
resources.
But the most popular of the various myths surrounding mummification is the infamous
‘Curse of the Pharoah’. Many believe that disturbing the tombs of mummies, such as
that of King Tutankhamun, brings a curse upon those involved. The infamy of the myth
is mostly attributed to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, when members of Howard
Carter’s team died in mysterious circumstances. This myth has since been debunked,
with scientific explanations for deaths and illnesses experienced by some involved in
the excavation. However, it still is quite popular among the masses, especially horror
movie fans.
Mummification was a central practice in ancient Egypt, rooted in religious and cultural
beliefs. Several reasons underpinned the ancient Egyptians' dedication to this complex
and time-consuming process:
1. Belief in the Afterlife: The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the
soul needed a well-preserved body to reside. Mummification was a means to
ensure the deceased's
continued existence and
comfort in the afterlife.
2. Protection from Decay:
Mummification aimed to
preserve the body,
preventing it from
decaying. This
preservation was crucial for the soul's journey into the afterlife.
 3. Religious Significance: Mummification was closely tied to the Egyptian religion,
with rituals and spells performed during the process. These ensured that the soul
would be judged fairly in the afterlife and guided by the gods.

Mummification, surrounded by myths and misconceptions, was a complex and

culturally significant practice in ancient Egypt. Tutankhamun's mummy,
meticulously prepared for the afterlife, is a testament to the dedication and spiritual
beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. The reasons for mummification were deeply rooted
in their religious convictions, cultural identity, and the desire to ensure a comfortable
and prosperous afterlife. As we unravel the mysteries of mummification, we gain
insight into a civilization that continues to captivate us with its unique customs and
beliefs.

OBJECTIVES OF EXCAVATIONS / EXHUMATIONS

The primary objectives of excavations and
exhumations are to learn more about the
past and to preserve archaeological sites
and artifacts. Excavations are typically
conducted to investigate specific research
questions, such as the d evelopment of
human societies, the rise and fall of
civilizations, and the daily lives of ancient peoples. Exhumations are typically
conducted to recover artifacts and human remains from archaeological sites.

In the case of King Tut's tomb, the primary objective of the excavation was to
discover and excavate the tomb intact, and to recover the artifacts and human remains
within. The excavation was also intended to learn more about King Tut himself, his
reign, and the culture of ancient Egypt during his time.
 HOWARD CARTER VERSUS
CONTEMPORARY RESEARCHERS

Howard Carter was a British archaeologist who

discovered King Tut's tomb in 1922. Carter was a
skilled excavator and a meticulous recorder of his
findings. However, he was also criticized for his handling of the excavation,
particularly for his decision to open the tomb to the public before it had been fully
excavated.

Contemporary researchers have criticized Carter for his methods and for his focus on
the treasure in King Tut's tomb. They argue that Carter was more interested in finding
valuable artifacts than in learning about King Tut himself or about the culture of
ancient Egypt.

Despite his critics, Carter is still considered to be one of the most important
archaeologists of the 20th century. His discovery of King Tut's tomb was a major
breakthrough in Egyptology, and it helped to fuel public interest in ancient Egypt.

EMPLOYMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ARCHAEOLOGY

In recent years, archaeologists have begun to employ innovative technology and

artificial intelligence to improve their work. Some of the technologies that are now
being used in archaeology include:

 Remote sensing: Remote sensing technologies such as satellite imagery and

aerial photography can be used to identify and map archaeological sites without
having to excavate them.
 Ground-penetrating radar: Ground-
penetrating radar can be used to map the
 subsurface of archaeological sites, revealing buried features such as walls,
tombs, and artifacts.
 3D scanning: 3D scanning can be used to create detailed digital models of
archaeological sites and artifacts. This can be used for documentation,
preservation, and analysis.
 Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to develop new
methods for archaeological data analysis. For example, AI can be used to
identify patterns in data that would be difficult or impossible for humans to
spot.

These technologies are being used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of
archaeological work. They can also be used to investigate archaeological sites and
artifacts that are difficult or impossible to access using traditional methods.

CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE EXCAVATIONS

OF KING TUT'S TOMB

1. Limited Technology: The initial excavation took place in the 1920s, and the
technology available at that time was far less advanced than what we have
today. Archaeologists had to rely on basic tools and manual labour.
2. Treasure Preservation: The delicate nature of the artifacts and the tomb itself
presented a challenge. Archaeologists had to find ways to preserve and extract
the treasures without causing damage.
3. Historical Preservation:
Ensuring the historical and
cultural significance of the
findings were preserved
while handling the artifacts
and tomb was a significant
challenge.
4. Lack of Preservation Records: Unlike modern excavations that meticulously
 document every detail, the early excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb lacked
proper record-keeping, making it harder for researchers to reconstruct the
excavation process.
5. Health: There are many safety hazards
associated with the process as well. Large
amounts of dust and pathogens contribute to
many diseases, and asphyxia is a prevalent
complication for many excavators.
6. Natural Obstacles: Landslides and mine collapses troubled the excavation team,
and they still are a risk in present day excavations.
7. Superstition: Many mythological beliefs or spiritual superstitions act as
hindrances as well. The pharaohs curse is a famous example. Such superstitions
could cause loss of morale among the team.

RELEVANCE OF INFORMATION REGARDING

ANCIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, LIFESTYLE,DIET ,
AND EDUCATION
ANCIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
Ancient Indian architecture ranges from the Indian Bronze Age to
around 800 CE.
Much of early Indian architecture was in wood, which has almost
always decayed/burnt, or brick, which has often been taken away for
re-use. The large amount of Indian rock-cut architecture, essentially
beginning around 250 BCE, is
therefore especially important,
as much of it clearly adapts
forms from con temporary
constructed buildings.
In the Bronze Age, the first
cities emerged in the Indus
Valley civilization. The
urbanization in the Gangetic
plains began as early as 1200 BC. The domestic houses were made of
bricks and usually flat roofed, the wooden doors were provided with
hangings and a lock at the bottom. The houses were single or double
storied.
EDUCATION SYSTEM
Education in ancient India can be a source of inspiration for education
in modern times. It was based on a
sophisticated theory of knowledge
derived from Indian philosophy and
unique in that it included an
understanding of the subject (the
knower) in relation to the object (the
known) and the process of knowing.
Ancient Indian Gurukuls focussed on
imparting knowledge which could be
practically implemented to find solutions to real-life problems. Pupils
learnt through observation and practical methodologies. They went
out to be in touch with nature, they interacted with their communities.
It is proved that modern-day discoveries, inventions, theories,
concepts are broadly based on Vedic knowledge/literature. Many
scientists have studied Vedic literature to get in-depth insights into
scientific, spiritual, psychological, behavioural knowledge.
LIFESTYLE

India, one of the oldest civilizations around the world, is the country
with a long history of almost 5000 years and extremely complex
social structure. Most of the religious groups around the world like
Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, etc., are present here and in
addition, there are a variety of cultures and sections with different
belief and rituals under the same constitution. Thus, Indian social
matrix and cultural pattern is characterized by “Unity in diversity.”

DIET
The traditional Indian diet uses an impressive variety of whole grains,
legumes, fruits, and vegetables, each contributing significant health
benefits. Whole grains, such as brown rice, millets, and whole wheat,
form the bedrock of numerous Indian meals.

Indian food is most popular for its diversity. The variety of foods,
spices and dishes that are native to India makes Indian food one of the
most wholesome foods in the world.

Traditional Indian food, however, is not only delicious, but also

comes with a lot of health benefits. Indian food supports
immunity, inflammation, brain function and several other functions in
the human body.

