NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 5 — The Adventure Jayant Narlikar
This chapter, "The Adventure" by Jayant Narlikar, adapted for NCERT, explores Professor Gaitonde's bewildering experience of time and reality. Traveling by train from Pune to Bombay, he finds himself in an alternate history where the East India Company still thrives and the British Raj is firmly in place. He notices significant differences from his known history, such as the absence of industrial townships and the presence of British institutions like East India House and British banks. Gaitonde plans to visit a library to understand how history diverged and intends to consult his friend Rajendra Deshpande. The narrative highlights Gaitonde's intellectual struggle to reconcile his knowledge of history with the reality he is experiencing, posing questions about the nature of reality and historical progression. This chapter encourages critical thinking about historical narratives and the concept of alternate timelines, aiding CBSE students in developing analytical skills.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — The Adventure Jayant Narlikar |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 633 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of alternate history and its implications.
- Analyze the protagonist's confusion and intellectual struggle.
- Infer the meaning of new vocabulary from context.
- Appreciate the narrative style of Jayant Narlikar.
- Develop critical thinking skills regarding historical events.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| blow-by-blow account | a detailed description of an event |
| de facto | in fact, in reality |
| morale booster | something that increases confidence or enthusiasm |
| astute | having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage |
| relegated to | assigned to a lower or less important rank or position |
| doctored accounts | manipulated or falsified records |
| political acumen | the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions in politics |
| gave vent to | expressed (a strong emotion) freely |
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Practice questions
- What was Professor Gaitonde's initial plan upon reaching Bombay? Answer: He planned to go to a big library and browse through history books to find out how the present state of affairs was reached.
- What was the name of the station where the train stopped after the ghat section? Answer: The station was called Sarhad.
- What did the letters 'GBMR' on the train carriages stand for? Answer: GBMR stood for 'Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway'.
- What unexpected sight greeted Professor Gaitonde outside Victoria Terminus? Answer: He saw an imposing building with the letters 'East India House', headquarters of the East India Company, which he believed had been wound up long ago.
- How did the shops and buildings on Hornby Road differ from what Professor Gaitonde expected? Answer: Instead of expected buildings like Handloom House, he found British departmental stores (Boots, Woolworth) and offices of British banks, similar to a high street in England.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'The Adventure'?
The chapter is an adapted version of a story by Jayant Narlikar.
What is the main theme of 'The Adventure'?
The main theme revolves around alternate history and the protagonist's disorientation when faced with a reality different from his own.
Where was Professor Gaitonde traveling from and to?
He was traveling from Pune to Bombay.
What historical event did Professor Gaitonde believe had ended the East India Company's reign?
He believed the East India Company had been wound up shortly after the events of 1857.
What does the presence of the Union Jack on the train carriages signify in the story?
It signifies that the train is in British territory, reminding passengers of the British rule.
What does Professor Gaitonde plan to do to understand the altered history?
He plans to visit a big library to browse history books and later talk to Rajendra Deshpande.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 5 — The Adventure Jayant Narlikar. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.