CBSE Class 11 Hornbill Chapter 8: Silk Road NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by · Updated on

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Hornbill Chapter 8, "Silk Road," explores a captivating journey along the ancient trade route through the Himalayas. This chapter delves into the narrator's personal experiences and keen observations, offering insights into the cultural and geographical tapestry of the region. The NCERT Solutions provide a comprehensive understanding of the chapter's key elements, including the significance of the title, the role of Tibetan mastiffs, and the stark contrasts experienced in places like Hor and Darchen. It highlights the importance of mental fortitude and positive thinking, especially during challenging expeditions. The solutions also shed light on the purpose behind the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, the narrator's physical state, and the invaluable support provided by companions like Tsetan and Norbu. These explanations are designed to clarify textual nuances, deepen comprehension, and assist students in their academic pursuits.

Home

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectHornbill
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter8. Silk Road

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 11 Hornbill Chapter 8, "Silk Road," offers in-depth explanations for questions related to the text. It covers the author's travel experiences, the historical and cultural significance of the Silk Road, and personal reflections on the journey to Mount Kailash. The solutions provide clarity on the author's motivations, challenges faced, and interactions with local people and fellow travelers, aiding students in understanding the narrative and its underlying themes.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the historical and geographical significance of the Silk Road.
  • Analyze the author's personal experiences and observations during the journey.
  • Explain the cultural and religious importance of Mount Kailash and its Kora.
  • Evaluate the role of supporting characters like Tsetan and Norbu in the narrative.
  • Discuss the contrast between expectations and reality in travel experiences.
  • Identify the author's use of positive thinking to overcome challenges.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The Silk Road trade route
  • Author's travel experiences
  • Mount Kailash and the Kora ritual
  • Tibetan culture and beliefs
  • Observations of landscapes and environment
  • Challenges of high-altitude travel
  • Interactions with local people
  • Significance of place names and titles
  • Personal reflections and positive thinking
  • Comparison of past and present accounts of places

Important topics

  • The significance of the Silk Road title
  • The author's journey to Mount Kailash and the Kora
  • Contrasting experiences at Hor and Darchen
  • The role of Tsetan and Norbu
  • Challenges faced during the journey
  • Cultural and religious aspects of the region

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Understanding The Text - Question 1

1. The article has been titled 'Silk Road.'
Solution: The article is aptly titled 'Silk Road' because the author's journey traverses this ancient and historically significant trade route. Along the path from Ravu to Man Sarovar, the author observed numerous places adorned with white silk scarves and prayer flags, symbolizing the route's connection to silk trade. Furthermore, Hor, a significant location mentioned, was situated on the main East-West highway, historically serving as a trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir, where silk was a primary export commodity. This direct association with silk trade justifies the chapter's title.

Understanding The Text - Question 2

2. Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China's imperial courts.
Solution: Tibetan mastiffs, described as huge, shaggy black dogs, were highly valued in China's imperial courts due to their formidable nature. These dogs served as fierce protectors of nomadic tents, known for their ferocity, fearlessness, and speed in chasing away intruders. Their intimidating presence and effectiveness as guard dogs, along with their potential use as hunting companions, made them popular among the Chinese nobility. Historically, they were brought from Tibet to China along the Silk Road as tributes, further cementing their association with the region and its trade routes.

Understanding The Text - Question 3

3. The author's experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place.
Solution: The author's experience at Hor presented a stark contrast to the accounts left by previous travelers like Ekai Kawaguchi and Sven Hadin. These earlier visitors were deeply moved by the sanctity of Lake Man Sarovar, experiencing sentimental reactions. However, the author found Hor, situated on the lake's shore, to be a grim and miserable place. He observed a complete lack of vegetation, with the landscape dominated by dust and rocks, liberally scattered with accumulated refuse, indicating a significant decline or a different perspective compared to earlier, more spiritual descriptions.

Understanding The Text - Question 4

4. The author was disappointed with Darchen.
Solution: The author felt disappointed with Darchen primarily because it appeared partially derelict and unappealing. The town was marked by heaps of rubble and refuse, giving it a neglected look. His disappointment was further amplified by the fact that it was not the tourist season, meaning there were no pilgrims present. This absence of activity and the town's dilapidated state contributed to the author's unfavorable impression.

Understanding The Text - Question 5

5. The author thought that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all.
Solution: The author's belief in his positive thinking strategy was reinforced when he met Norbu. Initially, the author was hesitant about undertaking the Kora (circumambulation of Mount Kailash) alone. However, upon meeting Norbu, who also intended to perform the Kora, the author was delighted. Norbu's presence offered the possibility of completing the ritual as a team. This unexpected companionship validated the author's optimistic outlook, making him feel that his positive approach had indeed yielded a favorable outcome.

