Silk Road

By Nick Middleton

Nick Middleton is a British geographer, author, and environmental scientist. He is known for his works that explore geography, culture, and the environment. His writing often combines personal travel experiences with insights into global issues. The “Silk Road” is a non-fiction book that explores the ancient trade routes known as the Silk Road, which connected the East and West. These routes facilitated not only the trade of goods, like silk, spices, and precious stones, but also the exchange of ideas, cultures, and technologies between civilizations.

Q: Why the article has been titled ‘Silk Road’?

Ans. The title ‘Silk Road’ refers to the ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating not only commerce but also cultural exchanges. Nick Middleton’s journey along this historic route to Mount Kailash symbolizes a modern-day exploration of a path that was once integral to human connection and trade. The title captures the essence of travel, discovery, and the enduring legacy of this ancient road.

Q: Why were Tibetan mastiffs popular in China’s imperial courts?

Ans. Tibetan mastiffs were highly valued in China’s imperial courts due to their large size, fierce loyalty, and protective nature. These dogs were considered symbols of power and prestige. Their reputation as excellent guard dogs made them ideal for protecting palaces and other important establishments.

Q: How was the author’s experience at Hor in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place?

Ans. The author’s experience at Hor was disappointing compared to the earlier romanticized accounts. While Hor had been described as an idyllic and beautiful place, the author found it to be a dull, dreary town with no charm. The reality of Hor as an unremarkable and depressing place starkly contrasted with its historical and literary portrayal.

Q: Why was the author disappointed with Darchen?

Ans. The author was disappointed with Darchen because it did not live up to his expectations. Darchen was supposed to be a significant and vibrant place due to its proximity to Mount Kailash, but the author found it rather uninteresting and lacking in energy. The town was underwhelming and did not provide the spiritual or adventurous experience the author had hoped for.

Q: Why did the author think that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all?

Ans. The author believed his positive thinking strategy worked well because, despite the challenges he faced, including altitude sickness and the underwhelming aspects of his journey, he was able to maintain a positive outlook. This mindset allowed him to appreciate the experience and ultimately achieve his goal of reaching Mount Kailash. His optimism helped him overcome the physical and mental obstacles encountered during the journey.

Q: Briefly comment on the following:

1. The purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash.

The purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash was to undertake a pilgrimage to this sacred mountain, which holds religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The journey was both a physical and spiritual adventure, allowing the author to explore the cultural and spiritual aspects of the region, as well as test his own endurance and resolve.

2. The author’s physical condition in Darchen.

In Darchen, the author struggled with the physical effects of altitude sickness, including headaches and fatigue. The thin air and high elevation took a toll on his body, making it difficult for him to fully engage with the environment or enjoy the experience. Despite these challenges, he persisted in his journey.

3. The author’s meeting with Norbu.

The author’s meeting with Norbu was significant because it provided him with companionship and insight during his journey. Norbu, a Tibetan academic, shared the author’s interest in Mount Kailash and provided valuable information about the region. Their meeting highlighted the shared human experience of pilgrimage and the common bond between travelers.

4. Tsetan’s support to the author during the journey.

Tsetan, the author’s driver and guide, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the journey. His knowledge of the terrain, experience with the harsh conditions, and calm demeanor provided the author with a sense of security. Tsetan’s practical support, including helping the author manage altitude sickness, was vital in navigating the difficult and often dangerous path.

5. “As a Buddhist, he told me, he knew that it did not really matter if I passed away, but he thought it would be bad for business.”

This statement reflects Tsetan’s pragmatic approach to life and death. As a Buddhist, he understands the impermanence of life and that death is a natural part of existence. However, from a practical perspective, he acknowledges that a traveler’s death would be detrimental to his business, highlighting the tension between spiritual beliefs and the realities of daily life.

Discuss the following:

1. The sensitive behavior of hill-folk.

Hill folk often display sensitivity and hospitality towards travelers due to their understanding of the harsh environment. Living in difficult and isolated terrain, they develop a strong sense of community and empathy. Their actions are guided by a need to help and protect others who might be unfamiliar with the challenges posed by the mountainous regions.

2. The reasons why people willingly undergo the travails of difficult journeys.

People willingly undertake difficult journeys for various reasons, including spiritual fulfillment, a desire for adventure, the pursuit of personal growth, and the quest for knowledge. Such journeys often provide a sense of accomplishment and can be life-changing experiences, offering insights that can only be gained through facing and overcoming challenges.

3. The accounts of exotic places in legends and reality.

There is often a stark contrast between legendary accounts of exotic places and the reality experienced by travelers. While legends tend to romanticize and exaggerate the beauty, mystique, or spiritual significance of these places, the reality may be far more mundane, challenging, or disappointing. The dissonance between expectation and reality is a common theme in travel literature, reflecting the complexities of human perception and experience.

Q: Notice the kind of English Tsetan uses while talking to the author. How do you think he picked it up?

Ans. Tsetan’s English is functional and likely learned through practical experience, interacting with tourists and travelers. His language skills are sufficient for basic communication, indicating that he probably picked it up through immersion rather than formal education. His English may have been influenced by his need to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people in his line of work.

Q: What do the following utterances indicate?

1. “I told her, through Daniel…”

This indicates that the speaker is communicating through a third party, likely because of a language barrier. Daniel is acting as a translator or intermediary in the conversation.

1. “It’s a cold,” he said finally through Tsetan.

This suggests that the speaker is not fluent in English and is relying on Tsetan to convey the message. It highlights the dependence on Tsetan’s language skills to communicate with others.

Q: Guess the meaning of the following words:

Kora               Drokba                       Kyang

In which language are these words found?

Kora: In Tibetan Buddhism, “Kora” refers to a pilgrimage or circumambulation around a sacred site, such as a temple, mountain, or stupa. It is a form of spiritual practice, where devotees walk around the sacred object in a clockwise direction, often while praying or chanting.

Drokba: “Drokba” refers to nomadic herders or pastoralists in the Tibetan plateau. These people move with their livestock, such as yaks and sheep, across the high-altitude grasslands, following seasonal patterns.

Kyang: “Kyang” refers to the Tibetan wild ass, a species of wild equid native to the Tibetan plateau. It is known for its speed and strength, and it lives in the high-altitude regions of Tibet.

The above words are found in the Tibetan language, which is spoken primarily in Tibet and parts of Nepal, India, and Bhutan.