The Adventure – Notes

Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (1938–2023) was an Indian astrophysicist and writer.
He worked with Sir Fred Hoyle and contributed to cosmology.
Apart from science, he wrote extensively in English and Marathi, often blending scientific concepts with imaginative fiction.
The Adventure reflects his ability to merge science, history, and alternate realities.

Summary of the Story

The story begins with Professor Gangadharpant Gaitonde (commonly called Gangadharpant), a historian, who suddenly finds himself in a different reality.
Instead of being in modern-day India, he notices that India did not lose the Battle of Panipat in 1761.
In this altered history, India developed differently: it remained strong, self-governed, and advanced without colonial rule.
Gaitonde finds himself in Bombay (Mumbai), but it is completely changed – there are no traces of British architecture, and the socio-political atmosphere is different.
He visits the Azad Maidan, where a public lecture is being held. Shockingly, there is no chairperson on the stage.
Known for always presiding over historical meetings, Gaitonde climbs onto the stage and tries to take control.
The audience protests, a commotion breaks out, and he is physically thrown off the stage.
Later, he suddenly regains consciousness and realises he had been in a parallel universe or alternative reality, possibly triggered by a road accident and unconsciousness.
Through this “adventure,” the story explores the theory of catastrophic situations, quantum physics, and the multiverse—suggesting that history could have unfolded in countless different ways.

Alternate History
- The narrative shows how one event (Battle of Panipat) could have completely altered the course of Indian history.
- It questions the importance of chance in shaping nations.
Science and Philosophy
- The story is not pure fantasy—it is based on theories of catastrophic situations and parallel worlds.
- Introduces scientific reasoning to explain “what if” situations.
Nationalism and Identity
- The alternate India is strong, independent, and modern—showing what India might have been without colonisation.
- The story awakens a sense of pride but also regret for the lost path of history.
Human Curiosity and Exploration
- Professor Gaitonde represents a true scholar: curious, analytical, and willing to question reality itself.

Professor Gaitonde

A historian by profession, deeply passionate about history.
Rational thinker who tries to find logical explanations for even strange experiences.
Authoritative, as seen when he tries to take over the stage at Azad Maidan.
Represents the modern Indian intellectual—rooted in history but open to science and change.

The Battle of Panipat (1761):
- In real history, the Marathas lost, leading to the decline of Indian power and eventual British domination.
- In the alternate reality, the Marathas won, and India remained united and strong.
Azad Maidan Lecture:
- Symbolises the clash between the historian’s personality and the changed political reality.
- Shows that history not only changes events but also people’s social practices (like not having a chairperson).
Scientific Explanation (Parallel Universe):
- Narlikar uses quantum theory and catastrophic situations to explain the possibility of multiple outcomes.
- Suggests that every small change in the past could lead to a different present.

The story blends history, science, and imagination.
Written in simple but thought-provoking language.
Brings together factual details (Battle of Panipat, Bombay city) with speculative science.

“The Adventure” is not only a science fiction story but also an exploration of how fragile history is.
It highlights the importance of scientific imagination in understanding human destiny.
Encourages readers to appreciate both science and history as forces shaping society.