6.1. Silk Road - Class 11 - Hornbill

BhashaLab
Jul 6
5 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Author: Nick Middleton

Textbook: Hornbill (CBSE Class XI)

Genre: Travelogue / Non-fiction Prose

Summary

“Silk Road” by Nick Middleton is a travel narrative that describes the author’s adventurous journey through the remote and rugged terrains of Tibet, aiming to complete a sacred pilgrimage (the kora) around Mount Kailash. He begins his journey from Ravu, accompanied by his driver Tsetan and guide Daniel. They traverse the vast, barren Changtang plains and negotiate dangerous mountain passes covered in snow, ice, and rocky tracks. The narrative details encounters with nomads, wild animals, and fierce Tibetan mastiffs.

Middleton faces challenges such as altitude sickness, blocked nasal passages, and a haunting fear of not waking up. He seeks treatment at the medical college in Darchen and is prescribed traditional Tibetan medicine. The town of Darchen appears bleak at first, but his spirits lift after a good night’s sleep. Eventually, he meets Norbu, a fellow academic who also wishes to do the kora. Though not a devout Buddhist, Norbu’s enthusiasm helps Middleton decide to undertake the pilgrimage with him. The chapter combines vivid description, humor, and insight into Tibetan life, spirituality, and landscape.

Character Sketch

Nick Middleton:

An adventurous and observant Englishman, Middleton is determined to complete the kora despite harsh conditions. He is curious, resilient, and sensitive to cultural nuances. His narration is rich in detail, blending humor with reflection. His humility and ability to connect with locals make his journey meaningful.

Tsetan:

A reliable and skilled Tibetan driver. He is calm under pressure and adept at navigating dangerous roads. His Buddhist faith and practical nature help guide the journey smoothly.

Norbu:

A Tibetan academic working in Beijing, enthusiastic about finally experiencing the pilgrimage he has long studied. Though overweight and underprepared, he is warm, humorous, and a supportive companion.

Themes

Theme	Description
Travel and Adventure	The narrative showcases the hardships and excitement of traveling in remote Tibet.
Pilgrimage and Spirituality	The kora around Mount Kailash holds religious significance for Buddhists.
Cultural Encounter	Middleton’s interaction with Tibetan locals highlights their customs and beliefs.
Human Endurance	The story explores physical and mental resilience in extreme conditions.
Humor and Irony	The author’s tone adds lightness to the serious challenges he faces.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example / Explanation
Imagery	Vivid descriptions of landscapes: “a flawless half-moon,” “billowed dust,” “salt flats.”
Simile	“Like a bullet from a gun” – to describe the charging Tibetan mastiff.
Metaphor	“The land is his and none of mine” – expresses emotional disconnection and cultural divide.
Humor	Self-deprecating tone, e.g., comparing a bald head to a smooth tire.
Allusion	References to ancient Silk Road, imperial courts, and Buddhist pilgrimage traditions.

Title Justification

The title “Silk Road” is symbolic and historically significant. While the ancient Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes connecting the East and West, in this narrative it represents both a physical journey through Tibet and a spiritual journey of exploration and understanding. It also reflects the connection between cultures, beliefs, and personal transformation. The title aptly captures the blend of adventure, cultural heritage, and introspection that the chapter offers.

One-Mark Questions

1. Why did Lhamo give the author a sheepskin coat?

→ Lhamo gave Middleton the coat to protect him from the cold weather in the mountains. She was concerned about his warmth during the journey to Mount Kailash.

2. What made the Tibetan mastiffs so fearsome?

→ The dogs were black, huge, wore red collars, and barked loudly while charging at vehicles. They were fearless and used to guard nomadic camps fiercely.

3. What problem did Tsetan face with the tyres?

→ Tsetan suffered two tyre punctures while driving down from the salt lake. He had no spare tyres left and had to visit a repair shop in Hor.

4. Why couldn’t the author sleep at Darchen initially?

→ The high altitude caused nasal blockage and chest heaviness, making him fearful of sleeping. He was scared he might not wake up again.

5. Who was Norbu and why did he interest the author?

→ Norbu was a Tibetan academic who had studied the kora but never performed it. His enthusiasm made him a promising travel companion for the author.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Describe the landscape the author encountered on the way to Mount Kailash.

→ The terrain was rugged and vast, with rolling plains, snow-covered passes, salt flats, and barren mountains. Wild gazelles, asses, and nomadic drokbas dotted the landscape. The roads were dangerous, often blocked with snow and rocks. The altitude added to the difficulty with breathing issues and vehicle troubles. The natural beauty, however, left a lasting impression on the author.

2. How did the author describe the town of Hor?

→ Hor was described as grim and miserable with no vegetation, just dust, rocks, and trash. It was situated on the shore of the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Despite its religious significance, the town appeared dirty and neglected. The author contrasted it with historical travellers’ emotional responses to the lake. His experience at Hor was unpleasant and disappointing.

3. What was the significance of the author’s meeting with Norbu?

→ Norbu, though overweight and under-equipped, shared the same goal of completing the kora. He was a researcher who had written about it but never done it. His academic background and Tibetan origin helped build rapport with the author. Despite his lack of physical preparedness, his excitement inspired Middleton. This meeting gave the author a suitable partner for his pilgrimage.

Value-Based Question

Q. What does the author’s journey in “Silk Road” teach us about resilience and cultural understanding?

→ The journey teaches us that resilience is not just about surviving physical hardship, but also adapting to uncertainty and discomfort. The author shows curiosity and respect for Tibetan culture, learning from every interaction. His experience with altitude sickness, harsh weather, and unexpected challenges shows the importance of preparation and perseverance. Meeting Norbu highlights how shared goals and openness to companionship can uplift the spirit. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes that travel is a pathway to deeper understanding—of both the world and oneself.

End

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