Class - XI [Hornbill] Unit - 8: Silk Road by Nick Middleton

Class - XI [Hornbill] Unit - 8: Silk Road by Nick Middleton

Glossary

1. Loaves – bread shaped and baked in one piece which is usually sliced before being eatenKora – meditation performed by Buddhist believers
2. Ducking Back – going inside and then coming out
3. Size me up – to look at someone attentively
4. Clambered – move or climb in an awkward way
5. Drokba – Shepherd
6. Gazelles – an African or Asian mammal with large eyes that moves quickly and hoofs
7. Nibbling – take a small bite from
8. Arid – having little or no rain
9. Pastures – land covered with grass
10. Frown – to disapprove of something
11. Bounding – jump; hop; bounce
12. Wild ass – an animal who have ears shorter than a horse and smaller in size
13. Herd – a large group of animal
14. Galloping – progressing in an uncontrollable manner
15. En masse – in a group
16. Manoeuvres – military exercises
17. Plumes – Trails
18. Billowed – filled with air; swelled out
19. Wilderness – wasteland
20. Solitary – private
21. Flocks – a group of birds
22. Evasive – slippery
23. Veering – to change direction suddenly
24. Shaggy – bushy or hairy
25. Swerve – change direction suddenly
26. Ferocious – cruel or violent
27. Mastiffs – a dog who is a strong breed with dropping ears saggy ears
28. Glinting – sparkle or twinkle
29. Meanders – to follow a winding course of a river or road
30. Daubed – spread a thick sticky substance on a surface carelessly
31. Lichen – a slow-growing plant which grows on walls, trees or rocks
32. Clung – hold tightly onto something
33. Swathe – a long strip of land
34. Petered out – to diminish gradually and stop
35. Encrusted – decorated with a hard surface layer
36. Slither – to move smoothly over a surface
37. Fling – throw
38. Lurching – listing
39. Throb – pulsate
40. Ascent – climb on an upward slope
41. Cairn of rocks – the pile of stone on the top of the mountain, especially where someone is buried.
42. Festooned – decorated
43. Careered down – sinking the slope
44. Salt flats – thatched roof covered with snow
45. Pockmarked – disfigured with a scar
46. Brackish – slightly salty water
47. Vestiges – a trace of something that is disappearing
48. Laden – loaded
49. Grim – ugly or grey
50. Accumulated – gathered
51. Venerated – respected
52. Cosmology – science about the origin and development of the universe
53. Flanks – sides
54. Forge – put together; build-up
55. Filthy – dirty
56. Rag – scrap cloth
57. Solitary – private
58. Confinement – detention; captivity
59. Stark – plain
60. Sanctity – pure
61. Nocturnal – night time
62. Gasping – breathlessness
63. Propping – to hold up
64. Paraphernalia – miscellaneous articles
65. Pellets – shots
66. Derelict – ruined
67. Heaps – loads
68. Wisp – a small amount of something
69. Rudimentary – basic or primary
70. Incongruous – strange
71. Brook – a small stream
72. Pondering – thinking
73. Well-trodden – much frequented by travellers
74. Cavernous – vast
75. Wreathed – twisted
76. Stout – firm
77. Rickety – unstable
78. Tiresome – dull and boring
79. Transpired – leaked
80. Envisaged – predicted
81. Devout – deep
82. Prostrating – lying down

Notice these expressions in the text (NCERT)

1. ducking back: quickly going inside and then coming out
2. manoeuvres: military exercises involving a large number of soldiers, ships, etc.
3. billowed: filled with the air and swelled out
4. swathe: literally: a long strip of land of something; contextually: a land stretched with snow
5. cairn of rocks: a pile of stones that mark a special place such as the top of a mountain or a place where somebody is buried
6. careered down: descending the slope
7. salt flats: thatched roofed houses covered with snow

Overview: The story, written by Nick Middleton, describes the narrator’s journey from the slopes of Ravu to Mount Kailash in order to complete the kora. Before his departure, Lhamo gifted him a long-sleeved sheepskin coat as a farewell gesture. He rented a car from Tsetan for the trip and was accompanied by Daniel, who served as his escort to Darchen.

