Hornbill (Prose): The Adventure

Topics in this chapter

• Plot and Character Journey
• Panipat and Historical Divergence
• Catastrophe Theory and Parallel Realities
• Historical Evidence and Inquiry
• Science Fiction, Reality, and Theme

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-9CF085

   In Jayant Narlikar’s “The Adventure,” which historical event had a different outcome in the alternate reality visited by Professor Gaitonde?

   1. A.The Battle of Plassey was won by the French
   2. B.The Third Battle of Panipat was won by the Marathas
   3. C.The Revolt of 1857 succeeded
   4. D.India became independent in the eighteenth century
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-0B32BA

   According to Rajendra Deshpande’s explanation, what caused the two different historical realities in “The Adventure”?

   1. A.A minor difference at a critical point led to two different outcomes
   2. B.Professor Gaitonde deliberately changed the past through time travel
   3. C.The British secretly rewrote all historical records
   4. D.The two realities belonged to different planets
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-AF1652

   Why is the fate of Vishwasrao important to the explanation of the alternate history in “The Adventure”?

   1. A.His survival encouraged the Marathas and changed the result of the battle
   2. B.His death directly led to the British conquest of America
   3. C.His survival caused Professor Gaitonde to become a historian
   4. D.His death prevented the Mughal emperor from ruling Delhi
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-C07F06

   How do the ideas of parallel realities and catastrophe theory help explain Professor Gaitonde’s strange experience in “The Adventure”?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-81A82D

   In Jayant Narlikar’s “The Adventure,” Professor Gaitonde’s attempt to deliver a lecture in the alternate Bombay mainly reveals his

   1. A.indifference to public opinion
   2. B.strong attachment to familiar academic conventions
   3. C.fear of scientific experiments
   4. D.desire to become a political leader
   See the answer and solution