Silk Road | Lesson 6 | English | Class 11th | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

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English | Class 11th | Hornbill | NCERT

Silk Road | Lesson 6 | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

Short Summary

            "Silk Road" by Nick Middleton describes the author's journey along the ancient trade route, the Silk Road, through Tibet. He embarks on a journey to Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain in the remote Himalayas, passing through the harsh, rugged terrain and experiencing the unique culture of Tibet. Middleton describes the breathtaking yet challenging landscape and the nomadic lifestyle of the local Tibetan people, including their customs and religious practices. The journey is marked by the physical and emotional challenges posed by high altitudes and extreme weather. Through his narrative, Middleton captures both the natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the region, offering readers an immersive travel experience.

 

Understanding the Text

I. Give reasons for the following statements.

1. The article has been titled ‘Silk Road.’

Answer: The title "Silk Road" refers to the ancient trade route that connected Asia with Europe and symbolizes the author's journey through this historically significant path. It highlights his exploration of the cultural and geographical landscape of Tibet, reflecting the historical importance and mystique of the Silk Road.

2. Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China’s imperial courts.

Answer: Tibetan mastiffs were prized in China’s imperial courts for their large size, fierce nature, and loyalty. These dogs were seen as a status symbol, representing power and protection, and were often presented as gifts to Chinese royalty.

3. The author’s experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place.

Answer: Hor had been previously described as a vibrant and welcoming place, but the author found it desolate and disappointing. His experience of Hor did not live up to the romanticized descriptions, showing a place that felt dull, with an unpleasant smell of accumulated rubbish.

4. The author was disappointed with Darchen.

Answer: The author found Darchen disappointing because he had high expectations of the place as the starting point for the sacred pilgrimage around Mount Kailash. However, Darchen was dusty, barren, and less developed than he anticipated, which dampened his initial excitement.

5. The author thought that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all.

Answer: Despite the physical and environmental hardships of the journey, the author’s strategy of staying optimistic helped him adapt to the challenges he faced. This positive thinking eventually led him to enjoy the journey and its experiences, making it a fulfilling adventure.

 

II. Briefly comment on

1. The purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash.

Answer: The author's journey to Mount Kailash was both a travel adventure and a personal pilgrimage. His main purpose was to explore the region's unique landscape, understand the spiritual significance of the mountain for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains, and to experience the journey along the ancient Silk Road.

2. The author’s physical condition in Darchen.

Answer: In Darchen, the author struggled with health issues due to the high altitude. He suffered from breathlessness and mild altitude sickness, which made him feel weak and exhausted. This condition affected his ability to fully enjoy and appreciate Darchen as he had hoped.

3. The author’s meeting with Norbu.

Answer: Norbu, a Tibetan academic, shared the author’s interest in visiting Mount Kailash. Their meeting was serendipitous, as Norbu was also seeking to complete the kora, or pilgrimage, around the mountain, even though he was not in ideal physical shape for the trek. Their shared goals and companionship made the journey more meaningful for the author.

4. Tsetan’s support to the author during the journey.

Answer: Tsetan, the driver and guide, was instrumental in ensuring the author's safety and comfort. He was knowledgeable about the region, managed the challenging terrain skilfully, and provided the author with support and encouragement. Tsetan's presence helped the author navigate the physical challenges and uncertainties of the journey.

5. “As a Buddhist, he told me, he knew that it didn’t really matter if I passed away, but he thought it would be bad for business.”

Answer: This humorous statement reflects Tsetan's pragmatic approach to the journey and life itself. While he held the Buddhist belief that life and death are part of a larger cycle, he was also mindful of the impact of such an event on his livelihood. It reveals the balance he maintained between his faith and his practical concerns as a guide.

 

Talking about the text

Discuss in groups of four

1. The sensitive behaviour of hill-folk.

Answer: Connection with Nature: Hill-folk often live in close harmony with nature, making them more respectful and protective of the environment. Their dependence on the natural surroundings fosters a sensitivity towards sustainable living practices.

Hospitality and Humility: Many hill communities are known for their warm hospitality. Living in remote areas, they tend to be supportive and helpful to travellers, understanding the challenges of mountain travel.

Spirituality and Tradition: Hill-folk are often deeply rooted in cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs that guide their interactions. Their respect for the land, local customs, and religious practices often influences a quiet, respectful behaviour toward others.

2. The reasons why people willingly undergo the travails of difficult journeys.

Answer: Seeking Adventure and Challenge: Many people are drawn to difficult journeys for the thrill of adventure, testing their endurance, and pushing personal boundaries. The physical and mental challenges involved make the experience rewarding.

Spiritual or Personal Growth: Pilgrimages, such as those to Mount Kailash, are examples of journeys undertaken for spiritual reasons. Difficult journeys often provide a chance for introspection, helping people find purpose and resilience.

