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CBSE

Class 11 Important Question

English Hornbill

Chapter 8: Silk Road

CBSE Important Questions for Class 11 English Hornbill Silk Road - 2025-26

Q: 2. Describe the author's physical condition in Darchen and explain how he found relief.

In Darchen, the author suffered from the effects of high altitude, which left him sleepless and breathless. One of his nostrils was blocked, and he felt a pressure in his chest that made it difficult to breathe, especially when lying down. Fearing he might die, he sought medical help. Tsetan took him to the Darchen Medical College, where a Tibetan doctor diagnosed his condition as a cold and fatigue from the altitude. The doctor gave him a brown powder and a packet of small, brown pellets (traditional medicine) which he had to take with hot water. This five-day course of medicine provided him with significant relief and allowed him to sleep soundly.

Q: 3. Why was the author disappointed with the town of Hor? Contrast it with his experience at Lake Manasarovar.

The author was disappointed with Hor because it was a grim and miserable place, littered with refuse and dust. It starkly contrasted with the traditional accounts that described it as a sanctified place on the shore of the holy Lake Manasarovar. For the author, Hor lacked any of the spiritual charm he had anticipated. In contrast, his experience at Lake Manasarovar was profoundly moving. He was mesmerised by the sight of the pristine, blue lake, describing it as a “tear of the ocean.” This moment of natural beauty and sanctity stood in sharp contrast to the ugliness and decay he witnessed in the nearby town of Hor.

Q: 4. Analyse the significance of the author's meeting with Norbu. How did it prove to be a turning point in his journey?

The author's meeting with Norbu was a crucial turning point because it solved his primary dilemma in Darchen. The author was feeling lonely and dejected, as he couldn't find any English-speaking companions to accompany him on the difficult pilgrimage (kora) around Mount Kailash. Norbu, an academic from Beijing who also wanted to perform the kora, was the perfect solution.He could speak English, ending the author's communication barrier and isolation.He was also an outsider to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, making him a more relatable and practical companion.His arrival provided the author with the necessary partnership to finally undertake the pilgrimage, injecting renewed purpose and relief into his stalled journey.

Silk Road Class 11 Extra Questions and Answers Free PDF Download

Free PDF download of Important Questions with solutions for CBSE Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 6 - Silk Road prepared by expert English teachers from latest edition of CBSE(NCERT) books.

Study Important Questions for Class 11 English Chapter 6 – Silk Road

Very Short Answer Questions - 1 Mark

1. Word-Meaning

i. Clambered

ii. Galloping

iii. Incongruous

iv. Cavernous

Ans:

The meanings are:

i. Climb

ii. Going at the pace of a horse

iii. Out of place

iv. Vast

2. Which place does the author decide to go?

Ans: The author decided to go to Mount Kailash.

3. Why does the author go to Mount Kailash?

Ans: The author decided to go to Mount Kailash in order to complete the kora.

4. Why does the author take the shortcut?

Ans: The author took the shortcut so that he could get off the Changtant.

5. Which dog was famous in China and why?

Ans: Tibetan mastiffs were famous in China’s imperial courts as hunting dogs. They were a tribute in ancient times from Tibet.

Short Answer Questions – 2 Marks

1. Who was Lhamo?

Ans: Lhamo was the girl in the article “Silk Road” who wanted to give a farewell present to the author and also advised him to carry warm clothes while traveling to Mount Kailash.

2. What difficulties did Tsetan faced while taking shortcuts?

Ans: Tsetan and the author took a shortcut to get off the Changtang but this shortcut involved crossing several high mountain passes, the plains became less grassy and stonier. A herd of wild ass also came in between during this route.

3. What did the doctors in the Darchen Medical College look?

Ans: In the Darchen Medical College, there were Tibetan doctors who wore none of the paraphernalia which the author expected. With no white coat, and the doctors looked like any other Tibetan with a thick pullover and a woolly hat.

4. Why does Kora mean?

Ans: Kora indicates a rite of circumambulating the holy mountain. In other words, it means taking a full circle around it.

5. Comment on the appearance of Darchen Medical College.

Ans: From the outside, the Darchen Medical College resembled a monastery, with a sturdy entrance leading to a huge courtyard. The author and Tsetan entered a consulting room that was dark, chilly, and filled by a Tibetan doctor who lacked the customary trappings.

Short Answer Questions – 3 Marks

1. “As a good Buddhist, he knew that it didn’t really matter if I passed away, but he thought it would be bad for business.” Demonstrate.

Ans: Tsetan was a Buddhist. He believed that death is the final “Nirvana”. Kailash was a holy place. He had a feeling that his death would discourage tourists from coming which might prove to be a bad sign for their business as the credibility would be at stake while looking after the tourists.

2. How the experience of the author at Hor was different from the earlier visits to the place?

Ans: Earlier, Hor was filled with natural beauty and was situated on sacred Lake Manasarovar. There were stories that various pilgrims cried seeing the beauty of the place. But the narrator’s experience was different from theirs. He did not feel good about the place as he observed that there was no vegetation in Hor and so the entire place looked dusty and rocky.

