NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 10 — The Adventure Jayant Narlikar
This chapter, "The Adventure" by Jayant Narlikar, adapted for NCERT, follows Professor Gaitonde's bewildering journey. He finds himself in a drastically different Bombay, where the East India Company still thrives and history has taken an unexpected turn. The narrative explores his confusion and his determination to uncover the reasons behind this altered reality. Professor Gaitonde plans to consult historical records and discuss his predicament with Rajendra Deshpande. The chapter introduces vocabulary related to detailed accounts and astute observations. It highlights the importance of historical accuracy and the potential for alternate timelines, offering students insights into historical inquiry and the nature of reality within the context of CBSE English curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 10 — 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 reactions and investigative approach.
- Infer the meaning of new vocabulary from context.
- Appreciate the role of historical records in understanding events.
- Engage with themes of reality and perception.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| blow-by-blow account | A detailed, step-by-step description of an event. |
| de facto | In fact; in reality (used to describe a situation that exists, even if not officially recognized). |
| 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 | Altered or falsified records or stories. |
| political acumen | The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions in politics. |
| gave vent to | To express a strong emotion, such as anger or excitement, freely. |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- What was Professor Gaitonde's initial plan upon arriving in 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 surprising sight greeted Professor Gaitonde in Bombay? Answer: He saw the East India House, headquarters of the East India Company, which he believed had been wound up long ago.
- What did the Union Jack painted on the train carriages signify? Answer: It was a gentle reminder that they were in British territory.
- According to the text, what was the original name of Mumbai? Answer: Mumbai was originally known as Bombay.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'The Adventure'?
The chapter is an adapted version, and the original text is by Jayant Narlikar.
What is the main theme of 'The Adventure'?
The chapter explores themes of alternate history, reality versus perception, and the quest for historical truth.
Where does Professor Gaitonde travel in the story?
He travels from Pune to Bombay (now Mumbai).
What historical event is mentioned as a turning point in history?
The events of 1857 are mentioned as a period after which the East India Company was supposed to have been wound up.
What does 'de facto' mean in the context of the story?
It refers to the actual state of affairs, implying that the East India Company exists and functions in reality, even if it shouldn't according to Gaitonde's history.
What is the significance of the Union Jack on the train carriages?
It signifies that the territory is under British rule.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 10 — The Adventure Jayant Narlikar. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.