SOME MUSEUM AND PRESERVED ARTICRAFTS IN INDIA

 Lord of Dance 'Siva Nataraja' at

National Museum, Delhi
 'The Dancing Girl’ from Harappan
Civilization at National Museum,
Delhi
 ‘Didarganj Yakshini’ at Bihar
Museum, Patna
 The 'Veiled Rebecca' at Salar Jung
Museum, Hyderabad

STATISTICS:
Archaeologists use the information they
find and combine it with what other scientists have discovered. They
use the combined data to add to the story of humanity’s past.
The scientists write up their findings and publish them in scientific
journals. Other scientists can look at the data and debate the
interpretations, helping us get the most accurate story. Publication
also lets the public know what scientists are learning about our
history.

REVELATION OF EXCAVATION AT KEEZHADI

Keezhadi in Sivaganga district was chosen for excavation and artifacts unearthed by
the ASI in the second phase of the excavation at Pallichanthai Thidal of Keezhadi
pointed to an ancient civilisation that thrived on the banks of the Vaigai.

Carbon dating of charcoal

found at the Keezhadi site in
February 2017 established that
the settlement there belonged to
200 BC. The excavations thus
proved that urban civilisation
had existed in Tamil Nadu
since the Sangam age.

A beautifully crafted earthen pot with leaf decoration was unearthed at Archaeological
Survey of India’s excavation site at Keezhadi near here on Thursday, adding to a
repository of evidence pointing to the existence of an urban habitation closer to the
erstwhile capital of Pandya kingdom.
The exquisitely crafted pot, measuring
72 cm in width and 42 cm in height, was
found by an ASI team led by K.
Amarnath Ramakrishna, Superintending
Archaeologist.
“This is for the first time such a
decorative pot has been found in a
habitation site in Tamil Nadu during
excavation,” says Mr. Amarnath.

The storage pot contains pure river sand but its actual use could not be fixed
immediately. Two similar pots of different shapes have started to emerge in two other
pits of the excavation site. The huge red pot, which is among a variety of earthenware
discovered in the area, was found embedded alongside a water storage facility.

Noted epigraphist V. Vedachalam says that the kind of antiquities found at the site,
‘Pallichandai Thidal,’ reaffirm the belief that nestled among three ancient places —
Konthagai, Keezhadi and Manalur — was an urban settlement that had trade links
with North India and the western world during the Sangam Age. References to
Manalur are found in Tiruvilayadalpuranam. During a later period, Konthagai and
Keezhadi were merged as Kuntidevi Chaturvedimangalam and gifted to Brahmins.

The Archaeological Survey of

India (ASI) on Tuesday refused
to commit a time period within
which it would begin the next
phase of excavation at
Pallichanthai Thidal at
Keezhadi in Sivaganga district.
The excavations conducted so far on just one out of 100 acres of identified land at the
spot had led to discovery of 4,125 artefacts pointing to the existence of an ancient
Tamil civilisation that could have thrived on the banks of Vaigai.

The State government has also evinced interest in setting up a site museum at
Keezhadi to display the 5,300 antiquities that have been unearthed so far and has even
offered to allot 72 cents of land for the same.

CONCLUSION

Tomb excavations are complex undertakings that offer a window into the past,
enabling us to gain insights into the lives, beliefs, and customs of ancient civilizations.
However, the process of tomb excavation is fraught with challenges. The preservation
of cultural heritage, ethical considerations, logistical obstacles, and the interpretation
of findings are all fundamental aspects of tomb excavations that demand careful
attention and solutions. Yet the benefits, in terms of the knowledge gained and
cultural heritage preserved, are immeasurable. One of the most famous tomb
excavations in history is that of King Tutankhamun, which as we have seen is an
excellent case study to illustrate both the challenges and the remarkable benefits of
such endeavors. In conclusion, tomb excavations, despite their challenges, are
invaluable for the insights they provide into our shared human history and the
preservation of cultural heritage. Tomb excavations continue to be a testament to
human curiosity, resilience, and the enduring quest to uncover the mysteries of the
past.
 BIBILIOGRAPHY

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_pharaohs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_of_the_tomb_of_Tutankhamun
https://chat.openai.com
https://sivaganga.nic.in/tourism/keezhadi-excavation/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keezhadi_excavation_site