SILK ROAD CRITICAL NOTES
Q1. Justify the title of the story Silk Road.
Ans- The title “Silk Road” is fitting because the narrator’s journey closely follows a trade route that
was historically part of the vast network known as the Silk Road. In the extract, we see references to
how “the town of Hor … followed the old trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir,” which places the
narrator directly on one of the ancient trading paths. Moreover, the Tibetan mastiffs—described as
“fearless” and “ferocious”—were once taken along the Silk Road as tribute to China’s imperial courts,
reminding readers that this rugged terrain was not merely a wilderness but also a significant channel
for economic and cultural exchange over many centuries. Even the casual remark about plastic “as
one of China’s most successful exports along the Silk Road today” weaves together past and present
trade patterns, showing that modern goods still travel those same ancient routes. Thus, by
highlighting both the story’s physical trail to Mount Kailash and its historical connection to an old
trade highway, the title aptly symbolizes the deep cultural, commercial, and spiritual links threaded
along this path—a path that has been central to human interaction and pilgrimage throughout history.
Q2. Meticulously describe the itinerary of the narrator’s Kora. Explain with suitable references to the
text.
Ans- The narrator’s journey to undertake the kora unfolds in a carefully paced sequence of stops and
encounters, beginning in the settlement of Ravu and continuing through remote landscapes before arriving at
Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash. Each leg of the trip reveals both the physical rigours of travel at high
altitude and the cultural tapestry of this Tibetan region.
To start, the narrator bids farewell to Ravu under a “flawless half-moon” and accepts a warm
sheepskin coat from Lhamo—an early sign that the route ahead will demand protection from the
harsh elements. Tsetan, the narrator’s driver, chooses a shortcut across the Changtang plateau, a
route that heads almost directly southwest toward Mount Kailash. This shortcut proves to be a wild,
high-altitude drive over rolling hills and vast plains, where they spot gazelles nibbling the sparse
vegetation and come across herds of “kyang,” the wild ass of the region.
As the journey progresses, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged. The narrator encounters Tibetan
nomads, or “drokbas,” living in isolated tents guarded by formidable mastiffs. The winding roads
trace a river clogged with ice, and with every ascent, the narrator feels altitude’s impact—ears
popping and a growing headache. Tsetan’s driving skills are frequently tested by unexpected patches
of snow that force the vehicle to either plow ahead, carefully spreading dirt to gain traction, or
attempt precarious detours around the drifts.
Eventually, the group climbs to a high pass at 5,515 meters, marked by a cairn adorned with prayer
flags and white silk scarves. They circle it clockwise in customary reverence before descending to
lower ground. Hunger and fatigue lead them to pause at a workcamp by a dry salt lake, where
labourers mine salt in the bright glare. Soon thereafter, they reach Hor, a desolate place of “dust and
rocks” on the eastern edge of Lake Manasarovar—highly venerated in both Hindu and Buddhist
traditions for its proximity to the sacred Mount Kailash.
While waiting for tires to be repaired, the narrator battles a resurgent cold and altitude sickness. Even
after leaving Hor for Darchen, the exhaustion follows him. Late at night, they arrive in Darchen—a
dusty but important settlement at the base of Mount Kailash. The narrator’s first night there is full of
sleepless worry triggered by the altitude, but medical help at the local college provides relief. Over the
next days, he rests in Darchen, observing its sparse shops, local games of pool, and the trickle of
water in a small brook—still partly frozen. Despite hoping for the pilgrimage season crowds, the
narrator finds the town quiet.
It is in Darchen that he meets Norbu, a Tibetan academic who also wishes to do the kora but has
never done it before. Both men decide to join forces, hire some yaks for their gear, and embark on the
actual circumambulation of Mount Kailash once conditions permit. Thus, the itinerary of the
narrator’s kora begins with the overland crossing from Ravu, braving the Changtang plateau and its
daunting passes, pausing at Hor on the banks of Lake Manasarovar, and finally arriving in Darchen—
waiting at the threshold of Mount Kailash before setting off on the final phase of the pilgrimage.
Q3. How Tibetan and Buddhist culture has been depicted in the story Silk Road?
