The Adventure Questions & Answers | Class 11 English | CBSE NCERT

1 marks · mcq

1. Q1. What was the first stop of the Jijamata Express after Pune? (a) Karjat (b) Kalyan (c) Lonavala (d) Sarhad

The Jijamata Express sped along the Pune-Bombay route considerably faster than the Deccan Queen. There were no industrial townships outside Pune. The first stop, Lonavala, came in 40 minutes. The ghat section that followed was no different from what he knew. The train stopped at Karjat only briefly and went on at even greater speed. It roared through Kalyan.

Meanwhile, the racing mind of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay.

1 marks · mcq

2. Q2. Which detail of the journey contradicted Professor Gaitonde's knowledge of the route? (a) The absence of industrial townships outside Pune (b) The train's brief stop at Karjat (c) The ghat section that followed (d) The speed of the train beyond Kalyan

The Jijamata Express sped along the Pune-Bombay route considerably faster than the Deccan Queen. There were no industrial townships outside Pune. The first stop, Lonavala, came in 40 minutes. The ghat section that followed was no different from what he knew. The train stopped at Karjat only briefly and went on at even greater speed. It roared through Kalyan.

Meanwhile, the racing mind of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay.

1 marks · mcq

3. Q3. The word "roared" in "It roared through Kalyan" suggests that the train was (a) braking sharply (b) carrying freight (c) falling apart (d) moving at great speed

The Jijamata Express sped along the Pune-Bombay route considerably faster than the Deccan Queen. There were no industrial townships outside Pune. The first stop, Lonavala, came in 40 minutes. The ghat section that followed was no different from what he knew. The train stopped at Karjat only briefly and went on at even greater speed. It roared through Kalyan.

Meanwhile, the racing mind of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay.

1 marks · mcq

4. Q4. The "racing mind" that had arrived at a plan of action belonged to (a) the driver of the train (b) Vinay Gaitonde (c) Professor Gaitonde (d) Khan Sahib

The Jijamata Express sped along the Pune-Bombay route considerably faster than the Deccan Queen. There were no industrial townships outside Pune. The first stop, Lonavala, came in 40 minutes. The ghat section that followed was no different from what he knew. The train stopped at Karjat only briefly and went on at even greater speed. It roared through Kalyan.

Meanwhile, the racing mind of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay.

1 marks · mcq

5. Q5. The phrase "no different from what he knew" indicates that the ghat section (a) matched his memory of it (b) had been rebuilt (c) frightened him (d) was longer than before

The Jijamata Express sped along the Pune-Bombay route considerably faster than the Deccan Queen. There were no industrial townships outside Pune. The first stop, Lonavala, came in 40 minutes. The ghat section that followed was no different from what he knew. The train stopped at Karjat only briefly and went on at even greater speed. It roared through Kalyan.

Meanwhile, the racing mind of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay.

1 marks · mcq

6. Q1. Professor Gaitonde planned to discover how the present state of affairs had been reached by (a) telegraphing his son (b) browsing through history books in a big library (c) questioning railway officials (d) writing to the British authorities

Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state of affairs was reached. He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened.

That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande!

1 marks · mcq

7. Q2. The professor felt he "should have thought of it sooner" because (a) consulting history books was the most natural method for a historian (b) he had written all the books himself (c) the library was close by (d) he was forbidden to read in Pune

Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state of affairs was reached. He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened.

That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande!

1 marks · mcq

8. Q3. The exclamation about whether Rajendra Deshpande even existed reveals the professor's fear that (a) Rajendra had shifted to Bombay (b) Rajendra would refuse to help (c) even people he knew might not exist in this changed world (d) he had forgotten his friend's address

Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state of affairs was reached. He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened.

That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande!

1 marks · mcq

9. Q4. The word "browsed" in "browse through history books" most nearly means (a) to buy quickly (b) to borrow (c) to look through (d) to tear pages from

Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state of affairs was reached. He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened.

That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande!

1 marks · mcq

10. Q5. Whom did the professor hope would help him understand what had happened? (a) Khan Sahib (b) The librarian of the Asiatic Society (c) Vinay Gaitonde (d) Rajendra Deshpande

Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state of affairs was reached. He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened.

That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande!

1 marks · mcq

11. Q1. According to Khan Sahib, the British Raj began at (a) Karjat (b) Sarhad (c) Lonavala (d) Victoria Terminus

The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.

"This is where the British Raj begins. You are going for the first time, I presume?" Khan Sahib asked.

"Yes." The reply was factually correct. Gangadharpant had not been to this Bombay before. He ventured a question: "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?"

"This train goes to the Victoria Terminus. I will take the Frontier Mail tonight out of Central."

"How far does it go? By what route?"

"Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore and then Peshawar. A long journey. I will reach Peshawar the day after tomorrow."

1 marks · mcq

12. Q2. Gangadharpant's reply "Yes" was factually correct because (a) he had lived all his life in that Bombay (b) he held a British permit (c) he had never visited this Bombay before (d) Khan Sahib recognised him

The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.

"This is where the British Raj begins. You are going for the first time, I presume?" Khan Sahib asked.

"Yes." The reply was factually correct. Gangadharpant had not been to this Bombay before. He ventured a question: "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?"

"This train goes to the Victoria Terminus. I will take the Frontier Mail tonight out of Central."

"How far does it go? By what route?"

"Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore and then Peshawar. A long journey. I will reach Peshawar the day after tomorrow."

1 marks · mcq

13. Q3. Who checked the permits on the train? (a) An Anglo-Indian in uniform (b) Khan Sahib (c) A British officer at the gate (d) The station master of Sarhad

The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.

"This is where the British Raj begins. You are going for the first time, I presume?" Khan Sahib asked.

"Yes." The reply was factually correct. Gangadharpant had not been to this Bombay before. He ventured a question: "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?"

"This train goes to the Victoria Terminus. I will take the Frontier Mail tonight out of Central."

"How far does it go? By what route?"

"Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore and then Peshawar. A long journey. I will reach Peshawar the day after tomorrow."

1 marks · mcq

14. Q4. Khan Sahib's route to Peshawar ran through (a) Bombay, Karachi and Kabul (b) Lonavala, Kalyan and Delhi (c) Calcutta, Madras and Delhi (d) Bombay, Delhi and Lahore

The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.

"This is where the British Raj begins. You are going for the first time, I presume?" Khan Sahib asked.

"Yes." The reply was factually correct. Gangadharpant had not been to this Bombay before. He ventured a question: "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?"

"This train goes to the Victoria Terminus. I will take the Frontier Mail tonight out of Central."

"How far does it go? By what route?"

"Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore and then Peshawar. A long journey. I will reach Peshawar the day after tomorrow."

1 marks · mcq

15. Q5. In "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?", the word "you" refers to (a) Gangadharpant (b) the Anglo-Indian checker (c) Khan Sahib (d) the driver of the Frontier Mail

The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.

"This is where the British Raj begins. You are going for the first time, I presume?" Khan Sahib asked.

"Yes." The reply was factually correct. Gangadharpant had not been to this Bombay before. He ventured a question: "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?"

"This train goes to the Victoria Terminus. I will take the Frontier Mail tonight out of Central."

"How far does it go? By what route?"

"Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore and then Peshawar. A long journey. I will reach Peshawar the day after tomorrow."

1 marks · mcq

16. Q6. Khan Sahib's rail route suggests that in this world India was (a) undivided and linked by one imperial rail network (b) divided into hostile states (c) ruled entirely by the Marathas (d) closed to long-distance travel

The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.

"This is where the British Raj begins. You are going for the first time, I presume?" Khan Sahib asked.

"Yes." The reply was factually correct. Gangadharpant had not been to this Bombay before. He ventured a question: "And, Khan Sahib, how will you go to Peshawar?"

"This train goes to the Victoria Terminus. I will take the Frontier Mail tonight out of Central."

"How far does it go? By what route?"

"Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore and then Peshawar. A long journey. I will reach Peshawar the day after tomorrow."

1 marks · mcq

17. Q1. The letters GBMR stood for (a) General Bombay Mail Route (b) Grand Bombay Mountain Railway (c) Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway (d) Greater British Metro Rail

Thereafter, Khan Sahib spoke a lot about his business and Gangadharpant was a willing listener. For, in that way, he was able to get some flavour of life in this India that was so different.

The train now passed through the suburban rail traffic. The blue carriages carried the letters, GBMR, on the side.

"Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway," explained Khan Sahib. "See the tiny Union Jack painted on each carriage? A gentle reminder that we are in British territory."

1 marks · mcq

18. Q2. The tiny Union Jack on each carriage was "a gentle reminder" that the passengers were (a) travelling in British territory (b) nearing Peshawar (c) on an express train (d) riding in first class

Thereafter, Khan Sahib spoke a lot about his business and Gangadharpant was a willing listener. For, in that way, he was able to get some flavour of life in this India that was so different.

The train now passed through the suburban rail traffic. The blue carriages carried the letters, GBMR, on the side.

"Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway," explained Khan Sahib. "See the tiny Union Jack painted on each carriage? A gentle reminder that we are in British territory."

1 marks · mcq

19. Q3. Gangadharpant was a "willing listener" to Khan Sahib's talk because it gave him (a) useful business tips (b) some flavour of life in this different India (c) a chance to practise his English (d) relief from boredom

Thereafter, Khan Sahib spoke a lot about his business and Gangadharpant was a willing listener. For, in that way, he was able to get some flavour of life in this India that was so different.

The train now passed through the suburban rail traffic. The blue carriages carried the letters, GBMR, on the side.

"Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway," explained Khan Sahib. "See the tiny Union Jack painted on each carriage? A gentle reminder that we are in British territory."

1 marks · mcq

20. Q4. The word "flavour" in this extract most nearly means (a) a seasoning (b) a fragrance (c) a special privilege (d) a general impression

Thereafter, Khan Sahib spoke a lot about his business and Gangadharpant was a willing listener. For, in that way, he was able to get some flavour of life in this India that was so different.

The train now passed through the suburban rail traffic. The blue carriages carried the letters, GBMR, on the side.

"Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway," explained Khan Sahib. "See the tiny Union Jack painted on each carriage? A gentle reminder that we are in British territory."

1 marks · mcq

21. Q5. The tone of Khan Sahib's remark about the Union Jack can best be described as (a) bitter and resentful (b) fearful and anxious (c) matter-of-fact and accepting (d) sarcastic and mocking

Thereafter, Khan Sahib spoke a lot about his business and Gangadharpant was a willing listener. For, in that way, he was able to get some flavour of life in this India that was so different.

The train now passed through the suburban rail traffic. The blue carriages carried the letters, GBMR, on the side.

"Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway," explained Khan Sahib. "See the tiny Union Jack painted on each carriage? A gentle reminder that we are in British territory."