3. What made the author believe that his strategy of positive thinking went well?

Ans: The author observed that Darchen attracts a huge number of visitors throughout the year but still remains deserted or maybe the author arrived early. He felt lonely as there was no one around but then he met Norbu who was an English-speaking Tibetan and wanted to visit Kailash. Both of them thought of teaming up to visit the Kailash.

4. What disappointed the author in Darchen?

Ans: Darchen was grimy, partially dilapidated, and scattered by rubble and refuse. The lethargic and sluggish town had few simple general stores which sold Chinese cigarettes, soaps, and other basic necessities, as well as customary strings of prayer flags. The high altitude also gave him health problems and he caught a cold. He did not saw any pilgrims in the place because of his early arrival. All these circumstances disappointed him.

5. How do you think Tsetan has supported the author during his journey?

Ans: Tsetan was a Buddhist who was also a good and efficient driver in the hills. He was very careful while driving. While his journey with the author to Darchen, he looked after the author. When he saw that the author was not well, he immediately took him to Darchen Medical College and got him treated.

Long Answer Questions - 5 Marks

1. Why do you think the lesson has been named ‘’Silk Road‟?

Ans: The Silk Road is a network of overland routes linking Europe with Asia. The Europeans followed this as a trading route for silk, horses, and exotic fauna and flora of the East. The travelers buy and sell many items, such as silk and spice from China along this route. The author followed the same route to reach Mount Kailash for Kora. Thus, the title “Silk Road.”

2. What was the physical condition of the author in Darchen ?

Ans: In Darchen, the author had a disturbing night. He caught a cold, his nostrils blocked and so he faced difficulty while breathing. He was hungry and tired. He couldn't sleep so woke hastily and felt heaviness in his chest. He then sat to clear his nasal passage which relieved him a bit but he didn’t sleep as he felt he might die.

3. Why does the narrator think that the snow was dangerous yet beautiful?

Ans: Silk Road by Nick Middleton is a thorough account of the author’s visit to Mount Kailash. Tsetan on his way reviewed snow on the path by stomping on it. The snow was not deep enough but they feared the car would turn over in case they slipped and so they flung a handful of dirt across the frozen surface to cover this risk. After that, they were able to drive without any trouble. A few minutes later, they stopped at one more obstruction. This time they determined to drive about the snow. However, the risks did not weaken the attractive beauty of the place. In the valley, they saw mountains that were covered with snow, and the river was wide but mostly jammed with ice, and sparkling in the sunshine.

4. Write down the third stanza of the poem “Father to Son” and describe it.

Ans: Silence surrounds us. I would have

Him prodigal, returning to

His father’s house, the home he knew,

Rather than see him make and move his world.

I would forgive him too, shaping from sorrow a new love.

In the third stanza, the poet has written about how a father sees his son as the “prodigal son”. He believes that his son spends money recklessly. The father has waited for his son to return home.

5. Write the summary of the poem Father to Son.

Ans: The poem Father to Son has been written by Elizabeth Jennings. The poet has described the problematic relationship between a father and his son. She described the generation gap between them and how the father is mourning as he feels helpless in understanding his child. The father is desperate to have the same kind of bond which he had with his son during his childhood. The father wants to understand why in his grief, he gets angry at his son. But now the relationship lacks communication and understanding. They have been living in the same house for years but they behave like strangers.

Related Study Materials for Class 11 English (Hornbill) Chapter 6 (Prose)

S.No	Important Other Links for Class 11 English (Hornbill) Chapter 6 (Prose)
1.	CBSE Class 11 Silk Road Questions (Prose) Notes
2.	CBSE Class 11 Silk Road Questions (Prose) Solutions

CBSE Class 11 English(Hornbill) Important Questions for All Chapters

CBSE Class 11 English Important Questions and Answers include topics from Hornbill, helping with thorough preparation and easier revision.

Chapter No	Chapter-wise Important Questions for Class 11 English (Hornbill)
Chapter 1	The Portrait of a Lady Questions (Prose) A Photograph Questions (Poem)
Chapter 2	We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together Questions (Prose)
Chapter 3	Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues Questions (Prose) The Laburnum Top Questions (Poem) The Voice of the Rain Questions (Poem)
Chapter 4	The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role Questions (Prose) Childhood Questions (Poem)
Chapter 5	The Adventure Questions (Prose)
Chapter 6	Father to Son Questions (Poem)

Important Study Materials for Class 11 English

S.No	Important Study Materials for Class 11 English
1.	CBSE Class 11 English NCERT Solutions
2.	CBSE Class 11 English Important Questions
3.	CBSE Class 11 English Grammar
4.	CBSE Class 11 English NCERT Book
5.	CBSE Class 11 English Revision Notes
6.	CBSE Class 11 English Sample Papers

FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 11 English Hornbill Silk Road - 2025-26

1. What kind of important questions can students expect from Chapter 6, 'Silk Road', in the CBSE Class 11 English exam for 2025-26?

