Silk Road Questions Answers English Class 11 NCERT

Get complete Silk Road Questions Answers English Class 11 NCERT with detailed explanations for CBSE students. Explore Nick Middleton’s journey along the historic Silk Road, understanding geography, culture, and travel experiences. Perfect study material to prepare effectively for Class 11 English exams with clear and easy-to-understand answers.

About the Author: 

Nick Middleton is a British geographer, author, and travel writer known for his explorations of remote regions and cultural landscapes, including the Silk Road. He has written extensively on human geography, climate, and the natural world. Born in 1960, Middleton has also contributed to documentaries and academic works. As of now, he is alive and continues to write and lecture internationally.

Summary:

The writing, Silk Road by Nick Middleton, is a travelogue. A travelogue is a type of writing where the author describes a journey, the places visited, the people met, and the experiences during travel. It usually combines personal experiences, observations, and reflections. In this text, Middleton shares his journey from Ravu towards Mount Kailash in Tibet. He describes the natural landscape like the snow-capped mountains, stony plains, icy rivers, and salt flats. He also observes wild animals like herds of wild ass and Tibetan mastiffs. The writing is descriptive and detailed, with a focus on both adventure and cultural experiences.

Middleton and his companions, Tsetan and Daniel, take a shortcut from Ravu towards Mount Kailash. They face challenges like snow patches on steep tracks, high altitude, and harsh terrain. Along the way, they meet drokbas, the local shepherds, and see Tibetan mastiffs guarding nomads’ tents. The journey includes beautiful sights like half-moons, rose-tinted mountain tops, and glinting ice on rivers. At the top of a high pass, they perform traditional customs like walking around a cairn of rocks. They stop for lunch at a work camp near salt flats and finally reach the town of Hor, which is dusty and neglected. Middleton suffers from altitude sickness and a cold and visits Darchen Medical College for treatment. In Hor and Darchen, he experiences local life, customs, and hospitality. He meets Norbu, a Tibetan scholar, who becomes his travel companion for the kora around Mount Kailash.

The text is informative, engaging, and reflective. It shows the beauty and challenges of Tibet, introduces readers to local customs and people, and highlights the physical, spiritual, and cultural aspects of the journey. The travelogue combines adventure, observation, and personal growth, making readers feel part of the expedition. It is educational and encourages curiosity about remote places and their traditions.

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Central Idea:

The central idea of this text is the author’s journey across Tibet towards Mount Kailash, highlighting the physical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of travel. It shows how harsh landscapes, snow, and isolation test endurance, while interactions with locals like Lhamo and Norbu bring warmth and understanding of Tibetan culture. The journey reflects both adventure and personal growth, combining factual observation with the author’s reflections. The text emphasizes the beauty of the landscape, the hardships of travel, and the importance of human connection.

The narrative is informative and engaging. It teaches readers about Tibet’s geography, customs, and the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash. The author’s detailed observations make readers feel part of the journey. The combination of adventure, personal struggle, and cultural insight makes the writing both educational and entertaining, encouraging curiosity about distant lands and their traditions.

Word Notes:

PAGE 57

• flawless: perfect
• floated: drifted
• extended banks: long stretches
• cloud: mist
• emerged: appeared
• distant: faraway
• farewell: goodbye
• present: gift
• heading: going
• complete: finish
• kora: circumambulation (pilgrimage)
• warmer clothes: protective clothing
• ducking: moving quickly
• emerged: came out
• longsleeved: full-sleeve
• sheepskin coats: wool coats
• clambered: climbed
• sized up: measured
• short cut: quicker route
• mountain passes: high roads
• likelihood: probability
• gently rolling hills: softly rising hills
• vast open plains: large empty lands
• arid pastures: dry grasslands
• herd: group
• wild ass: wild donkey

PAGE 58

• approaching: coming near
• pall of dust: cloud of dust
• galloping: running fast
• en masse: all together
• manoeuvres: movements
• plumes: waves
• billowed: rose
• crisp: fresh
• solitary: alone
• tending: caring for
• well-wrapped: properly clothed
• evasive action: avoidance
• veering: changing direction
• pitched: set up
• splendid isolation: complete solitude
• mastiff: large dog
• beasts: animals
• cocked: tilted
• fix in sights: focus on
• explode into action: rush
• furiously: intensely
• fearless: brave
• chase: pursue
• ferocious: fierce
• hunting dogs: dogs used for hunting

PAGE 59

• popular: well-liked
• Silk Road: ancient trade route
• tribute: gift/payment
• snow-capped: with snow on top
• horizon: distant view
• clogged: blocked
• brilliant: bright
• glinting: shining
• trail: path
• hugged: followed closely
• meanders: bends
• gained height: ascended
• labouring: struggling
• steep slopes: sharp hills
• daubed: marked
• patches: spots
• lichen: moss-like growth
• hunks: large pieces
• encrusted: covered
• ascertain: find out
• sturdy: strong
• blockage: obstruction
• negotiated: passed carefully
• lurching: jolting
• hairpin bends: sharp turns

PAGE 60

• throbbing: pulsating
• gulps: sips
• rapid ascent: quick climb
• cairn: pile of rocks
• festooned: decorated
• silk scarves: ceremonial cloth
• prayer flags: religious flags
• clockwise: circular direction
• tyres: wheels
• petrol tank: fuel container
• hiss: sound
• atmospheric pressure: air pressure
• expand: increase
• careered: moved fast
• plateau: flat high land
• pockmarked: full of holes
• brackish lakes: salty lakes
• vestiges: remains
• trudging: walking slowly
• salt-encrusted: covered with salt
• glare: bright reflection
• laden: loaded
• bade farewell: said goodbye
• spares: extra items
• bald: hairless
• grim: unpleasant
• venerated: respected
• cosmology: study of the universe
• pinpoint: identify exactly
• flanks: sides
• forge ahead: move forward