1 marks · mcq

22. Q1. The staff at Victoria Terminus was mostly made up of (a) British officers only (b) Maratha officials (c) Anglo-Indians and Parsees with a handful of British officers (d) French and Portuguese traders

The train began to slow down beyond Dadar and stopped only at its destination, Victoria Terminus. The station looked remarkably neat and clean. The staff was mostly made up of Anglo-Indians and Parsees along with a handful of British officers.

As he emerged from the station, Gangadharpant found himself facing an imposing building. The letters on it proclaimed its identity to those who did not know this Bombay landmark:

easT india house headquarTers of

The easT india company

1 marks · mcq

23. Q2. The imposing building that faced the professor as he emerged from the station was (a) the Town Hall (b) East India House (c) the Forbes building (d) Handloom House

The train began to slow down beyond Dadar and stopped only at its destination, Victoria Terminus. The station looked remarkably neat and clean. The staff was mostly made up of Anglo-Indians and Parsees along with a handful of British officers.

As he emerged from the station, Gangadharpant found himself facing an imposing building. The letters on it proclaimed its identity to those who did not know this Bombay landmark:

easT india house headquarTers of

The easT india company

1 marks · mcq

24. Q3. The inscription was said to proclaim the building's identity "to those who did not know this Bombay landmark", which suggests that (a) the building was newly built (b) most people of that world would recognise it without the lettering (c) the letters were fading away (d) only foreigners could read English there

The train began to slow down beyond Dadar and stopped only at its destination, Victoria Terminus. The station looked remarkably neat and clean. The staff was mostly made up of Anglo-Indians and Parsees along with a handful of British officers.

As he emerged from the station, Gangadharpant found himself facing an imposing building. The letters on it proclaimed its identity to those who did not know this Bombay landmark:

easT india house headquarTers of

The easT india company

1 marks · mcq

25. Q4. The word "remarkably" in "remarkably neat and clean" indicates that the professor (a) found the cleanliness striking (b) thought the station was small (c) was disappointed by the station (d) had expected more officers

The train began to slow down beyond Dadar and stopped only at its destination, Victoria Terminus. The station looked remarkably neat and clean. The staff was mostly made up of Anglo-Indians and Parsees along with a handful of British officers.

As he emerged from the station, Gangadharpant found himself facing an imposing building. The letters on it proclaimed its identity to those who did not know this Bombay landmark:

easT india house headquarTers of

The easT india company

1 marks · mcq

26. Q5. The word "proclaimed" most nearly means (a) concealed (b) whispered (c) announced publicly (d) misread

The train began to slow down beyond Dadar and stopped only at its destination, Victoria Terminus. The station looked remarkably neat and clean. The staff was mostly made up of Anglo-Indians and Parsees along with a handful of British officers.

As he emerged from the station, Gangadharpant found himself facing an imposing building. The letters on it proclaimed its identity to those who did not know this Bombay landmark:

easT india house headquarTers of

The easT india company

1 marks · mcq

27. Q1. According to the history books Professor Gaitonde knew, the East India Company had been wound up (a) after the Battle of Panipat (b) by the treaty of 1908 (c) at the start of the twentieth century (d) shortly after the events of 1857

Prepared as he was for many shocks, Professor Gaitonde had not expected this. The East India Company had been wound up shortly after the events of 1857 — at least, that is what history books said. Yet, here it was, not only alive but flourishing. So, history had taken a different turn, perhaps before 1857. How and when had it happened? He had to find out.

As he walked along Hornby Road, as it was called, he found a different set of shops and office buildings. There was no Handloom House building. Instead, there were Boots and Woolworth departmental stores, imposing offices of Lloyds, Barclays and other British banks, as in a typical high street of a town in England.

1 marks · mcq

28. Q2. On Hornby Road, instead of Handloom House, the professor found (a) British departmental stores and banks such as Boots, Woolworth, Lloyds and Barclays (b) Maratha armories (c) a row of temples (d) empty building plots

Prepared as he was for many shocks, Professor Gaitonde had not expected this. The East India Company had been wound up shortly after the events of 1857 — at least, that is what history books said. Yet, here it was, not only alive but flourishing. So, history had taken a different turn, perhaps before 1857. How and when had it happened? He had to find out.

As he walked along Hornby Road, as it was called, he found a different set of shops and office buildings. There was no Handloom House building. Instead, there were Boots and Woolworth departmental stores, imposing offices of Lloyds, Barclays and other British banks, as in a typical high street of a town in England.

1 marks · mcq

29. Q3. The professor concluded that history had taken a different turn (a) exactly in 1857 (b) perhaps before 1857 (c) after 1857 (d) in the twentieth century

Prepared as he was for many shocks, Professor Gaitonde had not expected this. The East India Company had been wound up shortly after the events of 1857 — at least, that is what history books said. Yet, here it was, not only alive but flourishing. So, history had taken a different turn, perhaps before 1857. How and when had it happened? He had to find out.

As he walked along Hornby Road, as it was called, he found a different set of shops and office buildings. There was no Handloom House building. Instead, there were Boots and Woolworth departmental stores, imposing offices of Lloyds, Barclays and other British banks, as in a typical high street of a town in England.

1 marks · mcq

30. Q4. The word "flourishing" tells us that the Company was (a) barely surviving (b) about to close (c) thriving (d) moving to Calcutta

Prepared as he was for many shocks, Professor Gaitonde had not expected this. The East India Company had been wound up shortly after the events of 1857 — at least, that is what history books said. Yet, here it was, not only alive but flourishing. So, history had taken a different turn, perhaps before 1857. How and when had it happened? He had to find out.

As he walked along Hornby Road, as it was called, he found a different set of shops and office buildings. There was no Handloom House building. Instead, there were Boots and Woolworth departmental stores, imposing offices of Lloyds, Barclays and other British banks, as in a typical high street of a town in England.

1 marks · mcq

31. Q5. The comparison "as in a typical high street of a town in England" conveys that (a) this Bombay resembled an English town (b) the professor loved England (c) English streets were dirtier (d) the shops were shabby

Prepared as he was for many shocks, Professor Gaitonde had not expected this. The East India Company had been wound up shortly after the events of 1857 — at least, that is what history books said. Yet, here it was, not only alive but flourishing. So, history had taken a different turn, perhaps before 1857. How and when had it happened? He had to find out.

As he walked along Hornby Road, as it was called, he found a different set of shops and office buildings. There was no Handloom House building. Instead, there were Boots and Woolworth departmental stores, imposing offices of Lloyds, Barclays and other British banks, as in a typical high street of a town in England.

1 marks · mcq

32. Q1. Whom did the professor wish to meet at the Forbes building? (a) Rajendra Deshpande (b) The English receptionist (c) Khan Sahib (d) Mr Vinay Gaitonde

He turned right along Home Street and entered Forbes building.

"I wish to meet Mr Vinay Gaitonde, please," he said to the English receptionist.

She searched through the telephone list, the staff list and then through the directory of employees of all the branches of the firm. She shook her head and said, "I am afraid I can't find anyone of that name either here or in any of our branches. Are you sure he works here?"

This was a blow, not totally unexpected. If he himself were dead in this world, what guarantee had he that his son would be alive? Indeed, he may not even have been born!

1 marks · mcq

33. Q2. The receptionist searched through (a) only the telephone list (b) the telephone list, the staff list and the directory of employees of all branches (c) the library catalogue (d) old files sent from Pune

He turned right along Home Street and entered Forbes building.

"I wish to meet Mr Vinay Gaitonde, please," he said to the English receptionist.

She searched through the telephone list, the staff list and then through the directory of employees of all the branches of the firm. She shook her head and said, "I am afraid I can't find anyone of that name either here or in any of our branches. Are you sure he works here?"

This was a blow, not totally unexpected. If he himself were dead in this world, what guarantee had he that his son would be alive? Indeed, he may not even have been born!

1 marks · mcq

34. Q3. The failure to find his son was "a blow, not totally unexpected" because (a) if he himself was dead in this world, his son might not exist either (b) his son had changed jobs (c) the office was closing (d) he had never met his son

He turned right along Home Street and entered Forbes building.

"I wish to meet Mr Vinay Gaitonde, please," he said to the English receptionist.

She searched through the telephone list, the staff list and then through the directory of employees of all the branches of the firm. She shook her head and said, "I am afraid I can't find anyone of that name either here or in any of our branches. Are you sure he works here?"

This was a blow, not totally unexpected. If he himself were dead in this world, what guarantee had he that his son would be alive? Indeed, he may not even have been born!

1 marks · mcq

35. Q4. In "he may not even have been born", the person referred to is (a) the professor himself (b) Vinay Gaitonde (c) Rajendra Deshpande (d) Khan Sahib

He turned right along Home Street and entered Forbes building.

"I wish to meet Mr Vinay Gaitonde, please," he said to the English receptionist.

She searched through the telephone list, the staff list and then through the directory of employees of all the branches of the firm. She shook her head and said, "I am afraid I can't find anyone of that name either here or in any of our branches. Are you sure he works here?"

This was a blow, not totally unexpected. If he himself were dead in this world, what guarantee had he that his son would be alive? Indeed, he may not even have been born!

1 marks · mcq

36. Q5. What conclusion did the professor draw from the search? (a) His son was on leave (b) The staff lists were incomplete (c) In this world his son did not exist at Forbes (d) His son worked in another branch

He turned right along Home Street and entered Forbes building.

"I wish to meet Mr Vinay Gaitonde, please," he said to the English receptionist.

She searched through the telephone list, the staff list and then through the directory of employees of all the branches of the firm. She shook her head and said, "I am afraid I can't find anyone of that name either here or in any of our branches. Are you sure he works here?"

This was a blow, not totally unexpected. If he himself were dead in this world, what guarantee had he that his son would be alive? Indeed, he may not even have been born!

1 marks · mcq

37. Q1. The professor's main concern on reaching Bombay was (a) finding accommodation (b) solving the riddle of history at the Asiatic Society library (c) meeting his son (d) buying warmer clothes

He thanked the girl politely and came out. It was characteristic of him not to worry about where he would stay. His main concern was to make his way to the library of the Asiatic Society to solve the riddle of history. Grabbing a quick lunch at a restaurant, he made his way to the Town Hall.

Yes, to his relief, the Town Hall was there, and it did house the library.

1 marks · mcq

38. Q2. The statement that it was "characteristic of him not to worry about where he would stay" reveals his (a) careless attitude to safety (b) great wealth (c) scholarly single-mindedness (d) familiarity with Bombay

He thanked the girl politely and came out. It was characteristic of him not to worry about where he would stay. His main concern was to make his way to the library of the Asiatic Society to solve the riddle of history. Grabbing a quick lunch at a restaurant, he made his way to the Town Hall.

