Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The Silk Routes were not merely trade corridors but channels through which civilisations interacted. Trade and cultural exchange always went hand in hand along these routes.

Example 1 – Spread of Religion: Early Christian missionaries travelled the Silk Routes to Asia, and Muslim preachers followed centuries later. Buddhism, emerging from eastern India, spread in several directions through intersecting points on the Silk Routes.

Example 2 – Movement of Goods carrying Cultural Influence: Chinese silk, Chinese pottery, Indian textiles, and spices moved westward, while precious metals like gold and silver flowed eastward — each exchange building lasting economic and cultural ties between Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

Thus, goods, faiths, and ideas travelled together, making the Silk Routes true arteries of civilisation.

Source: Chapter 3, Section 1.1 – Silk Routes Link the World

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• Examiners expect two specific examples with named goods, religions, or people — vague answers lose marks.
• Key phrase from the textbook: "Trade and cultural exchange always went hand in hand" — quoting or paraphrasing this shows textual grounding.
• For a 3-mark answer, one mark typically goes to the introductory concept, and one mark each to the two examples. Keep examples distinct (one on religion, one on goods/culture works well).
• Avoid padding — the answer above is tight and focused, which is what CBSE rewards.