Ans- Tibetan and Buddhist culture permeates the narrator’s journey in several vivid ways. It is evident
from the clear markers of traditional Tibetan life through the nomadic “drokbas,” who herd sheep
across the bleak, high-altitude Changtang and live in isolated tents guarded by fierce Tibetan
mastiffs—dogs once prized along the Silk Road for their hunting prowess. The offering of a warm
sheepskin coat by Lhamo underscores the Tibetan custom of hospitality, while Tsetan’s repeated
assurances and practical wisdom about dealing with snow-laden mountain passes reflect the
resilience of local people in these harsh conditions. Buddhist beliefs surface prominently when the
travellers reach a pass at 5,515 metres, where they circle a cairn of rocks in the customary clockwise
direction, draped with prayer flags and white silk scarves. This ritual reveals their reverence for
sacred spaces and the tradition of making pilgrimages, or koras, around Mount Kailash. Even the visit
to the medical college in Darchen—resembling a monastery from the outside and staffed by a Tibetan
doctor who diagnoses the narrator’s ailments—points to a culture that intertwines spirituality, folk
medicine, and everyday life. Finally, Norbu’s excitement about performing the Kailash kora, along with
the historical notes on pilgrims at Lake Manasarovar, highlight the abiding Buddhist devotion tied to
this holy mountain.
Q4. Describe the depiction of Tibetan Mastiffs in the story.
Ans- In the text, Tibetan Mastiffs appear as imposing, almost formidable guardians of the nomadic tents
scattered across the vast and open plains. The narrator first notices these dogs as huge, black shapes poised
outside the drokbas’ tents, ready to defend the livestock and territory. Described as “blacker than the darkest
night,” these animals are unmistakably bold, raising their large heads in vigilance the moment they sense
strangers. When the travellers draw too close, the mastiffs charge forward “like a bullet from a gun,” barking
furiously and forcing Tsetan to brake and swerve to avoid a collision. Even as the vehicle speeds away, the
dogs give chase for about a hundred meters, only relenting after they are satisfied that the travellers have been
driven off.
Their ferocity and bravery are underscored by the historical note that Tibetan Mastiffs were once
highly prized in China’s imperial courts as hunting dogs, brought along the Silk Road as tribute from
Tibet. This detail ties their modern-day reputation as fearsome protectors to an older, illustrious
legacy, reinforcing how intrinsic these mastiffs are to the region’s cultural and economic heritage.
The vivid description of their shaggy black coats, bright red collars, and fearless demeanour
highlights their status as both loyal protectors and emblematic figures in Tibet’s rugged landscape.
Q5. Describe the contrast portrayed in the story about the narrator's experience in Hor.
Ans- The narrator’s experience in Hor stands in sharp contrast to the more reverent accounts of
earlier travellers who reached the shores of Lake Manasarovar. While Buddhist and Hindu cosmology
hail Lake Manasarovar as a sacred place—so moving that a Japanese monk once burst into tears at
the very sight of it—the narrator finds the nearby town of Hor utterly grim and depressing. According
to the text, Hor appears “miserable” and completely barren, its terrain littered with “years of
accumulated refuse” and devoid of any greenery. This jarring scene contradicts the glowing
descriptions from the past, such as those from Ekai Kawaguchi and Sven Hedin, who felt deep
spiritual awe in the presence of the lake’s sanctity. Instead of sharing in this emotional uplift, the
narrator is confronted by broken buildings, sharp dust-laden winds, and a general bleakness that
overshadows Lake Manasarovar’s venerated status. Even the cafe where he waits is a dreary
concrete structure with broken windows, a far cry from the serene or mystical image one might
expect after reading earlier explorers’ poignant reflections. Thus, the stark difference lies between the
narrator’s harsh, inhospitable welcome to Hor and the profoundly moving effect the very same
location once had on devoted pilgrims and explorers.
Q6. How is nature depicted in the story Silk Road?
Ans- Nature in “Silk Road” is depicted as both breathtaking and formidable, reflecting the Tibetan plateau’s raw
beauty and harsh challenges. In the very first scene, the author describes a “flawless half-moon” floating
against a pristine blue sky at daybreak. Extended banks of pink-tinted clouds accompany the rising sun,
bathing the mountain tops in a rose-like glow. This picturesque opening sets a tone of wonder, where even the
simplest natural elements—like the moon, clouds, and sunlight—appear awe-inspiring.
As the journey continues, the text highlights the vastness and isolation of the landscape. The short
cut from Ravu leads through “vast open plains” inhabited only by gazelles and wild ass (kyang).
These animals, seen galloping in tight formations, emphasize the boundless nature of the terrain.
Later, the narrative spotlights solitary drokbas tending their flocks amid rocky hills and stony paths.
The majestic yet unforgiving conditions become clearer when Tibetan mastiffs appear, fiercely
guarding isolated nomad tents. Their fearlessness and speed reflect the ruggedness of a land that
fosters survival instincts in both animals and people.