Yes, to his relief, the Town Hall was there, and it did house the library.

1 marks · mcq

39. Q3. The professor was relieved to find that the Town Hall (a) still existed and housed the library (b) had been newly rebuilt (c) stood next to the station (d) was open all night

He thanked the girl politely and came out. It was characteristic of him not to worry about where he would stay. His main concern was to make his way to the library of the Asiatic Society to solve the riddle of history. Grabbing a quick lunch at a restaurant, he made his way to the Town Hall.

Yes, to his relief, the Town Hall was there, and it did house the library.

1 marks · mcq

40. Q4. The word "riddle" as used in the extract most nearly means (a) a children's game (b) a puzzling mystery (c) a rhyming poem (d) an ancient inscription

He thanked the girl politely and came out. It was characteristic of him not to worry about where he would stay. His main concern was to make his way to the library of the Asiatic Society to solve the riddle of history. Grabbing a quick lunch at a restaurant, he made his way to the Town Hall.

Yes, to his relief, the Town Hall was there, and it did house the library.

1 marks · mcq

41. Q5. After leaving the Forbes building, the professor (a) booked a hotel room (b) returned to Pune (c) attended a public lecture (d) grabbed a quick lunch and made his way to the Town Hall

He thanked the girl politely and came out. It was characteristic of him not to worry about where he would stay. His main concern was to make his way to the library of the Asiatic Society to solve the riddle of history. Grabbing a quick lunch at a restaurant, he made his way to the Town Hall.

Yes, to his relief, the Town Hall was there, and it did house the library.

1 marks · mcq

42. Q1. Volume four of the history took the account up to (a) the period of Ashoka (b) Samudragupta (c) Mohammad Ghori (d) the death of Aurangzeb

He entered the reading room and asked for a list of history books including his own.

His five volumes duly arrived on his table. He started from the beginning. Volume one took the history up to the period of Ashoka, volume two up to Samudragupta, volume three up to Mohammad Ghori and volume four up to the death of Aurangzeb. Up to this period history was as he knew it. The change evidently had occurred in the last volume.

Reading volume five from both ends inwards, Gangadharpant finally converged on the precise moment where history had taken a different turn.

1 marks · mcq

43. Q2. Gangadharpant read volume five "from both ends inwards" because (a) the book was torn (b) he knew the change lay somewhere in that volume and this method located it quickly (c) the middle pages were missing (d) the librarian had advised him to

He entered the reading room and asked for a list of history books including his own.

His five volumes duly arrived on his table. He started from the beginning. Volume one took the history up to the period of Ashoka, volume two up to Samudragupta, volume three up to Mohammad Ghori and volume four up to the death of Aurangzeb. Up to this period history was as he knew it. The change evidently had occurred in the last volume.

Reading volume five from both ends inwards, Gangadharpant finally converged on the precise moment where history had taken a different turn.

1 marks · mcq

44. Q3. The first four volumes established that (a) history up to Aurangzeb's death was exactly as he knew it (b) the whole of history was different (c) the Marathas had always ruled India (d) the volumes were pirated copies

He entered the reading room and asked for a list of history books including his own.

His five volumes duly arrived on his table. He started from the beginning. Volume one took the history up to the period of Ashoka, volume two up to Samudragupta, volume three up to Mohammad Ghori and volume four up to the death of Aurangzeb. Up to this period history was as he knew it. The change evidently had occurred in the last volume.

Reading volume five from both ends inwards, Gangadharpant finally converged on the precise moment where history had taken a different turn.

1 marks · mcq

45. Q4. The phrase "converged on the precise moment" means (a) read slowly aloud (b) skipped the beginning (c) narrowed down to the exact point of change (d) forgot the exact time

He entered the reading room and asked for a list of history books including his own.

His five volumes duly arrived on his table. He started from the beginning. Volume one took the history up to the period of Ashoka, volume two up to Samudragupta, volume three up to Mohammad Ghori and volume four up to the death of Aurangzeb. Up to this period history was as he knew it. The change evidently had occurred in the last volume.

Reading volume five from both ends inwards, Gangadharpant finally converged on the precise moment where history had taken a different turn.

1 marks · mcq

46. Q5. How many volumes of history, including his own, did the professor ask for? (a) Three (b) Four (c) Six (d) Five

He entered the reading room and asked for a list of history books including his own.

His five volumes duly arrived on his table. He started from the beginning. Volume one took the history up to the period of Ashoka, volume two up to Samudragupta, volume three up to Mohammad Ghori and volume four up to the death of Aurangzeb. Up to this period history was as he knew it. The change evidently had occurred in the last volume.

Reading volume five from both ends inwards, Gangadharpant finally converged on the precise moment where history had taken a different turn.

1 marks · mcq

47. Q1. According to the page describing the Battle of Panipat, the Marathas (a) won handsomely (b) lost narrowly (c) fought to a draw (d) retreated to Pune

That page in the book described the Battle of Panipat, and it mentioned that the Marathas won it handsomely. Abdali was routed and he was chased back to Kabul by the triumphant Maratha army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew, the young Vishwasrao.

The book did not go into a blow-by-blow account of the battle itself. Rather, it elaborated in detail its consequences for the power struggle in India. Gangadharpant read through the account avidly. The style of writing was unmistakably his, yet he was reading the account for the first time!

1 marks · mcq

48. Q2. The triumphant Maratha army was led by (a) Dadasaheb and Madhavrao (b) the Peshwa alone (c) Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew Vishwasrao (d) Abdali's allies

That page in the book described the Battle of Panipat, and it mentioned that the Marathas won it handsomely. Abdali was routed and he was chased back to Kabul by the triumphant Maratha army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew, the young Vishwasrao.

The book did not go into a blow-by-blow account of the battle itself. Rather, it elaborated in detail its consequences for the power struggle in India. Gangadharpant read through the account avidly. The style of writing was unmistakably his, yet he was reading the account for the first time!

1 marks · mcq

49. Q3. In this account, Abdali was (a) crowned in Delhi (b) routed and chased back to Kabul (c) killed at Panipat (d) welcomed as an ally

That page in the book described the Battle of Panipat, and it mentioned that the Marathas won it handsomely. Abdali was routed and he was chased back to Kabul by the triumphant Maratha army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew, the young Vishwasrao.

The book did not go into a blow-by-blow account of the battle itself. Rather, it elaborated in detail its consequences for the power struggle in India. Gangadharpant read through the account avidly. The style of writing was unmistakably his, yet he was reading the account for the first time!

1 marks · mcq

50. Q4. The professor found the style "unmistakably his" though he read the account for the first time. This shows that (a) a parallel version of himself had written this history in that world (b) the book had been plagiarised (c) his memory had failed him (d) the librarian had rewritten his book

That page in the book described the Battle of Panipat, and it mentioned that the Marathas won it handsomely. Abdali was routed and he was chased back to Kabul by the triumphant Maratha army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew, the young Vishwasrao.

The book did not go into a blow-by-blow account of the battle itself. Rather, it elaborated in detail its consequences for the power struggle in India. Gangadharpant read through the account avidly. The style of writing was unmistakably his, yet he was reading the account for the first time!

1 marks · mcq

51. Q5. Instead of a blow-by-blow account of the battle, the book elaborated on (a) the weapons used (b) Abdali's military career (c) the Peshwa's family (d) its consequences for the power struggle in India

That page in the book described the Battle of Panipat, and it mentioned that the Marathas won it handsomely. Abdali was routed and he was chased back to Kabul by the triumphant Maratha army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew, the young Vishwasrao.

The book did not go into a blow-by-blow account of the battle itself. Rather, it elaborated in detail its consequences for the power struggle in India. Gangadharpant read through the account avidly. The style of writing was unmistakably his, yet he was reading the account for the first time!

1 marks · mcq

52. Q1. The Maratha victory established their supremacy in (a) southern India (b) northern India (c) the Deccan alone (d) Afghanistan

Their victory in the battle was not only a great morale booster to the Marathas but it also established their supremacy in northern India. The East India Company, which had been watching these developments from the sidelines, got the message and temporarily shelved its expansionist programme.

For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.

1 marks · mcq

53. Q2. On getting the message of Maratha supremacy, the East India Company (a) declared war immediately (b) allied with Abdali (c) temporarily shelved its expansionist programme (d) left India altogether

Their victory in the battle was not only a great morale booster to the Marathas but it also established their supremacy in northern India. The East India Company, which had been watching these developments from the sidelines, got the message and temporarily shelved its expansionist programme.

For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.

1 marks · mcq

54. Q3. Vishwasrao eventually succeeded his father in (a) 1780 A.D. (b) 1761 A.D. (c) 1857 A.D. (d) 1908 A.D.

Their victory in the battle was not only a great morale booster to the Marathas but it also established their supremacy in northern India. The East India Company, which had been watching these developments from the sidelines, got the message and temporarily shelved its expansionist programme.

For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.

1 marks · mcq

55. Q4. "The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background" means he was (a) promoted to high office (b) pushed into political insignificance (c) exiled to Kabul (d) made the Peshwa

Their victory in the battle was not only a great morale booster to the Marathas but it also established their supremacy in northern India. The East India Company, which had been watching these developments from the sidelines, got the message and temporarily shelved its expansionist programme.

For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.

1 marks · mcq

56. Q5. The phrase "got the message" means the Company (a) received an official letter (b) intercepted a secret code (c) lost all communication (d) understood and acted on the warning

Their victory in the battle was not only a great morale booster to the Marathas but it also established their supremacy in northern India. The East India Company, which had been watching these developments from the sidelines, got the message and temporarily shelved its expansionist programme.

For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.

1 marks · mcq

57. Q1. In the alternate history, the East India Company was reduced to pockets of influence near (a) Delhi, Lahore and Peshawar (b) Pune, Surat and Goa (c) Bombay, Calcutta and Madras (d) Kabul, Kandahar and Herat

To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. The Company was reduced to pockets of influence near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, just like its European rivals, the Portuguese and the French.

For political reasons, the Peshwas kept the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi. In the nineteenth century these de facto rulers from Pune were astute enough to recognise the importance of the technological age dawning in Europe. They set up their own centres for science and technology. Here, the East India Company saw another opportunity to extend its influence. It offered aid and experts. They were accepted only to make the local centres self-sufficient.

1 marks · mcq

58. Q2. The Peshwas kept the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi (a) for political reasons (b) out of religious devotion (c) on British insistence (d) because the army mutinied

To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. The Company was reduced to pockets of influence near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, just like its European rivals, the Portuguese and the French.

For political reasons, the Peshwas kept the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi. In the nineteenth century these de facto rulers from Pune were astute enough to recognise the importance of the technological age dawning in Europe. They set up their own centres for science and technology. Here, the East India Company saw another opportunity to extend its influence. It offered aid and experts. They were accepted only to make the local centres self-sufficient.