PAGE 61

• draught: cold airflow
• grease: oily dirt
• thermos: flask
• solitary confinement: isolation
• stark contrast: sharp difference
• sanctity: holiness
• burst into tears: cried suddenly
• hallowed: sacred
• sentimental: emotional
• nocturnal disturbances: night problems
• oxygen: life-giving air
• drifting off: falling asleep
• abrupt: sudden
• impulses: signals
• gasp: struggle to breathe

PAGE 62

• sinuses: nasal passages
• propping: supporting
• upright: vertical
• fear: anxiety
• medical college: hospital/clinic
• courtyard: open space
• consulting room: doctor’s office
• paraphernalia: equipment
• pullover: sweater
• aversion: dislike
• veins: blood vessels
• recover: get better
• course: treatment
• cinnamon: spice
• pellets: small balls
• sheep dung: animal waste
• soundly: deeply
• Buddhist: follower of Buddhism
• derelict: abandoned
• rubble: broken pieces
• outlook: view
• commanded: dominated
• wisp: small amount
• rudimentary: basic
• provisions: supplies

PAGE 63

• incongruous: out of place
• brook: small stream
• relaxed: calm
• unhurried: slow
• drawback: disadvantage
• bustling: crowded
• accommodation: place to stay
• settlement: village/town
• tents: temporary shelters
• pondering: thinking
• severely limited: very few
• self-help: personal improvement
• well-trodden: frequently used
• liable: likely
• blockage: obstacle
• encouraged: motivated
• cavernous: spacious
• wreathed: wrapped
• stout: strong/thick
• voluminous: large
• exports: sold abroad

PAGE 64

• fieldwork: research on location
• academic papers: scholarly writings
• importance: significance
• realise: understand
• ill-equipped: not prepared
• devout: religious
• trek: journey
• companion: partner
• yaks: pack animals
• luggage: bags
• prostrating: bowing
• hysteria: uncontrolled laughter

NCERT Hornbill Textual Questions Answers Class 11 [Page No 64]

NCERT Hornbill Textual Questions Answers Class 11 CBSE offers clear and accurate solutions to all textbook questions. These answers help students understand themes, characters, and literary devices with ease. Perfect for revision, exam preparation, and building strong conceptual knowledge.

Understanding the text [Page no 64]

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

Ans: The article is titled “Silk Road” because the author’s journey follows the ancient trade route that once connected Lhasa to Kashmir. The narrative describes the landscape, people, and experiences along this historic path. The reference to Tibetan mastiffs being brought “along the Silk Road in ancient times as tribute from Tibet” links the author’s modern travel to the same legendary route. By retracing the old trade connection, the author combines travel, adventure, and cultural exploration, reflecting the spirit of the original Silk Road that joined distant lands through exchange, discovery, and human connection.

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

Ans: Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China’s imperial courts because of their strength, fearlessness, and majestic appearance. The author describes them as “shaggy monsters, blacker than the darkest night,” wearing bright red collars and completely fearless of vehicles. These powerful, ferocious dogs would “shoot straight into our path” and chase the car like bullets. Their courage and imposing size made them ideal hunting dogs. The text mentions that they “became popular in China’s imperial courts as hunting dogs, brought along the Silk Road in ancient times as tribute from Tibet,” showing their high value and royal demand.

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

Ans: The author’s experience at Hor was miserable compared to earlier travellers’ accounts. He found Hor a “grim, miserable place” with no vegetation, only “dust and rocks” scattered with “accumulated refuse.” In contrast, Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese monk, had been so moved by the sanctity of Lake Manasarovar that “he burst into tears,” and the Swede Sven Hedin had a similar emotional reaction. The author’s experience was dominated by filth, discomfort, and disappointment, which contrasted sharply with the spiritual awe and beauty described by earlier visitors who saw the lake as a place of holiness and inspiration.

4. The author was disappointed with Darchen.

Ans: The author was disappointed with Darchen because, though it looked better after a good night’s sleep, it lacked the energy and purpose he expected. The town was “dusty, partially derelict and punctuated by heaps of rubble and refuse.” It was supposed to be the starting point of the sacred kora, but “there were no pilgrims.” He had planned his visit for the pilgrimage season, yet the town was empty. With no one to join him and no information about the snow on the route, he felt stranded and uncertain. Darchen’s lifelessness defeated his anticipation of spiritual adventure.

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

Ans: The author thought his positive thinking strategy worked after all when he met Norbu. Feeling lonely and uncertain about continuing the pilgrimage, he met Norbu in Darchen’s only café. Norbu, a Tibetan scholar from Beijing, had come to do the kora and suggested that they “could be a team.” The author’s relief at finding a companion turned his hopeless situation around. He saw Norbu’s enthusiasm and practicality—offering to hire yaks and rejecting the idea of full prostration—as signs of good fortune. Thus, the author felt that his earlier “self-help programme on positive thinking” had succeeded.

II. Briefly comment on [Page 64]

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

Ans: The author’s journey to Mount Kailash was inspired by his desire to complete the kora, the holy circumambulation around the sacred mountain. He mentioned to Lhamo in Ravu that he was heading towards Mount Kailash to do the kora, a significant pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. His route followed the old trade path from Lhasa to Kashmir, often called the Silk Road. The journey was not merely geographical but also spiritual and exploratory, reflecting the author’s curiosity about Tibetan culture and landscape. The kora represented a traditional act of devotion and purification. Despite facing cold, altitude sickness, and solitude, he persisted with his goal. When he later met Norbu, another scholar interested in the kora, the author felt his purpose was strengthened, as they decided to form a team to undertake the pilgrimage together.