For the 2025-26 CBSE exam, students should prepare for a mix of question types from 'Silk Road'. These typically include:

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks): These focus on specific incidents, characters, and descriptions, such as the author's health issues in Darchen, the characteristics of Tibetan mastiffs, or the disappointing state of the town of Hor.
Long Answer Questions (5-6 marks): These require deeper analysis and evaluation of themes, character, and the journey itself. Expect questions that ask you to analyse the author's changing perspectives, justify the role of characters like Tsetan or Norbu, or discuss the contrast between the region's spiritual history and its modern reality.
Value-Based/HOTS Questions: These probe the deeper meaning, asking about the nature of pilgrimage, adventure, and cultural encounters.

2. Describe the author's physical condition in Darchen and explain how he found relief.

In Darchen, the author suffered from the effects of high altitude, which left him sleepless and breathless. One of his nostrils was blocked, and he felt a pressure in his chest that made it difficult to breathe, especially when lying down. Fearing he might die, he sought medical help. Tsetan took him to the Darchen Medical College, where a Tibetan doctor diagnosed his condition as a cold and fatigue from the altitude. The doctor gave him a brown powder and a packet of small, brown pellets (traditional medicine) which he had to take with hot water. This five-day course of medicine provided him with significant relief and allowed him to sleep soundly.

3. Why was the author disappointed with the town of Hor? Contrast it with his experience at Lake Manasarovar.

The author was disappointed with Hor because it was a grim and miserable place, littered with refuse and dust. It starkly contrasted with the traditional accounts that described it as a sanctified place on the shore of the holy Lake Manasarovar. For the author, Hor lacked any of the spiritual charm he had anticipated. In contrast, his experience at Lake Manasarovar was profoundly moving. He was mesmerised by the sight of the pristine, blue lake, describing it as a “tear of the ocean.” This moment of natural beauty and sanctity stood in sharp contrast to the ugliness and decay he witnessed in the nearby town of Hor.

4. Analyse the significance of the author's meeting with Norbu. How did it prove to be a turning point in his journey?

The author's meeting with Norbu was a crucial turning point because it solved his primary dilemma in Darchen. The author was feeling lonely and dejected, as he couldn't find any English-speaking companions to accompany him on the difficult pilgrimage (kora) around Mount Kailash. Norbu, an academic from Beijing who also wanted to perform the kora, was the perfect solution.

He could speak English, ending the author's communication barrier and isolation.
He was also an outsider to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, making him a more relatable and practical companion.
His arrival provided the author with the necessary partnership to finally undertake the pilgrimage, injecting renewed purpose and relief into his stalled journey.

5. Was Tsetan merely a driver for the author? Justify his role as a guide and a caregiver during the journey described in 'Silk Road'.

No, Tsetan was far more than just a driver. He acted as a responsible guide and a compassionate caregiver. His expertise was evident when he skillfully navigated the treacherous high-altitude roads and icy patches. As a guide, he shared his cultural knowledge, explaining local customs and landmarks. His role as a caregiver became most prominent in Darchen when the author fell ill. Tsetan did not abandon him; instead, he took him to a doctor and ensured he received the necessary medical care. He only left after being certain that the author was on the path to recovery, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility and care that went well beyond the duties of a hired driver.

6. How does the narrative of 'Silk Road' highlight the contrast between the romantic idea of a spiritual pilgrimage and the harsh, practical challenges of the journey?

The chapter masterfully contrasts the spiritual ideal with practical hardship. The author embarks on a journey to perform the sacred Mount Kailash kora, a deeply spiritual act. However, the narrative is dominated by practical challenges that demystify the romanticism:

Physical Hardship: The author battles extreme cold, altitude sickness, and treacherous terrain, which are far from a serene spiritual experience.
Commercialisation and Decay: The town of Hor, a stop on this holy route, is depicted as dusty, polluted, and devoid of spiritual aura, showing the encroachment of modernity.
Logistical Problems: The final challenge is not spiritual but practical: finding a companion. The author’s relief upon meeting Norbu underscores that even a sacred quest is dependent on mundane, logistical solutions.

Through these experiences, the author suggests that a modern pilgrimage is as much a test of physical endurance and practical problem-solving as it is a spiritual quest.

7. Critically evaluate the appropriateness of the title 'Silk Road'. How does it connect to the author's primary goal of completing the kora?

The title 'Silk Road' is highly appropriate as it situates the author’s personal spiritual journey within a larger historical and geographical context. While his immediate goal was the Mount Kailash kora, the path he travels is part of the ancient network of trade routes known as the Silk Road. The title works on multiple levels:

Historical Context: It reminds the reader that this region was once a bustling hub of trade and cultural exchange, connecting China, India, and the West. The author's journey is a modern-day echo of these ancient travels.
Symbolic Journey: Just as the historical Silk Road was a conduit for valuable goods like silk and spices, the author's journey is a quest for something he values: spiritual fulfilment and cultural understanding.
Connecting Past and Present: The title frames the narrative as an exploration of what remains of this legendary route, contrasting its glorious past with the often-harsh realities of its present, thereby enriching the personal account of the kora with a broader, more profound significance.