1 marks · mcq

59. Q3. The Peshwas set up their own centres for science and technology because they (a) were ordered to by the Company (b) were funded by the Mughals (c) saw no value in technology (d) recognised the technological age dawning in Europe

To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. The Company was reduced to pockets of influence near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, just like its European rivals, the Portuguese and the French.

For political reasons, the Peshwas kept the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi. In the nineteenth century these de facto rulers from Pune were astute enough to recognise the importance of the technological age dawning in Europe. They set up their own centres for science and technology. Here, the East India Company saw another opportunity to extend its influence. It offered aid and experts. They were accepted only to make the local centres self-sufficient.

1 marks · mcq

60. Q4. The Company's offer of aid and experts was accepted only (a) on a permanent basis (b) to make the local centres self-sufficient (c) after a long war (d) for the Company's profit

To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. The Company was reduced to pockets of influence near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, just like its European rivals, the Portuguese and the French.

For political reasons, the Peshwas kept the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi. In the nineteenth century these de facto rulers from Pune were astute enough to recognise the importance of the technological age dawning in Europe. They set up their own centres for science and technology. Here, the East India Company saw another opportunity to extend its influence. It offered aid and experts. They were accepted only to make the local centres self-sufficient.

1 marks · mcq

61. Q5. The words "political acumen" describe the rulers' (a) physical bravery (b) personal wealth (c) shrewdness in statecraft (d) skill in writing history

To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. The Company was reduced to pockets of influence near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, just like its European rivals, the Portuguese and the French.

For political reasons, the Peshwas kept the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi. In the nineteenth century these de facto rulers from Pune were astute enough to recognise the importance of the technological age dawning in Europe. They set up their own centres for science and technology. Here, the East India Company saw another opportunity to extend its influence. It offered aid and experts. They were accepted only to make the local centres self-sufficient.

1 marks · mcq

62. Q1. In the twentieth century of this world, India moved towards (a) democracy (b) absolute monarchy (c) colonisation (d) anarchy

The twentieth century brought about further changes inspired by the West. India moved towards a democracy. By then, the Peshwas had lost their enterprise and they were gradually replaced by democratically elected bodies. The Sultanate at Delhi survived even this transition, largely because it wielded no real influence. The Shahenshah of Delhi was no more than a figurehead to rubber-stamp the 'recommendations' made by the central parliament.

As he read on, Gangadharpant began to appreciate the India he had seen. It was a country that had not been subjected to slavery for the white man; it had learnt to stand on its feet and knew what self-respect was.

1 marks · mcq

63. Q2. The Peshwas were replaced by democratically elected bodies because they (a) had been defeated by the British (b) were exiled by the Shahenshah (c) had lost their enterprise (d) had annexed Delhi

The twentieth century brought about further changes inspired by the West. India moved towards a democracy. By then, the Peshwas had lost their enterprise and they were gradually replaced by democratically elected bodies. The Sultanate at Delhi survived even this transition, largely because it wielded no real influence. The Shahenshah of Delhi was no more than a figurehead to rubber-stamp the 'recommendations' made by the central parliament.

As he read on, Gangadharpant began to appreciate the India he had seen. It was a country that had not been subjected to slavery for the white man; it had learnt to stand on its feet and knew what self-respect was.

1 marks · mcq

64. Q3. The Sultanate at Delhi survived the transition to democracy because it (a) commanded the army (b) wielded no real influence (c) was protected by the British (d) collected the taxes

The twentieth century brought about further changes inspired by the West. India moved towards a democracy. By then, the Peshwas had lost their enterprise and they were gradually replaced by democratically elected bodies. The Sultanate at Delhi survived even this transition, largely because it wielded no real influence. The Shahenshah of Delhi was no more than a figurehead to rubber-stamp the 'recommendations' made by the central parliament.

As he read on, Gangadharpant began to appreciate the India he had seen. It was a country that had not been subjected to slavery for the white man; it had learnt to stand on its feet and knew what self-respect was.

1 marks · mcq

65. Q4. The "rubber-stamp" metaphor means the Shahenshah (a) merely gave formal approval without real power (b) printed the currency (c) chaired every session (d) vetoed the parliament's laws

The twentieth century brought about further changes inspired by the West. India moved towards a democracy. By then, the Peshwas had lost their enterprise and they were gradually replaced by democratically elected bodies. The Sultanate at Delhi survived even this transition, largely because it wielded no real influence. The Shahenshah of Delhi was no more than a figurehead to rubber-stamp the 'recommendations' made by the central parliament.

As he read on, Gangadharpant began to appreciate the India he had seen. It was a country that had not been subjected to slavery for the white man; it had learnt to stand on its feet and knew what self-respect was.

1 marks · mcq

66. Q5. Gangadharpant appreciated the India he was reading about because it (a) was extremely wealthy (b) had conquered England (c) had no large cities (d) had never been enslaved and knew self-respect

The twentieth century brought about further changes inspired by the West. India moved towards a democracy. By then, the Peshwas had lost their enterprise and they were gradually replaced by democratically elected bodies. The Sultanate at Delhi survived even this transition, largely because it wielded no real influence. The Shahenshah of Delhi was no more than a figurehead to rubber-stamp the 'recommendations' made by the central parliament.

As he read on, Gangadharpant began to appreciate the India he had seen. It was a country that had not been subjected to slavery for the white man; it had learnt to stand on its feet and knew what self-respect was.

1 marks · mcq

67. Q1. From a position of strength, this India allowed the British to retain Bombay as (a) a permanent colony (b) the sole outpost on the subcontinent (c) a free gift (d) the new capital

From a position of strength and for purely commercial reasons, it had allowed the British to retain Bombay as the sole outpost on the subcontinent. That lease was to expire in the year 2001, according to a treaty of 1908.

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

But, at the same time, he felt that his investigations were incomplete. How did the Marathas win the battle? To find the answer he must look for accounts of the battle itself.

1 marks · mcq

68. Q2. According to the treaty of 1908, the lease on Bombay was to expire in (a) 1857 (b) 1908 (c) 1950 (d) 2001

From a position of strength and for purely commercial reasons, it had allowed the British to retain Bombay as the sole outpost on the subcontinent. That lease was to expire in the year 2001, according to a treaty of 1908.

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

But, at the same time, he felt that his investigations were incomplete. How did the Marathas win the battle? To find the answer he must look for accounts of the battle itself.

1 marks · mcq

69. Q3. The phrase "from a position of strength and for purely commercial reasons" indicates that the lease was granted (a) as a confident sovereign choice (b) under military pressure (c) by a clerical error (d) in exchange for weapons

From a position of strength and for purely commercial reasons, it had allowed the British to retain Bombay as the sole outpost on the subcontinent. That lease was to expire in the year 2001, according to a treaty of 1908.

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

But, at the same time, he felt that his investigations were incomplete. How did the Marathas win the battle? To find the answer he must look for accounts of the battle itself.

1 marks · mcq

70. Q4. The professor felt his investigations were incomplete because he did not know (a) who ruled Delhi (b) the terms of the treaty (c) how the Marathas had won the battle (d) where his notes were

From a position of strength and for purely commercial reasons, it had allowed the British to retain Bombay as the sole outpost on the subcontinent. That lease was to expire in the year 2001, according to a treaty of 1908.

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

But, at the same time, he felt that his investigations were incomplete. How did the Marathas win the battle? To find the answer he must look for accounts of the battle itself.

1 marks · mcq

71. Q5. "That lease" refers to (a) the professor's guest house (b) the library's borrowing rules (c) the Company's trade monopoly (d) the British retention of Bombay

From a position of strength and for purely commercial reasons, it had allowed the British to retain Bombay as the sole outpost on the subcontinent. That lease was to expire in the year 2001, according to a treaty of 1908.

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

But, at the same time, he felt that his investigations were incomplete. How did the Marathas win the battle? To find the answer he must look for accounts of the battle itself.

1 marks · mcq

72. Q1. The book that gave the professor the vital clue was (a) his own fifth volume (b) a British gazetteer (c) Bhausahebanchi Bakhar (d) the papers of the 1908 treaty

He went through the books and journals before him. At last, among the books he found one that gave him the clue. It was Bhausahebanchi Bakhar.

Although he seldom relied on the Bakhars for historical evidence, he found them entertaining to read. Sometimes, buried in the graphic but doctored accounts, he could spot the germ of truth. He found one now in a three-line account of how close Vishwasrao had come to being killed:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting and he attacked them. And God was merciful. A shot brushed past his ear. Even the difference of a til (sesame) would have led to his death.

1 marks · mcq

73. Q2. The professor seldom relied on the Bakhars for historical evidence because their accounts were (a) written in a foreign tongue (b) graphic but doctored (c) purely religious legends (d) incomplete fragments

He went through the books and journals before him. At last, among the books he found one that gave him the clue. It was Bhausahebanchi Bakhar.

Although he seldom relied on the Bakhars for historical evidence, he found them entertaining to read. Sometimes, buried in the graphic but doctored accounts, he could spot the germ of truth. He found one now in a three-line account of how close Vishwasrao had come to being killed:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting and he attacked them. And God was merciful. A shot brushed past his ear. Even the difference of a til (sesame) would have led to his death.

1 marks · mcq

74. Q3. "The germ of truth" means (a) a small seed of fact hidden in embellished accounts (b) a contagious disease (c) a scientific theory (d) a moral lesson

He went through the books and journals before him. At last, among the books he found one that gave him the clue. It was Bhausahebanchi Bakhar.

Although he seldom relied on the Bakhars for historical evidence, he found them entertaining to read. Sometimes, buried in the graphic but doctored accounts, he could spot the germ of truth. He found one now in a three-line account of how close Vishwasrao had come to being killed:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting and he attacked them. And God was merciful. A shot brushed past his ear. Even the difference of a til (sesame) would have led to his death.

1 marks · mcq

75. Q4. In the Bakhar's three-line account, Vishwasrao escaped when (a) his armour deflected a bullet (b) his horse stumbled (c) the enemy fled (d) a shot brushed past his ear

He went through the books and journals before him. At last, among the books he found one that gave him the clue. It was Bhausahebanchi Bakhar.

Although he seldom relied on the Bakhars for historical evidence, he found them entertaining to read. Sometimes, buried in the graphic but doctored accounts, he could spot the germ of truth. He found one now in a three-line account of how close Vishwasrao had come to being killed:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting and he attacked them. And God was merciful. A shot brushed past his ear. Even the difference of a til (sesame) would have led to his death.

1 marks · mcq

76. Q5. "Even the difference of a til (sesame) would have led to his death" emphasises (a) the thickness of his armour (b) the tiniest margin by which he survived (c) the distance to Kabul (d) the value of the sesame crop

He went through the books and journals before him. At last, among the books he found one that gave him the clue. It was Bhausahebanchi Bakhar.