2. The author’s physical condition in Darchen

Ans: The author’s physical condition in Darchen was poor due to cold and the effects of altitude. He suffered from sleeplessness, breathlessness, and a blocked nose. At night, he struggled to breathe, his chest felt heavy, and he feared that if he slept, he might never wake up again. Sitting upright made him feel better, but lying down caused discomfort. The next morning, Tsetan took him to the Darchen medical college, where a Tibetan doctor diagnosed him with “a cold and the effects of altitude.” The doctor gave him a five-day course of Tibetan medicine, including powders and brown pellets. After the first day’s treatment, the author slept soundly “like a log, not a dead man.” His recovery improved his spirits, and after a good night’s rest, he found Darchen less horrible and even admired its relaxed and sunlit atmosphere.

3. The author’s meeting with Norbu

Ans: The author met Norbu in Darchen’s only café while pondering his options about the kora. The café was small and dark, decorated with multi-coloured plastic sheets. Norbu noticed the author’s book and asked if he was English, then introduced himself as a Tibetan scholar from Beijing working at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He said he had come “to do the kora,” though he had only written academic papers about it before. The author felt delighted to meet someone with the same purpose. Norbu humorously called them “two academics who have escaped from the library” and suggested they could be a team. Though not a practising Buddhist and quite unfit, Norbu’s enthusiasm and Tibetan background made him an ideal companion. He even suggested hiring yaks to carry luggage and joked about not prostrating himself around the mountain.

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

Ans: Tsetan, the driver and guide, was a constant source of help and reassurance to the author. From Ravu onwards, he handled every challenge calmly. He knew the mountain routes well and took shortcuts to reach Mount Kailash, confidently saying, “No problem, sir, if there is no snow.” When snow blocked the path, he tested the ice, threw dirt over it, and drove the car safely through. Later, he skillfully negotiated steep rocky slopes to avoid deeper snow. During the author’s illness in Darchen, it was Tsetan who took him to the medical college and stayed until he recovered. His practical care, cheerful spirit, and steady driving helped the author overcome difficulties. Even while joking that it wouldn’t matter spiritually if the author died, Tsetan showed human warmth, saying it would be “bad for business,” showing his humor and concern.

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.”

Ans: This remark by Tsetan reveals his calm Buddhist attitude towards life and death, along with his practical sense of humor. After the author’s recovery from his illness in Darchen, Tsetan prepared to return to Lhasa. He said that, as a Buddhist, he knew that death was not something to fear because it was part of the natural cycle of existence. His faith taught him detachment and acceptance of life’s transience. Yet, his words also carried a lighthearted, human touch—he added that if the author had died, “it would be bad for business.” This comment shows his affection and sense of responsibility toward his passenger. It reflects how Tsetan combined Buddhist philosophy with worldly understanding, maintaining both compassion and humor even in difficult circumstances during their journey through the harsh Tibetan landscape.

Talking about the text [Page 65]

1. The sensitive behaviour of hill-folk

Ans: The hill-folk in the story show great sensitivity, kindness, and simplicity. Tsetan, the driver, represents their helpful nature. He was calm, patient, and wise throughout the journey. He guided the author safely through the snow-covered mountain paths, always cheerful and caring. When the author fell ill, Tsetan immediately took him to the medical college and stayed until he recovered. His concern was genuine, though he spoke humorously about death being “bad for business.” The villagers of Ravu were also gentle and hospitable. Such people, living close to nature, are compassionate and honest. Their behaviour reflects warmth and humanity even in harsh conditions. The author admired their courage, purity, and inner peace, which contrasted with the materialism of city life. Hill-folk value relationships and spiritual beliefs more than wealth or comfort, revealing their emotional depth and cultural sensitivity.

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

Ans:People often choose to face the hardships of long, dangerous journeys because of faith, curiosity, and a desire for self-discovery. In the text, the author’s trip to Mount Kailash was not just travel—it was a spiritual quest to complete the kora. Such pilgrimages give meaning and satisfaction beyond comfort. Pilgrims accept pain and difficulty as part of their devotion. Some travellers, like the author, also seek adventure and understanding of new cultures. The high passes, cold winds, and uncertain paths symbolize the challenges one must overcome to reach inner peace. Norbu, the Tibetan scholar, too joined the journey for academic and spiritual reasons. Difficult journeys teach patience, humility, and endurance. They help people realize their connection with nature and faith. Thus, hardship becomes a pathway to personal growth and spiritual fulfilment.

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

Ans: Legends often describe distant lands as pure, holy, or magical, but reality can be very different. In the text, Lake Manasarovar and Darchen were said to be sacred and beautiful. Earlier travellers like Ekai Kawaguchi and Sven Hedin had described the place as deeply moving and divine. However, when the author reached there, he saw only “dust, rocks, and accumulated refuse.” Hor, near the lake, appeared grim and lifeless instead of heavenly. The author’s experience shows that romantic stories about exotic places are often exaggerated. Yet, reality carries its own truth—the silence, the vastness, and the harsh beauty of Tibet have a spiritual power that legends cannot fully describe. The contrast between myth and experience makes the journey more meaningful, revealing how imagination and reality together shape human understanding of the world.

Thinking about Language [Page 65]

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

Tsetan uses simple and broken English with short phrases like “No problem, sir,” or “We will be there.” His English shows basic understanding but limited grammar. He probably learned it through interaction with foreign tourists, travellers, and drivers on the route to Mount Kailash. Since English is used for communication with outsiders, Tsetan might have picked it up by listening, speaking, and practising with travellers rather than through formal education.