Summary
The protagonist set out to complete the kora around Mount Kailash and hired Tsetan to drive him there. As a farewell gift, Lhamo gave him a long-sleeved sheepskin coat for the journey. The protagonist was accompanied by Daniel until they reached Darchen.

Tsetan decided to take a shortcut to the southwest, a direct route to Mount Kailash. The journey required crossing high mountain passes. Tsetan assured the protagonist that the trip would be fine as long as there was no snow. Along the way, they passed through areas with gazelles, wild asses, and shepherds tending their flocks.

As they neared a hill, they saw dark tents belonging to nomads, with Tibetan mastiffs standing guard outside. These large dogs chased after the car as it passed. When they entered the valley, the protagonist was struck by the sight of snow-capped mountains and rivers, some of which were frozen.

The road became increasingly difficult as they ascended the mountain. The turns were sharp, and the road grew bumpier. Tsetan drove in third gear, and the protagonist could feel pressure in his ears. He pinched his nose and blew to relieve the congestion. He checked his wristwatch—it read 5210 meters above sea level.

They soon encountered their first obstacle: a road covered in snow. Tsetan spread dirt on the snow to help the car grip and drove carefully over the icy patches. After resuming their journey, the protagonist's headache worsened, so he drank some water from his bottle as they continued climbing. They reached 5515 meters above sea level before stopping again. This time, when Tsetan opened the fuel tank, the petrol hissed due to the low atmospheric pressure. Tsetan warned them not to smoke nearby.

Around 2:00 p.m., they stopped for lunch. By then, the protagonist’s headache had subsided. Later that afternoon, they arrived at a small town called Hor, where they rejoined the east-west highway, an old route from Lhasa to Kashmir. Daniel took a lift to Lhasa, and Tsetan had to deal with a few punctures in the car, which caused some concern. Once the punctures were fixed, the protagonist waited at a local café in Hor, sipping tea. He found the town to be rather bleak.

Tsetan returned, and they continued their journey. By 10:30 p.m., they arrived at a guesthouse in Darchen to spend the night. The protagonist became ill, suffering from congestion due to the high altitude and cold weather, and spent the night awake. The next morning, Tsetan took him to a Tibetan medical college, where the protagonist saw a doctor who prescribed a five-day course of medicine, which was given to him in a brown envelope.

After taking the medicine for a day, the protagonist begins to feel better. Tsetan, confident that the protagonist’s condition was improving, left him in Darchen to rest. Darchen had a general store that sold basic goods like Chinese cigarettes and soap. Each afternoon, the local men would gather at a shabby table to play pool, while women washed their hair in the narrow stream nearby.

Despite its charm, Darchen had one significant drawback: it lacked pilgrims. According to the locals, during the peak pilgrimage season, the town would be bustling with travellers, but at that time, it was unusually quiet.

At a café in Darchen, the protagonist met Norbu, a Tibetan man who worked in Beijing at the Institute of Ethnic Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Science. Norbu had come to Darchen to complete the kora, just like the protagonist. However, he was overweight and found walking difficult. The protagonist decides to join Norbu on the pilgrimage. They hired yaks to carry their luggage.

But soon, Norbu admitted that it was impossible for him to continue. He collapsed across the table, laughing hysterically, his large belly preventing him from going any further.

Background and History of the Silk Road: The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East (China, Central Asia) to the West (Europe, the Middle East), facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, religion, and knowledge. Spanning over 4,000 miles, it was not a single road but rather a series of interconnected routes used by traders, travelers, and pilgrims. The name "Silk Road" derives from the lucrative trade in silk that was transported from China to the West.

Origins: The route began during the Han Dynasty (2nd century BCE) and flourished through the Tang Dynasty (7th-9th centuries CE). It connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Cultural Exchange: It allowed for the spread of goods (silk, spices, and precious metals), technologies (paper, gunpowder), and ideas, including Buddhism, which is central to the spiritual themes in Middleton’s story.