Although he seldom relied on the Bakhars for historical evidence, he found them entertaining to read. Sometimes, buried in the graphic but doctored accounts, he could spot the germ of truth. He found one now in a three-line account of how close Vishwasrao had come to being killed:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting and he attacked them. And God was merciful. A shot brushed past his ear. Even the difference of a til (sesame) would have led to his death.

1 marks · mcq

77. Q1. At eight o'clock, the librarian politely reminded the professor that (a) his books had arrived (b) the library was closing for the day (c) the reading room was full (d) tea was being served

At eight o'clock the librarian politely reminded the professor that the library was closing for the day. Gangadharpant emerged from his thoughts. Looking around he noticed that he was the only reader left in that magnificent hall.

"I beg your pardon, sir! May I request you to keep these books here for my use tomorrow morning? By the way, when do you open?"

"At eight o'clock, sir." The librarian smiled. Here was a user and researcher right after his heart.

As the professor left the table he shoved some notes into his right pocket. Absent-mindedly, he also shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket.

1 marks · mcq

78. Q2. The professor requested the librarian to (a) keep the books there for his use the next morning (b) lend him the books (c) open the library early (d) photocopy a page

At eight o'clock the librarian politely reminded the professor that the library was closing for the day. Gangadharpant emerged from his thoughts. Looking around he noticed that he was the only reader left in that magnificent hall.

"I beg your pardon, sir! May I request you to keep these books here for my use tomorrow morning? By the way, when do you open?"

"At eight o'clock, sir." The librarian smiled. Here was a user and researcher right after his heart.

As the professor left the table he shoved some notes into his right pocket. Absent-mindedly, he also shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket.

1 marks · mcq

79. Q3. The librarian smiled because he saw in the professor (a) a famous politician (b) a wealthy donor (c) a user and researcher right after his heart (d) an old friend from Pune

At eight o'clock the librarian politely reminded the professor that the library was closing for the day. Gangadharpant emerged from his thoughts. Looking around he noticed that he was the only reader left in that magnificent hall.

"I beg your pardon, sir! May I request you to keep these books here for my use tomorrow morning? By the way, when do you open?"

"At eight o'clock, sir." The librarian smiled. Here was a user and researcher right after his heart.

As the professor left the table he shoved some notes into his right pocket. Absent-mindedly, he also shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket.

1 marks · mcq

80. Q4. When the professor emerged from his thoughts, he noticed that (a) he was the only reader left in the hall (b) the library was on fire (c) Rajendra was waiting for him (d) it was already morning

At eight o'clock the librarian politely reminded the professor that the library was closing for the day. Gangadharpant emerged from his thoughts. Looking around he noticed that he was the only reader left in that magnificent hall.

"I beg your pardon, sir! May I request you to keep these books here for my use tomorrow morning? By the way, when do you open?"

"At eight o'clock, sir." The librarian smiled. Here was a user and researcher right after his heart.

As the professor left the table he shoved some notes into his right pocket. Absent-mindedly, he also shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket.

1 marks · mcq

81. Q5. The professor shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket (a) deliberately, to steal it (b) at the librarian's request (c) absent-mindedly (d) intending to sell it

At eight o'clock the librarian politely reminded the professor that the library was closing for the day. Gangadharpant emerged from his thoughts. Looking around he noticed that he was the only reader left in that magnificent hall.

"I beg your pardon, sir! May I request you to keep these books here for my use tomorrow morning? By the way, when do you open?"

"At eight o'clock, sir." The librarian smiled. Here was a user and researcher right after his heart.

As the professor left the table he shoved some notes into his right pocket. Absent-mindedly, he also shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket.

1 marks · mcq

82. Q6. This small act becomes significant later because (a) he was fined for it (b) its surviving torn page becomes physical proof of the other world (c) the librarian lost his job (d) it replaced his lost notes

At eight o'clock the librarian politely reminded the professor that the library was closing for the day. Gangadharpant emerged from his thoughts. Looking around he noticed that he was the only reader left in that magnificent hall.

"I beg your pardon, sir! May I request you to keep these books here for my use tomorrow morning? By the way, when do you open?"

"At eight o'clock, sir." The librarian smiled. Here was a user and researcher right after his heart.

As the professor left the table he shoved some notes into his right pocket. Absent-mindedly, he also shoved the Bakhar into his left pocket.

1 marks · mcq

83. Q1. After a frugal meal, the professor set out for a stroll towards (a) the Town Hall (b) Hornby Road (c) the Azad Maidan (d) the Forbes building

He found a guest house to stay in and had a frugal meal. He then set out for a stroll towards the Azad Maidan.

In the maidan he found a throng moving towards a pandal. So, a lecture was to take place. Force of habit took Professor Gaitonde towards the pandal. The lecture was in progress, although people kept coming and going. But Professor Gaitonde was not looking at the audience. He was staring at the platform as if mesmerised. There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied.

The presidential chair unoccupied! The sight stirred him to the depths. Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet, he swiftly moved towards the chair.

1 marks · mcq

84. Q2. Professor Gaitonde moved towards the pandal (a) out of force of habit (b) because he was invited (c) to escape the rain (d) to look for his son

He found a guest house to stay in and had a frugal meal. He then set out for a stroll towards the Azad Maidan.

In the maidan he found a throng moving towards a pandal. So, a lecture was to take place. Force of habit took Professor Gaitonde towards the pandal. The lecture was in progress, although people kept coming and going. But Professor Gaitonde was not looking at the audience. He was staring at the platform as if mesmerised. There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied.

The presidential chair unoccupied! The sight stirred him to the depths. Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet, he swiftly moved towards the chair.

1 marks · mcq

85. Q3. The sight that stirred the professor "to the depths" was (a) the huge audience (b) the speaker's rudeness (c) the broken table (d) the unoccupied presidential chair

He found a guest house to stay in and had a frugal meal. He then set out for a stroll towards the Azad Maidan.

In the maidan he found a throng moving towards a pandal. So, a lecture was to take place. Force of habit took Professor Gaitonde towards the pandal. The lecture was in progress, although people kept coming and going. But Professor Gaitonde was not looking at the audience. He was staring at the platform as if mesmerised. There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied.

The presidential chair unoccupied! The sight stirred him to the depths. Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet, he swiftly moved towards the chair.

1 marks · mcq

86. Q4. The simile "Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet" conveys (a) the coldness of the metal chair (b) the irresistible pull of the chair on him (c) his physical weakness (d) the noise of the audience

He found a guest house to stay in and had a frugal meal. He then set out for a stroll towards the Azad Maidan.

In the maidan he found a throng moving towards a pandal. So, a lecture was to take place. Force of habit took Professor Gaitonde towards the pandal. The lecture was in progress, although people kept coming and going. But Professor Gaitonde was not looking at the audience. He was staring at the platform as if mesmerised. There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied.

The presidential chair unoccupied! The sight stirred him to the depths. Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet, he swiftly moved towards the chair.

1 marks · mcq

87. Q5. In "There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied", "the latter" refers to (a) the table (b) the chair (c) the pandal (d) the platform

He found a guest house to stay in and had a frugal meal. He then set out for a stroll towards the Azad Maidan.

In the maidan he found a throng moving towards a pandal. So, a lecture was to take place. Force of habit took Professor Gaitonde towards the pandal. The lecture was in progress, although people kept coming and going. But Professor Gaitonde was not looking at the audience. He was staring at the platform as if mesmerised. There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied.

The presidential chair unoccupied! The sight stirred him to the depths. Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet, he swiftly moved towards the chair.

1 marks · mcq

88. Q1. The speaker stopped in mid-sentence because he was (a) too shocked at the professor's action to continue (b) out of time (c) out of breath (d) finished with his talk

The speaker stopped in mid-sentence, too shocked to continue. But the audience soon found voice.

"Vacate the chair!"

"This lecture series has no chairperson..."

"Away from the platform, mister!"

"The chair is symbolic, don't you know?"

What nonsense! Whoever heard of a public lecture without a presiding dignitary? Professor Gaitonde went to the mike and gave vent to his views. "Ladies and gentlemen, an unchaired lecture is like Shakespeare's Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark. Let me tell you..."

But the audience was in no mood to listen. "Tell us nothing. We are sick of remarks from the chair, of vote of thanks, of long introductions."

"We only want to listen to the speaker..."

"We abolished the old customs long ago..."

"Keep the platform empty, please..."

1 marks · mcq

89. Q2. Professor Gaitonde compared an unchaired lecture to (a) a body without a soul (b) a meal without salt (c) Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark (d) a ship without a sail

The speaker stopped in mid-sentence, too shocked to continue. But the audience soon found voice.

"Vacate the chair!"

"This lecture series has no chairperson..."

"Away from the platform, mister!"

"The chair is symbolic, don't you know?"

What nonsense! Whoever heard of a public lecture without a presiding dignitary? Professor Gaitonde went to the mike and gave vent to his views. "Ladies and gentlemen, an unchaired lecture is like Shakespeare's Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark. Let me tell you..."

But the audience was in no mood to listen. "Tell us nothing. We are sick of remarks from the chair, of vote of thanks, of long introductions."

"We only want to listen to the speaker..."

"We abolished the old customs long ago..."

"Keep the platform empty, please..."

1 marks · mcq

90. Q3. The audience said they were sick of (a) evening lectures (b) foreign speakers (c) the speaker's topic (d) remarks from the chair, votes of thanks and long introductions

The speaker stopped in mid-sentence, too shocked to continue. But the audience soon found voice.

"Vacate the chair!"

"This lecture series has no chairperson..."

"Away from the platform, mister!"

"The chair is symbolic, don't you know?"

What nonsense! Whoever heard of a public lecture without a presiding dignitary? Professor Gaitonde went to the mike and gave vent to his views. "Ladies and gentlemen, an unchaired lecture is like Shakespeare's Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark. Let me tell you..."

But the audience was in no mood to listen. "Tell us nothing. We are sick of remarks from the chair, of vote of thanks, of long introductions."

"We only want to listen to the speaker..."

"We abolished the old customs long ago..."

"Keep the platform empty, please..."

1 marks · mcq

91. Q4. "The chair is symbolic, don't you know?" means the empty chair stood for (a) the audience's rejection of chairmanship and old customs (b) a president who was absent (c) a seat reserved for a VIP (d) respect for ancient tradition

The speaker stopped in mid-sentence, too shocked to continue. But the audience soon found voice.

"Vacate the chair!"

"This lecture series has no chairperson..."

"Away from the platform, mister!"

"The chair is symbolic, don't you know?"