Talking About The Text - Question 1

1. The purpose of the author's journey to Mount Kailash.
Solution: The primary purpose of the author's journey to Mount Kailash was to complete the Kora. The Kora is a significant religious ritual, a sacred pilgrimage involving the circumambulation of the holy mountain, which is revered in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Undertaking this journey was a spiritual endeavor for the author.

Talking About The Text - Question 2

2. The author's physical condition in Darchen.
Solution: Upon reaching Darchen, the author was not in good physical condition. He was suffering from a severe cold, which had caused his sinuses to become blocked, making it difficult to breathe, especially when lying down at night. This discomfort significantly impacted his sleep and overall well-being, leading him to feel unwell and concerned about his health.

Talking About The Text - Question 3

3. The author's meeting with Norbu.
Solution: The author met Norbu while sitting in a cafe in Darchen. This meeting was a moment of delight for the author because Norbu, like him, was planning to undertake the Kora around Mount Kailash. Norbu, who worked at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing and had written academic papers on the Kailash Kora, expressed his intention to perform the ritual, which presented an opportunity for the author to have a companion for the journey.

Talking About The Text - Question 4

4. Tsetan's support to the author during the journey.
Solution: Tsetan, the author's driver, provided crucial support throughout the journey. He was an efficient and careful driver, navigating the challenging terrains with skill. Beyond his driving duties, Tsetan was also caring and informative, sharing details about the places they visited. When the author fell ill in Darchen, Tsetan promptly took him to the Darchen Medical College and ensured he received medicine, demonstrating his concern for the author's well-being.

Talking About The Text - Question 5

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."
Solution: These words were spoken by Tsetan to the author after the author had recovered from his illness and Tsetan was preparing to leave for Lhasa. Tsetan used this statement to convey a dual message. Firstly, he reaffirmed his Buddhist belief that physical death is not the ultimate end, indicating a philosophical acceptance of mortality. Secondly, he humorously pointed out that a tourist's death could negatively impact his livelihood as a taxi driver, thus highlighting his practical concerns and perhaps a subtle way of expressing his continued care for the author's safety and his own business prospects.

Talking About The Text - Question 1

1. The sensitive behaviour of hill-folk
Solution: The hill-folk, as depicted in the narrative, exhibit a sensitive and caring behavior towards visitors. People like Tsetan are portrayed as deeply religious and God-fearing individuals who are also remarkably hospitable. They show genuine concern for the well-being of outsiders, taking care of them during their journeys and offering assistance when needed, reflecting a warm and considerate nature.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the historical Silk Road with the author's specific journey.
  • Underestimating the physical and emotional challenges of high-altitude travel.
  • Misinterpreting the author's initial disappointment with places like Darchen.
  • Overlooking the cultural and religious significance of the Kora ritual.

Revision tips

  • Reread the chapter, focusing on the author's descriptions of landscapes and people.
  • Use the solutions to understand the 'why' behind the author's feelings and actions.
  • Pay attention to the details about Tibetan culture and beliefs mentioned.
  • Discuss the 'Talking About The Text' questions with classmates to deepen understanding.
  • Summarize the key events and challenges faced by the author.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why was the article titled 'Silk Road'?

Q2. What made Tibetan mastiffs popular in China's imperial courts?

Q3. How did the author's experience at Hor differ from previous accounts?

Q4. What was the primary purpose of the author's journey to Mount Kailash?

Q5. Who was Norbu and what was his connection to the author's journey?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the 'Silk Road' chapter in Class 11 Hornbill?

The chapter 'Silk Road' primarily focuses on the author's personal journey along the ancient trade route towards Mount Kailash, highlighting his experiences, observations of the landscape, cultural encounters, and the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.

Why is the chapter titled 'Silk Road'?

The chapter is titled 'Silk Road' because the author travels along this historic trade route. The presence of silk as a significant export item and the visual of silk scarves along the way reinforce this connection.

What challenges did the author face during his journey?

The author faced challenges such as a blocked sinus, difficulty sleeping, and the initial prospect of undertaking the Kora alone. He also experienced disappointment with the state of places like Darchen.

Who were the key people who supported the author?

Tsetan, the author's driver, provided practical support by driving carefully and taking him to a doctor when he was sick. Norbu became a companion for the Kora, alleviating the author's concern about doing it alone.

What is the significance of the Kora mentioned in the chapter?

The Kora is a sacred religious ritual, a circumambulation or pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, which is considered holy in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The author intended to complete this ritual.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 11 students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the narrative, analyze the author's experiences, and grasp the cultural and geographical context, which is crucial for exam preparation.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.