Connection with the Story: While the Silk Road was traditionally known for its trade in commodities, it also facilitated the movement of people on pilgrimages. The journey to Mount Kailash, which the narrator undertakes, mirrors the experiences of those who traveled the Silk Road in search of spiritual enlightenment and cultural exchange. The characters and interactions in the story—such as the local Tibetans and their hospitality—also echo the historical exchanges between East and West that the Silk Road enabled. The story’s exploration of remote landscapes, personal endurance, and spiritual growth connects deeply with the historical and cultural significance of the Silk Road.

Story Analysis
Central Idea: The narrator's journey through the Tibetan Plateau, particularly to Mount Kailash, explores the physical and spiritual challenges of completing the kora (pilgrimage circuit) and the profound cultural and personal experiences along the way.

Themes:

1. Spirituality and Pilgrimage: The sacred significance of Mount Kailash and the kora for pilgrims.
2. Cultural Encounter: The interaction between the narrator and the Tibetan people, highlighting cultural differences and common human experiences.
3. Human Endurance: The physical and mental challenges faced during the journey.
4. Isolation and Reflection: The solitude of the journey fostering personal introspection.

Message: The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is not just a physical journey, but also a spiritual and transformative experience that offers deeper insights into both the self and the world.

Underlying Message: The journey symbolizes a quest for meaning and connection, both with the divine and with others, underscoring the idea that travel can be as much about self-discovery as it is about exploring new places.

Setting: The story takes place in the remote and rugged landscapes of Tibet, particularly around Mount Kailash and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau.

Characters:

1. The Narrator (Nick Middleton): The protagonist embarking on the pilgrimage.
2. Lhamo: A kind Tibetan woman who gives the narrator a sheepskin coat.
3. Tsetan: A local who provides transport for the journey.
4. Daniel: The narrator’s companion who helps escort him to Darchen.

Literary Elements:

1. Descriptive Imagery: Vivid depictions of the Tibetan landscape and the pilgrimage.
2. Symbolism: Mount Kailash as a symbol of spiritual journey and transformation.
3. First-Person Narrative: The story is told from the narrator's perspective, emphasizing personal reflection and experience.

Point of View: First-Person: The story is told from the narrator's point of view, offering an intimate, subjective account of his journey.

Title Justification: The title "Silk Road" is fitting because the story metaphorically follows the ancient trade route's spirit of exploration, connection, and cultural exchange. Although the narrator's journey is primarily focused on a spiritual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, it echoes the historical significance of the Silk Road, which facilitated not only the movement of goods but also ideas, religions, and cultures. The journey in the story, like the Silk Road, bridges distant lands and cultures, highlighting human interaction and the pursuit of spiritual meaning.

Description of the Story's Connectivity to the Silk Road: In Nick Middleton's "Silk Road", the narrator embarks on a journey through remote Tibetan landscapes, a region that was historically connected to the greater Silk Road trade network. While the main focus is on the narrator's pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, the story draws on the broader theme of human connection and cultural exchange that the Silk Road represented. The physical journey through harsh terrains mirrors the difficult travels merchants and pilgrims undertook centuries ago. The sharing of stories, experiences, and the narrator's interactions with locals like Lhamo and Tsetan further reinforces the Silk Road’s legacy of interconnectedness, spirituality, and cultural exchange.

NCERT Question and Answers

Understanding the text

I. Give reasons for the following statements.
1. The article has been titled ‘Silk Road.’
Ans: The article is titled Silk Road because the author travelled through the mountains where the ancient Silk Road used to pass, connecting Tibet to China.

2. Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China’s imperial courts.
Ans: Tibetan mastiffs were ferocious and watchful guard dogs. When the author’s vehicle entered the property, they chased it down without fear. As a result, they were presented to the Chinese imperial court as a form of tribute from Tibet.

3. The author’s experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place.
Ans:The author’s experience at Hor contrasted with travel accounts such as those of Kawaguchi and Hedin, who were overcome by the beauty and serenity of the lake, and cried. The author observed a neglected Hor with sparse vegetation, a rocky and dusty landscape, and discarded waste in the surrounding area.