2. What do the following utterances indicate?

(i) “I told her, through Daniel …”
This means the author did not speak the local language, so he communicated through an interpreter named Daniel. It shows the language barrier between the author and the local people.

(ii) “It’s a cold,” he said finally through Tsetan.
This shows that the doctor spoke in Tibetan, and Tsetan translated his words into English for the author. It again highlights the author’s dependence on others for communication due to language differences.

3. Guess the meaning of the following words.

• kora: a holy circumambulation or pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
• drokba: a nomad or herdsman who moves with his animals across the Tibetan plateau.
• kyang: a wild ass found in the high plains of Tibet.

Language: These words belong to the Tibetan language.

Working with Words [Page 65]

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

Examples from the text include:

• “The sun shone brilliantly in a cloudless sky.”
• “The river was a bluish stream that sparkled in the sunlight.”
• “The mountain sloped gently and was covered with patches of snow.”
• “The plains were bright with the light of a flawless half-moon.”
• “The sky was so clear that every detail of the distant mountains stood out sharply.”

These phrases create vivid visual images of the cold, pure, and vast beauty of Tibet’s landscape.

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

Phrase	Explanation
(i) shaggy monsters	Describes the Tibetan mastiffs as huge, fierce, and covered with thick, untidy fur.
(ii) brackish lakes	Refers to the slightly salty lakes found in Tibet, showing their unpleasant taste and dryness.
(iii) rickety table	Describes a shaky, weak, and roughly made table, suggesting poor furniture in the place.
(iv) hairpin bend	Refers to a sharp, narrow turn in a mountain road, shaped like a hairpin.
(v) rudimentary general stores	Describes very basic, simple shops with only essential goods, showing the remoteness of the area.

Noticing form [Page 66]

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

Passive voice sentences from the text:

• “The old vehicle was repaired with great difficulty.”
• “The snow-covered track was crossed carefully.”
• “The car was packed with our belongings.”
• “I was taken to the medical college at Darchen.”
• “He was given some Tibetan medicine.”

Explanation:

The author mostly uses active voice to make the narrative direct, lively, and personal. Active sentences like “Tsetan drove carefully” or “I told her through Daniel” show movement and involvement.
Using the active voice helps the reader travel along with the author, experiencing the same tension, beauty, and adventure. It creates a clear, realistic picture of actions and emotions, which suits the travelogue style of Silk Road. The few passive sentences are used only when the doer is less important or unknown.

2. Notice this construction: “Tsetan was eager to have them fixed.”

Write five sentences with a similar structure.**

The structure is:
Subject + be verb + adjective (showing feeling/desire) + to have + object + past participle.

Examples:

1. The teacher was anxious to have the papers checked before Monday.
2. She was happy to have her dress stitched for the festival.
3. I was relieved to have the car repaired after the breakdown.
4. They were impatient to have the room cleaned before the guests arrived.
5. We were eager to have our tickets confirmed early.
   

Extract-Based Questions: Silk Road Questions Answers

One Prose extract from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation. 3×1=3 Marks

Extract 1 

“A flawless half-moon floated in a perfect blue sky. The sun emerged to splash the distant mountain tops with a rose-tinted blush. She emerged carrying one of the long-sleeved sheepskin coats that all the men wore. I’d told her through Daniel that I was heading towards Mount Kailash to complete the kora.”

Questions:
(i) What does the extract suggest about the sunrise on the mountains?
(ii) What did Lhamo give the author as they were leaving?
(iii) Why did the author travel to Mount Kailash?

Ans.
(i) (c) The sun gave the mountain tops a rose-tinted blush, making the view beautiful.
(ii) Lhamo gave the author one of the long-sleeved sheepskin coats that all the men wore.
(iii) The author travelled to Mount Kailash to complete the kora, a religious pilgrimage.

Extract 2 

“Further on, where the plains became more stony than grassy, a great herd of wild ass came into view. Tsetan told us we were approaching them long before they appeared. ‘Kyang,’ he said. As the hills started to push up, we passed solitary drokbas tending their flocks. Sometimes men, sometimes women.”

Questions:
(i) What did Tsetan tell them as they moved forward?
(ii) Who were the ‘drokbas’?
(iii) What did the Tibetan doctor give to the author when he was unwell?

Ans.
(i) (c) Tsetan told them they were approaching the wild asses long before they appeared.
(ii) ‘Drokbas’ are the hill tribe people (shepherds) that the author saw tending their flocks — sometimes men, sometimes women.
(iii) The Tibetan doctor gave a five-day course of Tibetan medicine in a brown envelope stuffed with fifteen screws of paper.

Extract 3 

“We crept past 5,400 metres and my head began to throb horribly. We finally reached the top of the pass at 5,515 metres. It was marked by a large cairn of rocks festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. We ate hot noodles inside a long canvas tent, part of a workcamp erected beside a dry salt lake.”

Questions:
(i) Why did the narrator’s head begin to ache?
(ii) What did they find at the pass of 5,515 metres?
(iii) What did they eat for lunch and where?

Ans.
(i) (c) The narrator’s head began to ache because they crept past 5,400 metres, causing altitude sickness.
(ii) They found a large cairn of rocks decorated with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags.
(iii) They ate hot noodles inside a long canvas tent that was part of a workcamp beside a dry salt lake.

Extract 4 

“We passed nomads’ dark tents, usually with a huge black dog, a Tibetan mastiff, standing guard. These beasts would cock their great big heads when they became aware of our approach. They would explode into action, speeding directly towards us, like a bullet from a gun and nearly as fast. These shaggy monsters, blacker than the darkest night, usually wore bright red collars and barked furiously with massive jaws. They were completely fearless of our vehicle, shooting straight into our path, causing Tsetan to brake and swerve. The dog would make chase for a hundred metres or so before easing off.”

