THE ADVENTURE
BY JAYANT NARLIKAR
SUMMARY OF THE STORY
Introduction: The story opens with Professor Gaitonde traveling on the
Jijamata Express, a train moving from Pune to Bombay (now Mumbai).
As a historian, he is intrigued by his observations during this journey,
which start to feel strangely unfamiliar. His curiosity deepens when he
notices subtle but significant changes in his surroundings, hinting that
he may be in a different version of reality.
ENTERING AN ALTERNATE REALITY
• As the train passes through various stations, Professor Gaitonde realizes that history
has diverged from the timeline he knows. When he reaches Bombay, he observes that
the city looks markedly different: buildings reflect colonial-era architecture, and the
headquarters of the East India Company stands prominently, despite historical
accounts stating that the company was dissolved after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• To understand how these changes came about, Gaitonde decides to investigate
further by consulting historical records. He heads to the Town Hall library to check
history books, hoping to discover why the events in this reality deviate from the
history he has studied.
DISCOVERING THE DIVERGENCE
• Upon reviewing his own historical texts, Gaitonde finds that history matches his
understanding up until the end of the Battle of Panipat. However, in this alternate
world, the Marathas emerged victorious in that crucial battle, which led to the
expansion of Maratha influence in India and curtailed British ambitions in the region.
In this version of history, the East India Company remained confined to a small area
around Bombay rather than gradually taking control of India.
• This alternate history reflects a stronger, more unified India, where local leadership
flourished and technological advancements were encouraged independently from
British influence. India transitioned towards democracy without enduring British
colonial rule, resulting in a society that maintained self-respect and independence.
THE CONCEPT OF CATASTROPHE THEORY
• While trying to make sense of his experience, Professor Gaitonde encounters
Rajendra, his physicist friend, who introduces him to catastrophe theory. Catastrophe
theory is a concept in mathematics and physics that describes how small changes in
conditions can lead to dramatic shifts in a system’s behavior. In Gaitonde’s case, the
“catastrophe” is the hypothetical victory of the Marathas at Panipat, a pivotal event
that reshaped the course of Indian history in this alternate reality.
• The Theory of Multiple Realities: Rajendra further explains that the “alternate” reality
Gaitonde experienced may stem from quantum theory, particularly the idea that
multiple realities or worlds could coexist. Quantum theory suggests that at the
subatomic level, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until they are
observed. Rajendra proposes that events in history, much like particles, can also
branch into multiple possible outcomes, resulting in “parallel worlds.” According to
this idea, Professor Gaitonde might have momentarily transitioned into a parallel
reality where the Marathas won the Battle of Panipat.
RETURN TO REALITY
• After his unsettling journey, Professor Gaitonde returns to the familiar
world he knows but remains haunted by the experience. In this reality, his
“adventure” seems to have been a dream or hallucination, yet he
possesses a torn page from a historical book as proof of his experience.
The page describes Vishwasrao, a Maratha leader, narrowly escaping
death in the battle—a small but significant difference that led to the
Maratha victory in the alternate reality.
THEMES AND CONCEPTS EXPLORED
• 1. History and Alternate Realities: The story raises questions about how single events can drastically
alter history. The Marathas’ victory at Panipat represents a “what if” scenario, showing how a single
event can lead to vastly different societal outcomes.
• 2. Catastrophe Theory: This mathematical theory explains how minor changes can trigger significant,
often unpredictable, shifts in complex systems, like history.
• 3. Quantum Theory and Parallel Worlds: Quantum theory introduces the idea of multiple possible
realities, where each potential outcome of an event might exist in a separate, parallel world. Rajendra
suggests that Gaitonde’s journey may be an example of transitioning between these worlds,
experiencing different outcomes of historical events.
• 4. Scientific Inquiry and Historical Speculation: The story bridges history and science by suggesting that
both fields explore truth in their ways. While historians rely on evidence and records, scientists explore
theoretical possibilities, such as alternate realities.
CONCLUSION
• The Adventure ultimately questions the nature of reality and history,
suggesting that our world may not be the only possible version of events. By
blending scientific theories with historical events, Narlikar presents an
engaging story that encourages readers to reflect on the influence of pivotal
moments in shaping societies. Professor Gaitonde’s “adventure” is a journey
not only through an alternate history but also through the fascinating
intersections of history, science, and philosophy it leaves readers to ponder
how much of our reality is fixed and how much might be subject to alternate
possibilities.