4. The author was disappointed with Darchen.
Ans:When they arrived in Darchen, the author couldn’t sleep due to a cold, so he sought treatment from a Tibetan doctor. When he looked around the next day, he noticed there were no pilgrims, which was a major disadvantage for his future journey.

5. The author thought that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all.
Ansr:When the author discovered no pilgrims in Darchen, he began to doubt his positive thinking. But, by chance, he ran into Norbu, who had also come to do kora. He was a professor in Beijing. When he suggested that they both form a team, the author realised that his positive thinking had paid off after all.

II. Briefly comment on
1. The purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash.
Ans:The author’s trip to Mount Kailash was part of a self-improvement programme. The author wanted to boost his positive thinking, so he went on a pilgrimage called the kora.

2. The author’s physical condition in Darchen.
Ans:At Darchen, one of the author’s nostrils became blocked. When he tried to sleep, he got up because his chest felt uneasy, though it was fine once he sat up. When he discovered he couldn’t lie down, he tried sleeping by leaning against a wall, but he became afraid of falling asleep due to his breathing problem. He felt better after taking the medication.

3. The author’s meeting with Norbu.
Ans:Norbu and the author met by chance in Darchen’s cafe. When Norbu noticed the author reading an English novel, he struck up a conversation, and they soon realised they were both headed for Korba. They decided to form a group.

4. Tsetan’s support to the author during the journey.
Ans: Tsetan drove the author from Ravu to Darchen in his four-wheel drive vehicle. He manoeuvred his way through the snowy terrain. When the author became ill, he also took him to the Darchen Medical College. Throughout, Tsetan was a dependable and approachable companion.

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:Tsetan was a devout Buddhist who believed that death was not the end of the world. Kailash is a holy place; going there would be better for him because it would transport him to heaven. Then, if the author died there, it would be bad for his business because his credibility in looking after the tourists would be jeopardised, and he might not get any customers later.

Thinking about language
1. Notice the kind of English Tsetan uses while talking to the author. How do you think he picked it up?
Ans:Tsetan’s English must have been picked up through his travels and interactions with the pilgrims he met.

2. What do the following utterances indicate?

(i) “I told her, through Daniel …”

(ii) “It’s a cold,” he said finally through Tsetan.
Ans:The preceding utterances demonstrate the absence of a common language. The author was unable to communicate in the local language and could only communicate in English. As a result, Daniel was the translator, and Tsetan was the one who translated the doctor’s words for the author.

3. Guess the meaning of the following words.
kora drokba kyang
In which language are these words found?
Ans:These are of Tibetan language.

HOTS
Q1. How do the interactions between the narrator and the local people, like Lhamo and Tsetan, reflect the theme of cultural exchange in the story?

Ans: The narrator's interactions with Lhamo and Tsetan demonstrate the theme of cultural exchange, where mutual respect and understanding transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The story shows how people from different backgrounds can connect, share experiences, and help each other, reflecting the broader spirit of the Silk Road—an exchange not only of goods but also of ideas and values.

Q2.In the context of the story, what is the significance of the narrator choosing to go on this journey with a companion like Daniel, and what does it suggest about human companionship on long, challenging endeavors?

Ans: The narrator's choice to travel with Daniel suggests the importance of companionship during difficult and transformative journeys. It underscores the idea that human connection, shared experience, and support are vital when facing challenges. The presence of a companion adds emotional strength, reinforces solidarity, and makes the journey more meaningful.

VBQ
Q1. The narrator travels to Mount Kailash for spiritual reasons. What values are highlighted through this journey?
Ans: The journey emphasizes values such as spiritual growth, respect for other cultures, and self-discovery. It reflects the importance of connecting with one's inner self and understanding different cultural and religious practices while on a journey of personal transformation.

Q2. How does the narrator's interaction with Tsetan and Daniel reflect the value of human connection and cooperation?
Ans: The narrator relies on Tsetan for transportation and is accompanied by Daniel as an escort. Their cooperation emphasizes the importance of human connection and the mutual support that people provide during a journey, demonstrating the value of companionship and working together towards a common goal.