The Adventure

By Jayant Narlikar

Jayant Narlikar is renowned for his contribution to astrophysics, particularly in the field of cosmology, and for his ability to weave scientific concepts into engaging fictional narratives. “The Adventure” is a science fiction short story that explores the concept of alternate realities and parallel universes. The story follows the character Professor Gangadharpant, who experiences an alternate version of Indian history due to a series of bizarre incidents. Through a blend of historical events and scientific speculation, the story illustrates how slight changes in history could lead to vastly different outcomes.

Q: Briefly Explain the following statements from the text.

• “You neither traveled to the past nor the future. You were in the present experiencing a different world”.

Ans. This statement suggests that the protagonist, Professor Gaitonde, did not physically travel through time. Instead, he found himself in a parallel reality or an alternative version of the present. In this world, historical events had unfolded differently, creating a reality distinct from the one he knew. The statement emphasizes the concept of parallel universes or alternate timelines where different outcomes of historical events exist simultaneously, allowing one to experience a world shaped by those differences.

• “You have passed through a fantastic experience: or more correctly, a catastrophic experience.”

Ans. Here the word “fantastic refers to something extraordinary, while “catastrophic implies that it was also overwhelming or devastating in some way. Professor Gaitonde’s experience of being in a parallel world where the course of history had been altered was both fascinating and unsettling. It was “fantastic” because it was an extraordinary occurrence, but “catastrophic” because it challenged his understanding of reality and the world as he knew it.

• Gangadharpant could not help comparing the country he knew with what he was witnessing around him.

Ans. This statement highlights Professor Gaitonde’s internal conflict as he navigates through the alternate reality. The differences between the India he knows and the India he is now experiencing are stark. He finds himself constantly comparing the two versions, reflecting on how the altered course of history had led to a different socio-political landscape, economy, and cultural atmosphere.

• “The lack of determinism in quantum theory!”

Ans. This refers to the idea in quantum mechanics that events are not determined by prior states but rather have probabilities. In the context of the story, it suggests that the alternate reality Professor Gaitonde experiences could be a result of quantum events where different outcomes are possible, leading to different worlds or realities. The lack of determinism means that history could have taken any number of paths, resulting in the different world Professor Gaitonde finds himself.

1. “You need some interaction to cause a transition.”

Ans. This statement is linked to the idea that for Professor Gaitonde to experience a different reality, some form of interaction or trigger was necessary. In quantum mechanics, particles change states due to interactions. Similarly, in the story, some interaction (perhaps the collision, his state of mind, or some other factor) caused him to transition into an alternate reality.

Q: Discuss the following statements.

• A single event may change the course of the history of a nation.

Ans. This statement is central to the story, where a different outcome in the battle of Panipat leads to a completely different history for India. It illustrates how a single event, like a decisive battle, can alter the trajectory of an entire nation, leading to changes in governance, culture, and society. The story emphasizes the idea that history is shaped by key events, and different outcomes of those events can lead to vastly different realities.

• Reality is what is directly experienced through the senses.

Ans. This statement underscores the subjective nature of reality. Professor Gaitonde’s experiences in the alternate world feel real to him because he can see, hear, and interact with it. The story explores the idea that reality is not just an objective truth but is also defined by what one perceives and experiences. If one’s senses and mind tell them that something is real, then, for them, it is real.

• The methods of inquiry of history, science, and philosophy are similar.

Ans. History, science, and philosophy all seek to understand the world, though they do so in different ways. History investigates past events and their causes, science explores the natural world through experimentation and observation, and philosophy examines fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values. However, all three disciplines use reasoning, evidence, and critical thinking to arrive at conclusions. In “Adventure” these methods intersect as Professor Gaitonde’s historical knowledge, scientific understanding, and philosophical reflections all contribute to his grasp of the alternate reality.

• The story is called “The Adventure”. Compare it with the adventure described in “We’re Not Afraid to Die…”’

Ans. Both stories involve extraordinary and challenging experiences. In “The Adventure,” Professor Gaitonde’s experience is more intellectual and psychological, involving a journey into an alternate reality. In contrast, “We’re Not Afraid to Die…” is a physical adventure involving a perilous sea journey where the characters face life-threatening challenges. While “The Adventure” explores the nature of reality and history, “We’re Not Afraid to Die…” is about human resilience and courage in the face of natural dangers. Despite the difference, both stories highlight human endurance, whether it be mental or physical.

• Why do you think Professor Gaitonde decided never to preside over meetings again?

Ans. Professor Gaitonde likely decided never to preside over meetings again because of the surreal experience he had during the lecture in the alternate reality. The incident was so bizarre and unsettling that it shook his confidence and made him question his understanding of reality. Presiding over meetings might remind him of the strange experience, and he might want to avoid triggering any further disruptions in his life.

Q: In which language do you think Gangadharpant and Khan Sahib talked to each other? Which language did Gangadharpant use to talk to the English receptionist?

Ans. Gangadharpant and Khan Sahib likely spoke in Marathi or Hindi, as these would be common languages they both understood. With the English receptionist, Gangadharpant would have used English, as it was the language of communication with British officials and institutions during that time.

Q: In which language do you think Bhausahebanchi Bakhar was written?

Ans. “Bhausahebanchi Bakhar” was likely written in Marathi, as Bakhars are historical narratives written in Marathi, particularly about the deeds of Maratha leaders.

Q: There is mention of three communities in the story: the Marathas, the Mughals, and the Anglo-Indians. Which language do you think they used within their communities and while speaking to the other groups?

Ans. The Marathas would have used Marathi within their community and likely when communicating with others.

The Mughals would have used Persian or Urdu within their community and in official communication, possibly using regional languages when necessary.

The Anglo-Indians would have used English within their community and when communicating with others, especially in official contexts.

Q: Do you think that the ruled always adopt the language of the ruler?

Ans. Not necessarily. While the ruled often learn the language of the ruler for practical purposes, they usually retain their own language for daily use and cultural identity. Over time, the ruler’s language might influence the local language or be adopted by the elite, but it does not always replace the native language entirely. In India, for example, despite British rule, many regional languages continued to thrive alongside English.