What nonsense! Whoever heard of a public lecture without a presiding dignitary? Professor Gaitonde went to the mike and gave vent to his views. "Ladies and gentlemen, an unchaired lecture is like Shakespeare's Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark. Let me tell you..."

But the audience was in no mood to listen. "Tell us nothing. We are sick of remarks from the chair, of vote of thanks, of long introductions."

"We only want to listen to the speaker..."

"We abolished the old customs long ago..."

"Keep the platform empty, please..."

1 marks · mcq

92. Q5. The professor's remark at the mike shows that he (a) accepted the new customs (b) firmly believed a lecture needed a presiding dignitary (c) wished to become an orator (d) had misunderstood the topic

The speaker stopped in mid-sentence, too shocked to continue. But the audience soon found voice.

"Vacate the chair!"

"This lecture series has no chairperson..."

"Away from the platform, mister!"

"The chair is symbolic, don't you know?"

What nonsense! Whoever heard of a public lecture without a presiding dignitary? Professor Gaitonde went to the mike and gave vent to his views. "Ladies and gentlemen, an unchaired lecture is like Shakespeare's Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark. Let me tell you..."

But the audience was in no mood to listen. "Tell us nothing. We are sick of remarks from the chair, of vote of thanks, of long introductions."

"We only want to listen to the speaker..."

"We abolished the old customs long ago..."

"Keep the platform empty, please..."

1 marks · mcq

93. Q1. How many meetings had Gangadharpant spoken at before this encounter? (a) 99 (b) 900 (c) 999 (d) 1000

But Gangadharpant had the experience of speaking at 999 meetings and had faced the Pune audience at its most hostile. He kept on talking. He soon became a target for a shower of tomatoes, eggs and other objects. But he kept on trying valiantly to correct this sacrilege. Finally, the audience swarmed to the stage to eject him bodily.

And, in the crowd Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen.

1 marks · mcq

94. Q2. Despite the shower of tomatoes, eggs and other objects, the professor (a) fled the stage at once (b) called the police (c) apologised to the audience (d) kept trying valiantly to correct the sacrilege

But Gangadharpant had the experience of speaking at 999 meetings and had faced the Pune audience at its most hostile. He kept on talking. He soon became a target for a shower of tomatoes, eggs and other objects. But he kept on trying valiantly to correct this sacrilege. Finally, the audience swarmed to the stage to eject him bodily.

And, in the crowd Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen.

1 marks · mcq

95. Q3. The word "sacrilege" refers here to (a) the waste of good food (b) the violation of what he held sacred — a lecture without a chairman (c) the audience's bad language (d) trespassing on the platform

But Gangadharpant had the experience of speaking at 999 meetings and had faced the Pune audience at its most hostile. He kept on talking. He soon became a target for a shower of tomatoes, eggs and other objects. But he kept on trying valiantly to correct this sacrilege. Finally, the audience swarmed to the stage to eject him bodily.

And, in the crowd Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen.

1 marks · mcq

96. Q4. Finally, the audience (a) walked out silently (b) swarmed to the stage to eject him bodily (c) elected him chairman (d) applauded his speech

But Gangadharpant had the experience of speaking at 999 meetings and had faced the Pune audience at its most hostile. He kept on talking. He soon became a target for a shower of tomatoes, eggs and other objects. But he kept on trying valiantly to correct this sacrilege. Finally, the audience swarmed to the stage to eject him bodily.

And, in the crowd Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen.

1 marks · mcq

97. Q5. The closing line "in the crowd Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen" marks (a) his death (b) his arrest (c) his mysterious disappearance from that world (d) his hiding inside the pandal

But Gangadharpant had the experience of speaking at 999 meetings and had faced the Pune audience at its most hostile. He kept on talking. He soon became a target for a shower of tomatoes, eggs and other objects. But he kept on trying valiantly to correct this sacrilege. Finally, the audience swarmed to the stage to eject him bodily.

And, in the crowd Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen.

1 marks · mcq

98. Q1. Where was the professor found when he returned to his familiar world? (a) In the Azad Maidan in the morning (b) In the library (c) On Hornby Road (d) At the Town Hall

"That is all I have to tell, Rajendra. All I know is that I was found in the Azad Maidan in the morning. But I was back in the world I am familiar with. Now, where exactly did I spend those two days when I was absent from here?"

Rajendra was dumbfounded by the narrative. It took him a while to reply.

"Professor, before, just prior to your collision with the truck, what were you doing?" Rajendra asked.

"I was thinking of the catastrophe theory and its implications for history."

"Right! I thought so!" Rajendra smiled.

1 marks · mcq

99. Q2. Just before his collision with the truck, the professor had been thinking about (a) his son's career (b) the catastrophe theory and its implications for history (c) the Battle of Plassey (d) his address in Pune

"That is all I have to tell, Rajendra. All I know is that I was found in the Azad Maidan in the morning. But I was back in the world I am familiar with. Now, where exactly did I spend those two days when I was absent from here?"

Rajendra was dumbfounded by the narrative. It took him a while to reply.

"Professor, before, just prior to your collision with the truck, what were you doing?" Rajendra asked.

"I was thinking of the catastrophe theory and its implications for history."

"Right! I thought so!" Rajendra smiled.

1 marks · mcq

100. Q3. Rajendra's question about the professor's thoughts just before the collision was aimed at (a) testing his memory (b) changing the subject (c) proving him a liar (d) finding a link between his mental state and the strange experience

"That is all I have to tell, Rajendra. All I know is that I was found in the Azad Maidan in the morning. But I was back in the world I am familiar with. Now, where exactly did I spend those two days when I was absent from here?"

Rajendra was dumbfounded by the narrative. It took him a while to reply.

"Professor, before, just prior to your collision with the truck, what were you doing?" Rajendra asked.

"I was thinking of the catastrophe theory and its implications for history."

"Right! I thought so!" Rajendra smiled.

1 marks · mcq

101. Q4. The word "dumbfounded" means (a) angered (b) delighted (c) astonished into silence (d) bored

"That is all I have to tell, Rajendra. All I know is that I was found in the Azad Maidan in the morning. But I was back in the world I am familiar with. Now, where exactly did I spend those two days when I was absent from here?"

Rajendra was dumbfounded by the narrative. It took him a while to reply.

"Professor, before, just prior to your collision with the truck, what were you doing?" Rajendra asked.

"I was thinking of the catastrophe theory and its implications for history."

"Right! I thought so!" Rajendra smiled.

1 marks · mcq

102. Q5. The professor's question about where he had spent "those two days" shows his (a) fear of trains (b) forgetfulness (c) questioning, scientific temperament (d) desire to travel again

"That is all I have to tell, Rajendra. All I know is that I was found in the Azad Maidan in the morning. But I was back in the world I am familiar with. Now, where exactly did I spend those two days when I was absent from here?"

Rajendra was dumbfounded by the narrative. It took him a while to reply.

"Professor, before, just prior to your collision with the truck, what were you doing?" Rajendra asked.

"I was thinking of the catastrophe theory and its implications for history."

"Right! I thought so!" Rajendra smiled.

1 marks · mcq

103. Q1. The professor's "vital piece of evidence" was (a) his five-volume history (b) a British travel permit (c) a photograph of East India House (d) a page torn out of a book

"Don't smile smugly. In case you think that it was just my mind playing tricks and my imagination running amok, look at this."

And, triumphantly, Professor Gaitonde produced his vital piece of evidence: a page torn out of a book.

Rajendra read the text on the printed page and his face underwent a change. Gone was the smile and in its place came a grave expression. He was visibly moved.

1 marks · mcq

104. Q2. The professor produced the evidence "triumphantly" because he was confident it would (a) win him money (b) silence Rajendra's charge that his imagination was running amok (c) prove his skill as a writer (d) end the seminar early

"Don't smile smugly. In case you think that it was just my mind playing tricks and my imagination running amok, look at this."

And, triumphantly, Professor Gaitonde produced his vital piece of evidence: a page torn out of a book.

Rajendra read the text on the printed page and his face underwent a change. Gone was the smile and in its place came a grave expression. He was visibly moved.

1 marks · mcq

105. Q3. On reading the printed page, Rajendra's face changed from (a) a smile to a grave expression (b) anger to calm (c) tears to laughter (d) pity to scorn

"Don't smile smugly. In case you think that it was just my mind playing tricks and my imagination running amok, look at this."

And, triumphantly, Professor Gaitonde produced his vital piece of evidence: a page torn out of a book.

Rajendra read the text on the printed page and his face underwent a change. Gone was the smile and in its place came a grave expression. He was visibly moved.

1 marks · mcq

106. Q4. The phrase "running amok" most nearly means (a) going wildly out of control (b) running a race (c) daydreaming pleasantly (d) wandering far from home

"Don't smile smugly. In case you think that it was just my mind playing tricks and my imagination running amok, look at this."

And, triumphantly, Professor Gaitonde produced his vital piece of evidence: a page torn out of a book.

Rajendra read the text on the printed page and his face underwent a change. Gone was the smile and in its place came a grave expression. He was visibly moved.

1 marks · mcq

107. Q5. In "look at this", the word "this" refers to (a) the professor's watch (b) a newspaper cutting (c) the torn page (d) Rajendra's book

"Don't smile smugly. In case you think that it was just my mind playing tricks and my imagination running amok, look at this."

And, triumphantly, Professor Gaitonde produced his vital piece of evidence: a page torn out of a book.

Rajendra read the text on the printed page and his face underwent a change. Gone was the smile and in its place came a grave expression. He was visibly moved.

1 marks · mcq

108. Q1. The professor had slipped the Bakhar into his pocket (a) deliberately, as a gift (b) inadvertently, while leaving the library (c) at Rajendra's request (d) to sell it later

Gangadharpant pressed home his advantage. "I had inadvertently slipped the Bakhar in my pocket as I left the library. I discovered my error when I was paying for my meal. I had intended to return it the next morning. But it seems that in the melee of Azad Maidan, the book was lost; only this torn-off page remained. And, luckily for me, the page contains vital evidence."

Rajendra again read the page. It described how Vishwasrao narrowly missed the bullet; and how that event, taken as an omen by the Maratha army, turned the tide in their favour.

1 marks · mcq

109. Q2. The Bakhar was lost (a) in the library itself (b) on the train to Bombay (c) while paying for his meal (d) in the melee of Azad Maidan

Gangadharpant pressed home his advantage. "I had inadvertently slipped the Bakhar in my pocket as I left the library. I discovered my error when I was paying for my meal. I had intended to return it the next morning. But it seems that in the melee of Azad Maidan, the book was lost; only this torn-off page remained. And, luckily for me, the page contains vital evidence."

Rajendra again read the page. It described how Vishwasrao narrowly missed the bullet; and how that event, taken as an omen by the Maratha army, turned the tide in their favour.

