CBSE Class 11 English Chapter 7 Silk Road NCERT Solutions

The article is titled 'Silk Road' because it draws parallels between the author's journey and the historical significance of the ancient Silk Road network. This vast network connected Afro-Eurasia, facilitating the trade of goods like Chinese silk, spices, and porcelain, as well as Indian textiles and Roman glassware. Although the author travels through the Himalayan region in Tibet towards Mount Kailash, a route not directly on the main Silk Road, the title evokes the spirit of ancient trade, cultural exchange, and arduous journeys associated with that historic network. The author's exploration of this remote and challenging terrain mirrors the adventurous nature of the original Silk Road travelers.

Tibetan mastiffs gained popularity in China's imperial courts primarily because they were highly valued as hunting dogs and formidable watchdogs. These large, powerful, and fearless dogs were historically brought from Tibet to China as tributes. Their imposing presence and aggressive nature made them effective guardians and status symbols within the royal courts. The text describes them as capable of exploding into action like bullets, highlighting their ferocity and bravery, which contributed to their esteemed position.

The author's experience at Hor presented a stark contrast to the accounts of earlier travelers. While places like Hor, situated on the shores of Lake Manasarovar, were described by visitors such as the Japanese monk Ekai Kawaguchi and the Swede Sven Hedin as profoundly sacred and moving experiences that brought them to tears or deep reflection, the author found it to be a grim and desolate location. He encountered dust, rocks, minimal vegetation, and had to deal with practical issues like getting two punctures mended. The only solace was the tea served in a dilapidated café. This difference highlights how environmental conditions and personal circumstances can drastically alter one's perception of a place, even one revered for its sanctity.

The author experienced disappointment with Darchen due to several factors. Firstly, the high altitude affected his health, causing a bad cold and sleep disturbances. Secondly, as one of the early arrivals, there were no other pilgrims present, making the place feel isolated. Furthermore, Darchen itself was described as dusty, partially derelict, and littered with rubble and refuse, contributing to a generally unappealing and unwelcoming atmosphere. This lack of spiritual vibrancy and the poor physical condition of the town contributed to his disappointment.

The author's realization that his positive thinking strategy worked well came after a period of disappointment in Darchen. He was dealing with health issues, loneliness after his guide Tsetan left, and the desolate state of the town. However, upon meeting Norbu, a fellow academic also heading to Kailash, the author felt a sense of camaraderie. This encounter, coupled with his decision to focus on the positive aspects and possibilities of his journey, rather than dwelling on the hardships, brought him a sense of delight and renewed enthusiasm. He found that shifting his mindset helped him overcome his negative feelings and look forward to the rest of his pilgrimage.

The author, Nick Middleton, an Oxford Professor and adventurer, embarked on a journey to Mount Kailash with a multifaceted purpose. Primarily, it was a physical and spiritual pilgrimage, undertaken to complete the kora (circumambulation) around the sacred mountain. Beyond the religious aspect, the journey served as an exploration into a remote and challenging region, allowing him to experience firsthand the unique landscapes, culture, and people of the Tibetan plateau. His detailed observations and reflections, as documented in the chapter, suggest a desire to understand the interplay between the physical environment, human endurance, and the spiritual significance attributed to Mount Kailash, while also reflecting on his own experiences and coping mechanisms.