Questions:
(i) What kind of dogs did the author see while travelling?
(ii) How did the dogs react when the car came close?
(iii) Why were these dogs popular in China’s imperial courts?

Ans.
(i) (b) They were huge Tibetan mastiffs, black and fierce.
(ii) The dogs barked furiously and chased the car, showing no fear, forcing Tsetan to brake and swerve.
(iii) These mastiffs were popular in China’s imperial courts as hunting dogs brought from Tibet along the Silk Road.

Extract 5 

“The café was small. Norbu saw my book and said, ‘You English?’ He was Tibetan, he told me, but worked in Beijing at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in the Institute of Ethnic Literature. ‘Yes and no,’ he said. ‘I have come to do the kora. We could be a team,’ he said excitedly. ‘Two academics who have escaped from the library.’ He suggested we hire some yaks to carry our luggage.”

Questions:
(i) Where did Norbu work?
(ii) Why was the author relieved to meet Norbu?
(iii) What did Norbu suggest for carrying luggage?

Ans.
(i) (c) Norbu worked in Beijing at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in the Institute of Ethnic Literature.
(ii) The author was relieved because Norbu too had come to do the kora, and said they could be a team — “Two academics who have escaped from the library.”
(iii) Norbu suggested they hire some yaks to carry their luggage.

Extract 6 

“Tsetan took me to the medical college at Darchen. The Tibetan doctor gave me a five-day course of medicine in a brown envelope stuffed with fifteen screws of paper. As a Buddhist, Tsetan told me, he knew that it didn’t really matter if I passed away, but he thought it would be bad for business. He took care of me as if I were a close friend, making sure I rested well before continuing the journey.”

Questions:
(i) Who took the author to the medical college at Darchen?
(ii) What did the Tibetan doctor give the author?
(iii) What does Tsetan’s statement about life and death show about his beliefs?

Ans.
(i) (c) Tsetan took the author to the medical college at Darchen when he was unwell.
(ii) The Tibetan doctor gave a five-day course of medicine in a brown envelope stuffed with fifteen screws of paper.
(iii) Tsetan’s statement shows his Buddhist belief that life and death are natural and not to be feared, yet he cared deeply for the author’s wellbeing.

Extract 7

“The drive was smooth at first, across vast stretches of plains with occasional herds of gazelles grazing in the distance. The sky was spotless blue and the air crisp and cold. As the road climbed higher, the wind grew stronger, and the landscape turned barren. Yet the beauty of Tibet lay in its emptiness and silence, stretching endlessly to the horizon.”

Questions:
(i) How was the drive at the beginning of the journey?
(ii) What changes did the author notice as they climbed higher?
(iii) What does the author find beautiful about Tibet?

Ans.
(i) (b) The drive was smooth at first, across vast plains with herds of gazelles grazing in the distance.
(ii) As they climbed higher, the wind became stronger and the landscape turned barren.
(iii) The author found the beauty of Tibet in its vast emptiness, silence, and endless horizon.

Extract 8

“When I reached Darchen, I found it almost deserted. There were no pilgrims, no tourists, and not many shops open. The town looked dusty and neglected, with a few prayer flags fluttering in the cold wind. I had hoped for some company, but there was none. The place seemed to be waiting — waiting for the season to begin, for life to return.”

Questions:
(i) What did the author find when he reached Darchen?
(ii) Why did the author feel lonely there?
(iii) What does the description of Darchen suggest about the place?

Ans.
(i) (b) The author found Darchen almost deserted, with few open shops and no pilgrims or tourists.
(ii) The author felt lonely because there was no company — no other travellers or pilgrims had arrived yet.
(iii) The description suggests Darchen was a silent, neglected town waiting for the pilgrimage season to begin.

Extract 9

“The trail started to climb sharply, and the turns became hairpin bends. Snow began to fall lightly, making the road slippery. At one point, we had to stop and fix a puncture in the freezing cold. Tsetan was eager to have it fixed quickly so that we could move on before the weather got worse.”

Questions:
(i) What made the road journey difficult for the travellers?
(ii) What problem did they face during the journey?
(iii) Why was Tsetan eager to fix the problem quickly?

Ans.
(i) (c) The trail became steep with sharp hairpin bends, and snow made the road slippery.
(ii) They faced a puncture in the freezing cold, which delayed their journey.
(iii) Tsetan was eager to fix it quickly so that they could move on before the weather worsened.

Short Answer Type Questions:  Silk Road Questions Answers

One Short answer type question (one from Prose from the book Hornbill), to be answered in 40-50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. 3×1=3 Marks

1. Giving farewell present is a significant part of hospitality. How has this custom been upheld by Lhamo in ‘Silk Road’?
Ans. When the author told Lhamo that he was going to Mount Kailash, she showed her hospitality by giving him a farewell present. She gave him a long-sleeved sheepskin coat which the shepherds normally wore. Lhamo thought that the coat would protect him from the cold weather on the mountain and keep him safe during his journey.

2. Snow plays a significant role in this story. Explain its role as a hurdle in ‘Silk Road’.
Ans. In the story, snow plays a very important role. It not only adds beauty to the mountain landscape but also becomes a hurdle in the author’s journey. The heavy snow slowed down their progress and made the road slippery and dangerous. It affected the time they took to reach their destination and added both danger and adventure to the journey.