1 marks · mcq

110. Q3. The surviving torn page described (a) how Vishwasrao narrowly missed the bullet, an omen that turned the tide in the Marathas' favour (b) how Vishwasrao was killed (c) the Peshwa's surrender (d) Abdali's escape route

Gangadharpant pressed home his advantage. "I had inadvertently slipped the Bakhar in my pocket as I left the library. I discovered my error when I was paying for my meal. I had intended to return it the next morning. But it seems that in the melee of Azad Maidan, the book was lost; only this torn-off page remained. And, luckily for me, the page contains vital evidence."

Rajendra again read the page. It described how Vishwasrao narrowly missed the bullet; and how that event, taken as an omen by the Maratha army, turned the tide in their favour.

1 marks · mcq

111. Q4. The phrase "turned the tide in their favour" means (a) flooded the battlefield (b) reversed the course of events in their favour (c) changed the weather (d) delayed the battle

Gangadharpant pressed home his advantage. "I had inadvertently slipped the Bakhar in my pocket as I left the library. I discovered my error when I was paying for my meal. I had intended to return it the next morning. But it seems that in the melee of Azad Maidan, the book was lost; only this torn-off page remained. And, luckily for me, the page contains vital evidence."

Rajendra again read the page. It described how Vishwasrao narrowly missed the bullet; and how that event, taken as an omen by the Maratha army, turned the tide in their favour.

1 marks · mcq

112. Q5. The professor considered himself lucky because the page (a) was beautifully illustrated (b) was written in English (c) contained vital evidence (d) belonged to Rajendra

Gangadharpant pressed home his advantage. "I had inadvertently slipped the Bakhar in my pocket as I left the library. I discovered my error when I was paying for my meal. I had intended to return it the next morning. But it seems that in the melee of Azad Maidan, the book was lost; only this torn-off page remained. And, luckily for me, the page contains vital evidence."

Rajendra again read the page. It described how Vishwasrao narrowly missed the bullet; and how that event, taken as an omen by the Maratha army, turned the tide in their favour.

1 marks · mcq

113. Q1. According to Gangadharpant's own copy of the Bakhar, Vishwasrao (a) had a shot brush past his ear (b) fled the battlefield (c) routed Abdali single-handedly (d) was hit by the bullet

"Now look at this." Gangadharpant produced his own copy of Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, opened at the relevant page. The account ran thus:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting, and he attacked them. And God expressed His displeasure. He was hit by the bullet.

"Professor Gaitonde, you have given me food for thought. Until I saw this material evidence, I had simply put your experience down to fantasy. But facts can be stranger than fantasies, as I am beginning to realise."

"Facts? What are the facts? I am dying to know!" Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

114. Q2. The two versions of the Bakhar differ precisely at the point where (a) the battle began (b) the shot at Vishwasrao struck or missed (c) Abdali retreated (d) the treaty was signed

"Now look at this." Gangadharpant produced his own copy of Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, opened at the relevant page. The account ran thus:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting, and he attacked them. And God expressed His displeasure. He was hit by the bullet.

"Professor Gaitonde, you have given me food for thought. Until I saw this material evidence, I had simply put your experience down to fantasy. But facts can be stranger than fantasies, as I am beginning to realise."

"Facts? What are the facts? I am dying to know!" Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

115. Q3. Until he saw the material evidence, Rajendra had put the professor's experience down to (a) illness (b) a forgettable dream (c) fantasy (d) drunkenness

"Now look at this." Gangadharpant produced his own copy of Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, opened at the relevant page. The account ran thus:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting, and he attacked them. And God expressed His displeasure. He was hit by the bullet.

"Professor Gaitonde, you have given me food for thought. Until I saw this material evidence, I had simply put your experience down to fantasy. But facts can be stranger than fantasies, as I am beginning to realise."

"Facts? What are the facts? I am dying to know!" Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

116. Q4. "Facts can be stranger than fantasies" suggests that (a) reality can be more surprising than imagination (b) fantasies are always true (c) facts are unreliable (d) scientists ignore facts

"Now look at this." Gangadharpant produced his own copy of Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, opened at the relevant page. The account ran thus:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting, and he attacked them. And God expressed His displeasure. He was hit by the bullet.

"Professor Gaitonde, you have given me food for thought. Until I saw this material evidence, I had simply put your experience down to fantasy. But facts can be stranger than fantasies, as I am beginning to realise."

"Facts? What are the facts? I am dying to know!" Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

117. Q5. "I am dying to know!" is (a) a medical complaint (b) an idiom expressing eager curiosity (c) a literal statement of fact (d) a threat

"Now look at this." Gangadharpant produced his own copy of Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, opened at the relevant page. The account ran thus:

... And then Vishwasrao guided his horse to the melee where the elite troops were fighting, and he attacked them. And God expressed His displeasure. He was hit by the bullet.

"Professor Gaitonde, you have given me food for thought. Until I saw this material evidence, I had simply put your experience down to fantasy. But facts can be stranger than fantasies, as I am beginning to realise."

"Facts? What are the facts? I am dying to know!" Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

118. Q1. Rajendra proposed to rationalise the experience on the basis of (a) one religious philosophy (b) a single scientific theory (c) historical documents (d) two scientific theories as known today

Rajendra motioned him to silence and started pacing the room, obviously under great mental strain. Finally, he turned around and said, "Professor Gaitonde, I will try to rationalise your experience on the basis of two scientific theories as known today. Whether I succeed or not in convincing you of the facts, only you can judge — for you have indeed passed through a fantastic experience: or, more correctly, a catastrophic experience!"

"Please continue, Rajendra! I am all ears," Professor Gaitonde replied. Rajendra continued pacing as he talked. "You have heard a lot about the catastrophe theory at that seminar. Let us apply it to the Battle of Panipat. Wars fought face to face on open grounds offer excellent examples of this theory.

1 marks · mcq

119. Q2. Rajendra paced the room because he was (a) angry with the professor (b) under great mental strain (c) searching for a lost book (d) taking exercise

Rajendra motioned him to silence and started pacing the room, obviously under great mental strain. Finally, he turned around and said, "Professor Gaitonde, I will try to rationalise your experience on the basis of two scientific theories as known today. Whether I succeed or not in convincing you of the facts, only you can judge — for you have indeed passed through a fantastic experience: or, more correctly, a catastrophic experience!"

"Please continue, Rajendra! I am all ears," Professor Gaitonde replied. Rajendra continued pacing as he talked. "You have heard a lot about the catastrophe theory at that seminar. Let us apply it to the Battle of Panipat. Wars fought face to face on open grounds offer excellent examples of this theory.

1 marks · mcq

120. Q3. Rajendra called the experience "catastrophic" rather than merely "fantastic" because it involved (a) a terrible road accident (b) a natural disaster (c) a decisive, unstable moment offering radically different alternatives (d) a frightening nightmare

Rajendra motioned him to silence and started pacing the room, obviously under great mental strain. Finally, he turned around and said, "Professor Gaitonde, I will try to rationalise your experience on the basis of two scientific theories as known today. Whether I succeed or not in convincing you of the facts, only you can judge — for you have indeed passed through a fantastic experience: or, more correctly, a catastrophic experience!"

"Please continue, Rajendra! I am all ears," Professor Gaitonde replied. Rajendra continued pacing as he talked. "You have heard a lot about the catastrophe theory at that seminar. Let us apply it to the Battle of Panipat. Wars fought face to face on open grounds offer excellent examples of this theory.

1 marks · mcq

121. Q4. "I am all ears" means the professor was (a) listening eagerly and attentively (b) unable to hear (c) covering his ears (d) impatient to leave

Rajendra motioned him to silence and started pacing the room, obviously under great mental strain. Finally, he turned around and said, "Professor Gaitonde, I will try to rationalise your experience on the basis of two scientific theories as known today. Whether I succeed or not in convincing you of the facts, only you can judge — for you have indeed passed through a fantastic experience: or, more correctly, a catastrophic experience!"

"Please continue, Rajendra! I am all ears," Professor Gaitonde replied. Rajendra continued pacing as he talked. "You have heard a lot about the catastrophe theory at that seminar. Let us apply it to the Battle of Panipat. Wars fought face to face on open grounds offer excellent examples of this theory.

1 marks · mcq

122. Q5. According to Rajendra, wars fought face to face on open grounds offer excellent examples of (a) chivalry (b) democracy (c) metallurgy (d) the catastrophe theory

Rajendra motioned him to silence and started pacing the room, obviously under great mental strain. Finally, he turned around and said, "Professor Gaitonde, I will try to rationalise your experience on the basis of two scientific theories as known today. Whether I succeed or not in convincing you of the facts, only you can judge — for you have indeed passed through a fantastic experience: or, more correctly, a catastrophic experience!"

"Please continue, Rajendra! I am all ears," Professor Gaitonde replied. Rajendra continued pacing as he talked. "You have heard a lot about the catastrophe theory at that seminar. Let us apply it to the Battle of Panipat. Wars fought face to face on open grounds offer excellent examples of this theory.

1 marks · mcq

123. Q1. In the Battle of Panipat as history records it, the turning point was (a) the killing of Vishwasrao (b) the arrival of Abdali's reinforcements (c) the death of Dadasaheb (d) a sudden dust storm

The Maratha army was facing Abdali's troops on the field of Panipat. There was no great disparity between the latter's troops and the opposing forces. Their armour was comparable. So, a lot depended on the leadership and the morale of the troops. The juncture at which Vishwasrao, the son of and heir to the Peshwa, was killed proved to be the turning point. As history has it, his uncle, Bhausaheb, rushed into the melee and was never seen again. Whether he was killed in battle or survived is not known. But for the troops at that particular moment, that blow of losing their leaders was crucial. They lost their morale and fighting spirit. There followed an utter rout.

1 marks · mcq

124. Q2. Leadership and morale were decisive because (a) one army was far larger (b) there was no great disparity between the forces and their armour was comparable (c) the monsoon had failed (d) the cannons were new

The Maratha army was facing Abdali's troops on the field of Panipat. There was no great disparity between the latter's troops and the opposing forces. Their armour was comparable. So, a lot depended on the leadership and the morale of the troops. The juncture at which Vishwasrao, the son of and heir to the Peshwa, was killed proved to be the turning point. As history has it, his uncle, Bhausaheb, rushed into the melee and was never seen again. Whether he was killed in battle or survived is not known. But for the troops at that particular moment, that blow of losing their leaders was crucial. They lost their morale and fighting spirit. There followed an utter rout.