Cultural and Learning Experiences: Difficult journeys often lead travelers to learn more about new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life, enriching their perspectives and understanding of the world.

3. The accounts of exotic places in legends and the reality.

Answer: Romanticized Narratives: Many exotic places are depicted in literature and legends with an aura of mystery and beauty. Stories about these places often highlight the magical, extraordinary, and otherworldly qualities, creating high expectations.

Reality vs. Expectation: In reality, these places may not match the idealized image. For example, harsh climates, difficult living conditions, or overcrowding might contrast with the tranquil, idyllic descriptions.

Value of Real Experience: Despite the difference, visiting these places can offer unique insights and connections to local culture that legends may not capture, providing an authentic experience beyond any romanticized notions.

 

Thinking about language

1. Notice the kind of English Tsetan uses while talking to the author. How do you think he picked it up?

Answer: Tsetan’s English seems basic yet functional, suggesting he learned it informally, likely through interactions with tourists and travellers. Being a guide, he would have picked up enough English to communicate with international visitors, especially as tourism in Tibetan areas often requires basic conversational skills in English. His English reflects a practical, conversational style rather than formal education.

2. What do the following utterances indicate?

(i) “I told her, through Daniel …”

Answer: This indicates that the speaker is communicating with someone who does not understand their language, so they use Daniel as an interpreter to convey the message.

(ii) “It’s a cold,” he said finally through Tsetan.

Answer: This suggests that someone was relaying their condition (a cold) to the author via Tsetan, who was acting as an interpreter. It reflects the language barrier and reliance on Tsetan to bridge the communication gap.

3. Guess the meaning of the following words.

Kora    drokba    kyang

 

In which language are these words found?

Answer:

Kora: A pilgrimage or circumambulation around a sacred site, often a mountain or temple. 

Drokba: A nomadic herder, specifically in Tibetan regions where people herd animals like yaks. 

Kyang: Wild Tibetan donkeys found in high-altitude areas.

These words are in Tibetan.

 

Working with words

1. The narrative has many phrases to describe the scenic beauty of the mountainside like:

A flawless half-moon floated in a perfect blue sky.

Scan the text to locate other such picturesque phrases.

Answer: Here are other picturesque phrases from the narrative that describe the scenic beauty of the mountainside:

"The river was wide and meandering, flowing with a clear, glacial stream."

"Mountains all around, towering and bare, piercing the sky."

"The plains rolled out endlessly, a vast expanse under the deep blue sky."

"A pristine stillness enveloped the entire landscape."

"The hills were painted with patches of green and brown, dotted with wildflowers."

2. Explain the use of the adjectives in the following phrases.

(i) shaggy monsters

Answer: "Shaggy" describes the wild, unkempt fur of animals, probably referring to the thick coats of yaks that resemble monsters in size and appearance, emphasizing their rugged look in the mountainous setting.

(ii) brackish lakes

Answer: "Brackish" describes water that is partly salty, which is unusual for lakes and hints at the unique mineral composition of Tibetan lakes, contributing to the stark, barren beauty of the region.

(iii) rickety table

Answer: "Rickety" suggests that the table is old, weak, and unstable, adding to the rustic and makeshift nature of the setting, likely reflecting the simplicity and hardships of life in remote areas.

(iv) hairpin bend

Answer: "Hairpin" describes a sharp, U-shaped turn, resembling a hairpin. This is commonly used for mountain roads and reflects the treacherous and winding paths encountered in the narrative.

(v) rudimentary general stores

Answer: "Rudimentary" indicates that these general stores were very basic and lacking sophistication, with limited supplies, underscoring the isolation and simplicity of the resources available in the area.

 

Noticing form

1. The account has only a few passive voice sentences. Locate them. In what way does the use of active voice contribute to the style of the narrative.

Answer: Passive Voice Sentences 

Here are a few examples of passive voice from the account:

“A series of sharp turns had to be negotiated.”

“They were quickly pulled back.”

“The mountains were covered in a thin layer of snow.”

Effect of Active Voice 

The use of active voice makes the narrative more engaging and immediate, giving readers a sense of movement and direct experience. It allows the author to vividly describe actions and scenes, making the journey feel dynamic and personal, as though readers are accompanying the author through each step of the adventure.

2. Notice this construction: Tsetan was eager to have them fixed. Write five sentences with a similar structure.

Answer: Similar Sentence Constructions 

Here are five sentences with a structure similar to "Tsetan was eager to have them fixed":

She was anxious to see her plans realized.

The teacher was thrilled to have the students participate actively.

He was determined to get his car repaired by the weekend.

They were excited to have their ideas implemented in the project.

The chef was eager to have the new recipe tested by the staff.