3. While crossing the rocky wilderness, they saw drokbas. Write a short note on them.
Ans. While crossing the rocky wilderness, the author and his companions saw solitary drokbas, who were shepherds living in Tibet. Both men and women were wrapped in sheepskin coats and were tending their flocks. They would stop and stare at the passing car and sometimes waved. The drokbas lived a simple life in the harsh mountain region.

4. Describe the Tibetan mastiff’s reaction when they approached.
Ans. The Tibetan mastiff dogs would lift their great big heads when they noticed the car coming. As the author and his companions came nearer, the dogs would suddenly rush towards them like bullets from a gun. They barked furiously and showed no fear. Their loud barking made Tsetan brake and swerve to avoid hitting them.

5. Why was the plateau on the top of the mountain pockmarked with salt flats?
Ans. The plateau on the top of the mountain was pockmarked with salt flats because it had once been part of the Tethys Ocean. After the great continental collision, the plateau was raised above the sea level. The seawater evaporated, leaving behind salt residues, which created the white salt flats seen on the plateau.

6. The place of salt flats was a hive of activity. Explain.
Ans. The area near the salt flats was full of life and work. Men were busy with pickaxes and shovels, working hard to collect salt. They walked back and forth wearing long sheepskin coats and salt-covered boots. They carried heavy loads of salt mined from the flats, making the place look like a busy working area.

7. Describe the author’s troubles at Darchen.
Ans. At Darchen, the author suffered from a bad cold. His nose was blocked, and he could not sleep properly at night. Whenever he started to doze off, he woke up suddenly feeling breathless. His chest felt heavy because he was unable to get enough oxygen at the high altitude. This made him very uncomfortable.

8. Write a short note on Norbu.
Ans. Norbu was a Tibetan scholar who worked in Beijing at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in the Institute of Ethnic Literature. He came to Darchen to do the kora around Mount Kailash. He was friendly and intelligent. Like the author, he was not deeply religious but wanted to experience the kora himself.

9. Give reasons for Norbu’s arrival to Kailash.
Ans. Norbu had been writing academic papers on the Kailash kora and its importance in Buddhist literature for many years. However, he had never actually done it himself. So, he came to Darchen to perform the kora and experience it personally. He wanted to understand what he had been studying and writing about.

10. Norbu was an ideal companion for the author. Analyse.
Ans. Norbu was an ideal companion for the author because both of them were academicians who wanted to take a break from their scholarly work. Neither of them was deeply religious, and both wanted to do the kora in a relaxed way. They shared similar thoughts and could understand each other well, making their journey pleasant.

11. What is the significance of the Tibetan mastiffs mentioned in the travelogue, and how do they contribute to the atmosphere of the journey?
Ans. The Tibetan mastiffs were large, strong, and fierce dogs known for guarding the flocks and homes in the mountains. They were tied up during the day but set free at night. Their presence in the story added adventure, fear, and excitement. They showed the wild and untamed nature of the region, making the journey seem risky and thrilling.

12. How does the author’s interaction with the local people, like Lhamo and Norbu, reflect the cultural setting of the region?
Ans. The author’s meeting with Lhamo and Norbu shows the warmth and culture of Tibet. Lhamo welcomed him kindly and gave him a sheepskin coat, showing the Tibetan custom of hospitality. Norbu, a scholar, showed the deep spiritual and cultural connection of the people with Mount Kailash. These meetings helped the author understand Tibetan kindness, spirituality, and traditions.

13. How does the author’s experience at Darchen Medical College contribute to the narrative?
Ans. When the author started feeling breathless and weak because of the high altitude at Darchen, he went to the Medical College for help. The Tibetan doctor there gave him a five-day course of medicine in a brown envelope, which helped him recover. This incident shows the local medical practices and adds realism to his travel experience.

14. How did the author and his companions feel when crossing the rocky plains?
Ans. When the author and his companions were crossing the rocky plains, they felt a mixture of excitement and caution. The ground was uneven and difficult to walk on, and the journey was tiring. They had to carefully observe their path while admiring the natural beauty around them. The rough terrain made the journey adventurous and challenging.

15. Describe the first sighting of the wild ass herd.
Ans. As they continued their journey, they saw a great herd of wild asses in the stony plains. Tsetan told them they were approaching the herd long before they appeared. The animals moved gracefully across the landscape. Seeing the herd created a sense of awe and wonder, showing the beauty and wildness of the Tibetan wilderness.

16. What precautions did the travelers take at high altitudes?
Ans. At high altitudes, the author and his companions faced difficulties like breathlessness and headaches. They had to move slowly and carefully to avoid exhaustion. They drank water, rested frequently, and used warm clothing, such as sheepskin coats, to protect themselves from the cold. These measures helped them continue the journey safely despite the harsh environment.

17. How did the environment affect the author’s journey near Mount Kailash?
Ans. The environment around Mount Kailash was harsh and challenging. The snow, rocky terrain, and high altitude made the journey tiring and difficult. The cold and lack of oxygen affected the author physically. At the same time, the beauty of the mountains, the wildlife, and the cultural aspects of the region made the journey memorable and adventurous.

Long Answer Type Questions: Silk Road Questions Answers

One Long answer type question, from Prose of Hornbill, to be answered in 120-150 words. Questions can be based on incident / theme / passage / extract / event, as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative response from the student.  1×6=6 Marks

1. How does the journey through the Silk Road reflect the spiritual and personal growth of the author?

Ans. The journey through the Silk Road represents the author’s physical and spiritual path. As he travels, he faces harsh landscapes, high altitudes, and challenging conditions that test his endurance. These physical trials mirror his inner journey, where he seeks a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. The sacred destination of Mount Kailash is not just a goal but a symbol of spiritual growth. Meeting people like Tsetan and Lhamo helps the author learn about Tibetan culture, spirituality, and the significance of the places he visits. These interactions broaden his perspectives and provide valuable insights into local customs and beliefs. Ultimately, the journey fosters personal growth, giving him a deeper appreciation for the Silk Road’s spiritual and cultural significance. Through these experiences, the author gains resilience, knowledge, and a profound sense of inner fulfilment.