Nature’s grandeur also surfaces in the formidable mountain passes and snow-capped peaks looming
on the horizon. The travellers face patches of treacherous snow and steep slopes, underscoring the
plateau’s unpredictability. At one point, they must laboriously scatter dirt across the icy tracks to
avoid slipping. Moreover, the plateau is “pockmarked with salt flats and brackish lakes,” remnants of
the ancient Tethys Ocean, reminding readers of Tibet’s geological past. In this way, nature is
portrayed not only as physically challenging—triggering altitude sickness and demanding cautious
driving—but also as deeply mesmerizing, with its monumental mountains, glinting rivers of ice, and
dramatic skies. The story underscores the duality of Tibet’s environment: visually stunning yet
demanding respect from anyone who ventures across its wild expanse.
Q7. Describe the depiction of Tsetan in the story Silk Road.
Ans- Tsetan is depicted as a resourceful and confident driver who guides the narrator across the challenging
Tibetan terrain. From the start, he demonstrates an easy familiarity with local conditions, advising the narrator
on proper clothing and choosing a short cut through the Changtang. Although he acknowledges the
unpredictable threat of snow on the high mountain passes, he remains undaunted and encourages the narrator
with a firm but reassuring “No problem, sir.” His calm demeanour becomes even more apparent when he must
spread dirt on icy patches of road or manoeuvre around dangerous snowdrifts. Rather than panicking, Tsetan
methodically deals with obstacles, suggesting ways to lighten the vehicle’s load or searching for a safer path
whenever the track is blocked.
Beyond his driving skills, Tsetan also shows genuine concern for the narrator’s health. After noticing
the narrator’s difficulty coping with the high altitude, he takes him to the medical college in Darchen,
ensuring he receives proper treatment. Only when he is satisfied that the narrator’s condition has
improved does Tsetan decide to head back to Lhasa. His practical wisdom, measured optimism, and
attentiveness to the narrator’s well-being underscore his importance on the journey, making him both
a dependable companion and a comforting presence in the harsh Tibetan landscape.
Q8. What health concerns did the narrator face during his Kora? How did he recuperate?
Ans- The narrator’s main health concern during his kora was the combined effect of a lingering cold and the
high-altitude environment. After leaving Hor, he experienced severe breathing difficulties, particularly at night.
One of his nostrils was blocked, and he worried that the other could not provide enough oxygen as he tried to
sleep. Each time he lay down, his chest felt strangely heavy, prompting him to sit up abruptly. This state kept
him awake throughout the night, causing deep anxiety that he might never wake if he dozed off.
Eventually, Tsetan brought him to the newly established Darchen medical college, where a Tibetan
doctor diagnosed a cold exacerbated by altitude sickness. He received a five-day supply of Tibetan
medicine packaged in small paper screws. The treatment included a brown powder taken with hot
water (which tasted like cinnamon) and spherical brown pellets that resembled sheep dung. Despite
their unappealing appearance, the narrator faithfully consumed them. After completing his first full
day’s dose, he finally slept soundly and began to recover, freeing him from his debilitating nighttime
fears and enabling him to continue with his plans for the kora.
Q9. Describe the depiction of Darchen medical college in the story Silk Road.
Ans- Darchen medical college is portrayed as a newly established institution that, at first glance,
resembles a monastery rather than a typical hospital. The building has a “very solid door” leading into
a large courtyard, and once inside, the consulting room is described as “dark and cold.” There are no
signs of modern medical trappings; instead, the Tibetan doctor appears dressed like an ordinary
local, wearing a thick pullover and a woolly hat instead of a white coat. Despite its simple appearance,
the college fulfils its purpose effectively. The narrator’s sleeplessness and chest discomfort are
quickly attributed to “a cold and the effects of altitude,” and the Tibetan doctor prescribes a five-day
course of local medicine. Though the remedy includes a brown powder tasting of cinnamon and
pellets that appear suspiciously like sheep dung, it proves highly effective, allowing the narrator to
regain sound sleep and continue his journey. This depiction shows that, although rustic and lacking in
outward sophistication, Darchen medical college provides practical, reliable care firmly rooted in the
region’s traditional approaches to healing.
Q10. Describe the depiction of Norbu in the story. How is he significant in the story?
Ans- Norbu is introduced as a friendly, somewhat out-of-place Tibetan scholar from Beijing’s Chinese
Academy of Social Sciences, who unexpectedly meets the narrator in a dimly lit café in Darchen. He
wears a windcheater and metal-rimmed glasses, giving him a more urban, “Western style”
appearance than a typical pilgrim. Despite having written academic papers on the Kailash kora, Norbu
admits that he has never actually performed it himself. He is overweight and cheerfully refers to the
physical exertion required by the pilgrimage as “tiresome,” repeatedly pointing out the high altitude.