2. What role does the natural environment, such as the cold desert and mountain terrain, play in shaping the experience and mood of the travelogue?

Ans. The natural environment, including the cold desert and mountain terrain, plays a crucial role in shaping the experience and mood of the travelogue. The barren and harsh landscape reflects the author’s struggles, adding a sense of isolation and challenge to his journey. The vast emptiness of the cold desert and the towering mountains create a backdrop of awe and reverence, highlighting the spiritual nature of the journey. Extreme conditions, such as freezing temperatures and thin air, intensify the adventure and danger, making the journey more memorable. These environmental factors also test the author’s physical endurance and patience. Moreover, the natural surroundings deepen his connection to the sacred places he visits along the Silk Road. The harsh yet majestic landscape not only challenges him but also inspires reflection, reverence, and a greater understanding of the spiritual and cultural essence of the region.

3. On returning home, Nick Middleton writes his thoughts reflecting on how his experience of Hor was a stark contrast to the accounts he had read of the earlier travellers. Imagine yourself to be Nick Middleton and express these thoughts.

Ans. Hor was a small town in the back on the main East-West highway that followed the old trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir. I found the place very grim and miserable. There was no vegetation whatsoever, just dust and rocks, liberally scattered with years of accumulated rubbish left behind by tourists. The town sat on the shore of Lake Manasarovar, Tibet’s most venerated stretch of water. Ancient Hindu and Buddhist scriptures tell that Lake Manasarovar is the source of four great Indian rivers: Indus, Ganges, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra. In truth, only the Sutlej flows from the lake, but the headwaters of the others all rise nearby on the slopes of Mount Kailash. My experience in Hor came as a stark contrast to accounts I had read of earlier travellers’ first encounters with Lake Manasarovar. Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese monk who had arrived there in 1900, was so moved by the sanctity of the lake that he burst into tears. Similarly, in 1902, Sven Hedin from Sweden was moved by the vision of the lake. However, now I saw open-air dumps of rubbish in the town. This experience made me realize the difference between earlier travellers’ awe and the present reality.

4. The chapter ‘Silk Road’ portrays Nick Middleton as an adventurous but at heart more a meticulous academic than a daredevil. Imagine yourself to be a professor of geography who has to address university students. Write this address in 120-150 words based on your reading of the story.

Ans. Good morning, students! Oxford professor and travel writer, Nick Middleton, is truly an adventurer, but at heart he is a meticulous academic rather than a daredevil. In his journey along the Silk Road, he carefully observes the mountains, plains, and the nomadic people known as drokbas, noting their customs and way of life. He records details about the landscape, the rivers, and even the plateau with salt flats that were once part of the Tethys Ocean. While climbing high passes, he faces snow, rapid ascents, and breathlessness, showing both adventure and careful planning. He also observes Tibetan mastiffs guarding nomads’ tents and notes their behavior in detail. Middleton’s interactions with Lhamo and Norbu highlight his sensitivity and interest in local culture. His journey combines physical challenge with careful observation and scholarly notes, making him a traveller who values knowledge as much as experience.

5. Describe the challenges faced by Nick Middleton while crossing high-altitude passes during his journey on the Silk Road.

Ans. Nick Middleton faced many challenges while crossing high-altitude passes on the Silk Road. As he crept past 5,400 metres, his head began to throb horribly and he felt breathless. The thin air made it difficult to breathe and he experienced dizziness and fatigue. When they finally reached the top of the pass at 5,515 metres, it was marked by a large cairn of rocks festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags, a sight both inspiring and exhausting. The journey required climbing steep, rocky slopes and negotiating snow-covered paths, which slowed down progress. Despite the cold and the pain in his head, he persevered and even managed to enjoy a meal of hot noodles inside a long canvas tent, part of a workcamp erected beside a dry salt lake. These experiences tested both his physical endurance and mental determination, highlighting the extreme nature of travel in this remote region.

6. How does Nick Middleton depict the local people, such as Lhamo and the drokbas, and their role in his journey?

Ans. Nick Middleton depicts the local people with great attention to detail and respect. Lhamo is shown as a kind and hospitable Tibetan woman who offers him a long-sleeved sheepskin coat as a farewell present, demonstrating the Tibetan custom of hospitality. The coat would protect him from the cold mountain weather, showing her concern for his well-being. While crossing the rocky wilderness, he also observes solitary drokbas, both men and women, well wrapped in sheepskin coats, tending their flocks. Sometimes they pause and stare at the car or wave as he passes. These interactions highlight the self-sufficiency and simplicity of the local people, as well as their connection with nature and the harsh landscape. Middleton’s careful observation of their attire, gestures, and daily work reflects both his academic interest and his respect for their culture. Through these encounters, readers understand the significance of human presence and local knowledge in navigating this challenging terrain.

7. Explain how Nick Middleton combines adventure with scholarly observation in his journey along the Silk Road.

Ans. Nick Middleton combines adventure with scholarly observation throughout his journey along the Silk Road. He climbs high-altitude passes, faces snow, rocky terrain, and breathlessness, demonstrating physical courage and endurance. At the same time, he meticulously notes the landscape, the rivers, and the plateau with salt flats that were once part of the Tethys Ocean. He observes Tibetan mastiffs guarding nomads’ tents, their size, behavior, and ferocity, reflecting his attention to detail. His interactions with locals like Lhamo and Norbu are recorded carefully, including cultural practices, hospitality, and the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. He also describes the history of the Silk Road, its trade routes, and ancient pilgrimage paths. By balancing personal adventure with academic study, Middleton presents the journey as both physically demanding and intellectually enriching. This combination helps readers experience the thrill of travel while understanding the geography, culture, and history of the region.

Sample Question Paper Set – 1

Extract-Based Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

“The snow didn’t look too deep to me, but the danger wasn’t its depth, Daniel said, so much as its top layer. ‘If we slip off, the car could turn over,’ he suggested, as we saw Tsetan grab handfuls of dirt and fling them across the frozen surface. We both pitched in and, when the snow was spread with soil, Daniel and I stayed out of the vehicle to lighten Tsetan’s load. He backed up and drove towards the dirty snow, eased the car onto its icy surface and slowly drove its length without apparent difficulty.”

Questions:
(i) What was the danger as a result of the snow?
(a) Its depth
(b) They could slip off on it
(c) Their car could turn over
(d) Both (b) and (c)

(ii) Identify the phrase from the passage that allows the reader to infer the reason why the author and Daniel also contributed in covering the snow with soil along with Tsetan.

(iii) Complete the following suitably:
To cross the frozen track, Tsetan, Daniel and the author …

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How does the author describe the atmosphere and the sky when they were leaving Ravut?
2. Why did the travellers decide to take a shortcut which made them get off the main road?
3. What did the river, dogged with ice, indicate to the travellers?
4. What were the reasons for the author’s illness which kept him awake during the first night at Darchen?
5. Explain how the author deals with the physical difficulties of high altitude and the extreme conditions during the trip.
6. Discuss the contrast between the author’s expectations and the reality he encounters in Hor.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. What steps did the travellers take to negotiate the snow on the road during the shortcut they took to reach Hor?
2. You are a news writer for a newspaper. After reading Nick Middleton’s story, The Silk Road, you were very disappointed about how the authorities have neglected the environment near Lake Mansarovar and at Darchen. Write an article in 120–150 words describing the poor conditions in these regions and suggest some steps they should have taken to ensure that it did not deteriorate.
   You may begin like this:
   Travelling to Lake Mansarovar and Darchen has become so challenging that…
   

Sample Question Paper Set – 2

Extract-Based Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

“We crept past 5,400 metres and my head began to throb horribly. We finally reached the top of the pass at 5,515 metres. It was marked by a large cairn of rocks festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. We ate hot noodles inside a long canvas tent, part of a workcamp erected beside a dry salt lake.”

Questions:
(i) Why did the narrator’s head begin to throb at 5,400 metres?

(a) Cold weather
(b) Thin air and high altitude
(c) Fatigue from walking
(d) Lack of water

(ii) What did they find at the top of the pass?

(iii) Where did the author and his companions eat lunch?

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How does the author describe the workcamp near the dry salt lake?
2. What significance do the white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags hold at the pass?
3. How did the extreme altitude affect the author physically and mentally?
4. How does the author describe the landscape while climbing the pass?
5. Mention the precautions the author took to cope with the high altitude.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Describe the journey to the pass at 5,515 metres, focusing on both physical and environmental challenges.
2. Imagine you are a travel writer like Nick Middleton. Write a 120–150-word description of the salt lake area, the workcamp, and the surrounding mountains for your readers.

Sample Question Paper Set – 3

Extract Based Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

“Further on, where the plains became more stony than grassy, a great herd of wild ass came into view. Tsetan told us we were approaching them long before they appeared. ‘Kyang,’ he said. As hills started to push up, we passed solitary drokbas tending their flocks. Sometimes men, sometimes women.”

Questions:
(i) What did Tsetan tell the travellers about the herd of wild ass?

(ii) Who are ‘drokbas’ and what were they doing?

(iii) How did the landscape change as they moved further along the plains?

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How does the author describe the plains as they approached the herd of wild ass?
2. What role do the drokbas play in the story and the landscape?
3. How does Tsetan’s guidance help the travellers?
4. Describe the interaction, if any, between the author and the drokbas.
5. Why does the author emphasize the changing terrain along the route?

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Write a detailed account of the author’s encounter with the herd of wild ass and the drokbas, including the environmental and cultural aspects of the journey.
2. Imagine you are Nick Middleton giving a lecture to geography students. Explain in 120–150 words how the terrain, people, and animals along the Silk Road influence a traveller’s experience.

Sample Question Paper Set – 4

Extract Based Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

“We passed nomads’ dark tents, usually with a huge black dog, a Tibetan mastiff, standing guard. These beasts would cock their great big heads when they became aware of our approach and would explode into action, speeding directly towards us. They were completely fearless of our vehicle, shooting straight into our path, causing Tsetan to brake and swerve. The dog would make chase for a hundred metres or so before easing off.”

Questions:
(i) What kind of dogs did the author see near the nomads’ tents?

(ii) How did the Tibetan mastiffs react when they saw the travellers?

(iii) How far would the dogs chase the vehicle before easing off?

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Describe the appearance of the Tibetan mastiffs in the story.
2. What effect did the mastiffs’ chase have on the travellers’ journey?
3. Why were the mastiffs considered important by the nomads?
4. How does the author portray the ferocity and bravery of the dogs?
5. How does this encounter add tension and excitement to the travelogue?

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Explain the role of Tibetan mastiffs in the Silk Road journey, focusing on both their protective and cultural significance.
2. Imagine you are a travel blogger writing 120–150 words on the author’s encounter with Tibetan mastiffs. Describe the dogs’ behavior and the travellers’ reactions vividly.