Still, he radiates enthusiasm and quickly proposes teaming up with the narrator, an idea that offers
renewed hope for completing the difficult trek. Although he is not a devout Buddhist, Norbu’s
eagerness, practical suggestion of hiring yaks, and good humour make him a significant figure: he
transforms the narrator’s solitary, uncertain plan into a shared adventure, underscoring the theme of
human connection and cooperation in an otherwise rugged, remote setting.
Q11. Is Silk Road a travelogue? Support your perception with instances from the story.
Ans- “Silk Road” functions as a travelogue because it blends the narrator’s firsthand observations of unfamiliar
landscapes and people with his personal reflections on the journey. From the outset, the text captures vivid
details: the “flawless half-moon” floating in a bright sky, glowing clouds resembling “long French loaves,” and
rose-tinted mountain peaks at sunrise. These descriptive passages mirror the typical style of a travel writer
who pays close attention to natural beauty and dramatic scenery.
As the narrator journeys from Ravu to Mount Kailash, he recounts direct experiences with the local
wildlife—such as gazelles and “a great herd of wild ass” called kyang—and engages with Tibetan
nomads, offering insights into their remote lifestyle. He also describes the practicalities of travel:
driving over treacherous, snow-covered terrain, stopping at a workcamp for noodles, and coping with
altitude sickness. These episodes illustrate the challenges and unpredictability of real-world
exploration.
Furthermore, the text includes cultural elements reminiscent of a travelogue. The narrator observes
nomads’ tents, fierce Tibetan mastiffs, and the use of sheepskin coats, highlighting regional customs
and attire. He even delves briefly into local history—mentioning how mastiffs once travelled the Silk
Road to China’s imperial courts—and offers glimpses of religious tradition, such as the significance of
Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. By combining personal
narrative with geographic, cultural, and historical context, “Silk Road” clearly fulfils the qualities of a
travelogue.
Q12. Briefly analyse the narrative technique of Nick Middleton in the story Silk Road.
Ans- Nick Middleton’s narrative technique blends vivid, sensory-rich description with personal
reflection, creating a first-person account that feels both intimate and informative. He begins by
painting detailed scenes—like the “flawless half-moon” in a “perfect blue sky,” and the “long French
loaves” of pink-tinged clouds—to immerse the reader in the Tibetan landscape. As he travels, he
intersperses factual or cultural observations, such as the historical significance of Tibetan mastiffs
on the Silk Road or the religious reverence for Lake Manasarovar, with his own challenges—altitude
sickness, cold nights, and the fear of not waking up while sleeping. By balancing these precise
observations with personal fears and insights, Middleton crafts a style that is both instructive and
engaging. His encounters with local people, from drokbas to nomads and Tibetan doctors, add
authenticity to his account, while his conversational tone—reflected in the questions he asks Tsetan
or the banter with Norbu—further draws the reader into his journey. Ultimately, his use of direct,
immediate detail, combined with introspective commentary, transforms the travel experience into a
relatable human story that illuminates the hardships and wonders of crossing Tibet.
Q13. Delineate various themes depicted in the story Silk Road.
Ans- “Silk Road” weaves together multiple themes that centre on the interplay between travel, cultural
immersion, and personal challenge. First, the journey to Mount Kailash reflects a spirit of adventure and the
quest for spiritual fulfilment, capturing the narrator’s determination to complete the kora despite uncertain
road conditions and the harsh Tibetan terrain. This adventurous impulse is strengthened by references to the
stark beauty of the Changtang plains, the imposing snow-capped mountains, and Lake Manasarovar’s
legendary sanctity, all of which highlight nature’s grandeur as well as its unforgiving obstacles—from icy
passes to high-altitude sickness.
Additionally, cultural discovery emerges as a significant theme. Encountering nomadic drokbas,
witnessing wild herds of kyang, and confronting the fierce Tibetan mastiffs expose the narrator to a
way of life both striking and remote. Lhamo’s gift of a sheepskin coat, the mention of Tibetan
medicine at Darchen medical college, and the local use of sheepskin coats and prayer flags
underscore traditions that shape local identity. These experiences also demonstrate the warmth and
resourcefulness of Tibetan people: Tsetan expertly navigates treacherous roads, while the Tibetan
doctor’s herbal remedies restore the narrator’s health. Finally, the text depicts personal perseverance
amid uncertainty. The narrator grapples with sleepless nights and shortness of breath caused by
altitude sickness but pushes onward, buoyed by small acts of kindness and his own resolve. In this
way, “Silk Road” underscores how journeys can broaden one’s horizons, test endurance, and foster
meaningful connections with landscapes and cultures unlike any the traveller has previously known.