1 marks · mcq

125. Q3. After Vishwasrao was killed, Bhausaheb (a) surrendered to Abdali (b) retreated to Pune (c) negotiated a peace (d) rushed into the melee and was never seen again

The Maratha army was facing Abdali's troops on the field of Panipat. There was no great disparity between the latter's troops and the opposing forces. Their armour was comparable. So, a lot depended on the leadership and the morale of the troops. The juncture at which Vishwasrao, the son of and heir to the Peshwa, was killed proved to be the turning point. As history has it, his uncle, Bhausaheb, rushed into the melee and was never seen again. Whether he was killed in battle or survived is not known. But for the troops at that particular moment, that blow of losing their leaders was crucial. They lost their morale and fighting spirit. There followed an utter rout.

1 marks · mcq

126. Q4. The phrase "utter rout" means (a) an orderly retreat (b) a heroic stand (c) a total, disorderly collapse and flight (d) a negotiated peace

The Maratha army was facing Abdali's troops on the field of Panipat. There was no great disparity between the latter's troops and the opposing forces. Their armour was comparable. So, a lot depended on the leadership and the morale of the troops. The juncture at which Vishwasrao, the son of and heir to the Peshwa, was killed proved to be the turning point. As history has it, his uncle, Bhausaheb, rushed into the melee and was never seen again. Whether he was killed in battle or survived is not known. But for the troops at that particular moment, that blow of losing their leaders was crucial. They lost their morale and fighting spirit. There followed an utter rout.

1 marks · mcq

127. Q5. The troops lost their morale and fighting spirit because of (a) the shortage of supplies (b) the blow of losing their leaders (c) the fall of night (d) the enemy's new weapons

The Maratha army was facing Abdali's troops on the field of Panipat. There was no great disparity between the latter's troops and the opposing forces. Their armour was comparable. So, a lot depended on the leadership and the morale of the troops. The juncture at which Vishwasrao, the son of and heir to the Peshwa, was killed proved to be the turning point. As history has it, his uncle, Bhausaheb, rushed into the melee and was never seen again. Whether he was killed in battle or survived is not known. But for the troops at that particular moment, that blow of losing their leaders was crucial. They lost their morale and fighting spirit. There followed an utter rout.

1 marks · mcq

128. Q1. The torn page showed Rajendra the course the battle took when (a) the bullet missed Vishwasrao (b) Abdali received reinforcements (c) the monsoon arrived (d) Bhausaheb surrendered

"Exactly, Professor! And what you have shown me on that torn page is the course taken by the battle, when the bullet missed Vishwasrao. A crucial event gone the other way. And its effect on the troops was also the opposite. It boosted their morale and provided just that extra impetus that made all the difference," Rajendra said.

"Maybe so. Similar statements are made about the Battle of Waterloo, which Napoleon could have won. But we live in a unique world which has a unique history. This idea of 'it might have been' is okay for the sake of speculation but not for reality," Gangadharpant said.

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129. Q2. Because the bullet missed, its effect on the troops was that it (a) destroyed their morale (b) left them indifferent (c) boosted their morale and provided just that extra impetus (d) forced a retreat

"Exactly, Professor! And what you have shown me on that torn page is the course taken by the battle, when the bullet missed Vishwasrao. A crucial event gone the other way. And its effect on the troops was also the opposite. It boosted their morale and provided just that extra impetus that made all the difference," Rajendra said.

"Maybe so. Similar statements are made about the Battle of Waterloo, which Napoleon could have won. But we live in a unique world which has a unique history. This idea of 'it might have been' is okay for the sake of speculation but not for reality," Gangadharpant said.

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130. Q3. Gangadharpant cites the Battle of Waterloo as an example of (a) Napoleon's greatest victory (b) a battle whose outcome could have been different (c) a war fought at sea (d) an alliance of rivals

"Exactly, Professor! And what you have shown me on that torn page is the course taken by the battle, when the bullet missed Vishwasrao. A crucial event gone the other way. And its effect on the troops was also the opposite. It boosted their morale and provided just that extra impetus that made all the difference," Rajendra said.

"Maybe so. Similar statements are made about the Battle of Waterloo, which Napoleon could have won. But we live in a unique world which has a unique history. This idea of 'it might have been' is okay for the sake of speculation but not for reality," Gangadharpant said.

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131. Q4. The professor's objection to the idea of "it might have been" is that (a) it is too expensive to study (b) historians dislike battles (c) Napoleon never existed (d) we live in a unique world with a unique history

"Exactly, Professor! And what you have shown me on that torn page is the course taken by the battle, when the bullet missed Vishwasrao. A crucial event gone the other way. And its effect on the troops was also the opposite. It boosted their morale and provided just that extra impetus that made all the difference," Rajendra said.

"Maybe so. Similar statements are made about the Battle of Waterloo, which Napoleon could have won. But we live in a unique world which has a unique history. This idea of 'it might have been' is okay for the sake of speculation but not for reality," Gangadharpant said.

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132. Q5. The tone of Gangadharpant's reply to Rajendra is (a) firm but courteous (b) playful and joking (c) angry and rude (d) indifferent and cold

"Exactly, Professor! And what you have shown me on that torn page is the course taken by the battle, when the bullet missed Vishwasrao. A crucial event gone the other way. And its effect on the troops was also the opposite. It boosted their morale and provided just that extra impetus that made all the difference," Rajendra said.

"Maybe so. Similar statements are made about the Battle of Waterloo, which Napoleon could have won. But we live in a unique world which has a unique history. This idea of 'it might have been' is okay for the sake of speculation but not for reality," Gangadharpant said.

1 marks · mcq

133. Q1. With which of the professor's views does Rajendra say "I take issue with you there"? (a) That reality is unique and "it might have been" has no place in it (b) That the Bakhar is unreliable evidence (c) That the Company closed in 1857 (d) That he travelled into the past

"I take issue with you there. In fact, that brings me to my second point which you may find strange; but please hear me out," Rajendra said.

Gangadharpant listened expectantly as Rajendra continued. "What do we mean by reality? We experience it directly with our senses or indirectly via instruments. But is it limited to what we see? Does it have other manifestations?"

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134. Q2. According to Rajendra, we experience reality (a) only through dreams (b) only through books (c) directly with our senses or indirectly via instruments (d) not at all

"I take issue with you there. In fact, that brings me to my second point which you may find strange; but please hear me out," Rajendra said.

Gangadharpant listened expectantly as Rajendra continued. "What do we mean by reality? We experience it directly with our senses or indirectly via instruments. But is it limited to what we see? Does it have other manifestations?"

1 marks · mcq

135. Q3. The question "Does it have other manifestations?" suggests that Rajendra believes reality (a) may exist in forms beyond our perception (b) is an illusion (c) never changes (d) is fully known already

"I take issue with you there. In fact, that brings me to my second point which you may find strange; but please hear me out," Rajendra said.

Gangadharpant listened expectantly as Rajendra continued. "What do we mean by reality? We experience it directly with our senses or indirectly via instruments. But is it limited to what we see? Does it have other manifestations?"

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136. Q4. Gangadharpant listened "expectantly", which means he (a) was unwilling to hear more (b) waited with keen anticipation (c) was falling asleep (d) listened critically

"I take issue with you there. In fact, that brings me to my second point which you may find strange; but please hear me out," Rajendra said.

Gangadharpant listened expectantly as Rajendra continued. "What do we mean by reality? We experience it directly with our senses or indirectly via instruments. But is it limited to what we see? Does it have other manifestations?"

1 marks · mcq

137. Q5. Rajendra warned that his second point might be found (a) familiar (b) religious (c) boring (d) strange

"I take issue with you there. In fact, that brings me to my second point which you may find strange; but please hear me out," Rajendra said.

Gangadharpant listened expectantly as Rajendra continued. "What do we mean by reality? We experience it directly with our senses or indirectly via instruments. But is it limited to what we see? Does it have other manifestations?"

1 marks · mcq

138. Q1. Experiments on very small systems revealed that their behaviour (a) can be predicted definitively (b) follows no discernible pattern (c) is always stationary (d) cannot be predicted definitively even if all physical laws are known

"That reality may not be unique has been found from experiments on very small systems — of atoms and their constituent particles. When dealing with such systems the physicist discovered something startling. The behaviour of these systems cannot be predicted definitively even if all the physical laws governing those systems are known.

"Take an example. I fire an electron from a source. Where will it go? If I fire a bullet from a gun in a given direction at a given speed, I know where it will be at a later time. But I cannot make such an assertion for the electron. It may be here, there, anywhere. I can at best quote odds for it being found in a specified location at a specified time."

"The lack of determinism in quantum theory! Even an ignoramus historian like me has heard of it," Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

139. Q2. Unlike a bullet fired from a gun, an electron (a) cannot be fired at all (b) never moves (c) can at best be given odds for its location at a given time (d) always travels in a straight line

"That reality may not be unique has been found from experiments on very small systems — of atoms and their constituent particles. When dealing with such systems the physicist discovered something startling. The behaviour of these systems cannot be predicted definitively even if all the physical laws governing those systems are known.

"Take an example. I fire an electron from a source. Where will it go? If I fire a bullet from a gun in a given direction at a given speed, I know where it will be at a later time. But I cannot make such an assertion for the electron. It may be here, there, anywhere. I can at best quote odds for it being found in a specified location at a specified time."

"The lack of determinism in quantum theory! Even an ignoramus historian like me has heard of it," Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

140. Q3. The professor's description of himself as "an ignoramus historian" has a tone of (a) boastfulness (b) self-deprecating humour (c) anger (d) sorrow

"That reality may not be unique has been found from experiments on very small systems — of atoms and their constituent particles. When dealing with such systems the physicist discovered something startling. The behaviour of these systems cannot be predicted definitively even if all the physical laws governing those systems are known.

"Take an example. I fire an electron from a source. Where will it go? If I fire a bullet from a gun in a given direction at a given speed, I know where it will be at a later time. But I cannot make such an assertion for the electron. It may be here, there, anywhere. I can at best quote odds for it being found in a specified location at a specified time."

"The lack of determinism in quantum theory! Even an ignoramus historian like me has heard of it," Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

141. Q4. "It may be here, there, anywhere" emphasises the electron's (a) speed (b) indeterminate position (c) colour (d) mass

"That reality may not be unique has been found from experiments on very small systems — of atoms and their constituent particles. When dealing with such systems the physicist discovered something startling. The behaviour of these systems cannot be predicted definitively even if all the physical laws governing those systems are known.

"Take an example. I fire an electron from a source. Where will it go? If I fire a bullet from a gun in a given direction at a given speed, I know where it will be at a later time. But I cannot make such an assertion for the electron. It may be here, there, anywhere. I can at best quote odds for it being found in a specified location at a specified time."

"The lack of determinism in quantum theory! Even an ignoramus historian like me has heard of it," Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

142. Q5. "The lack of determinism in quantum theory" means that events (a) are fixed in advance (b) repeat exactly (c) obey no cause whatsoever (d) cannot be determined with certainty beforehand

"That reality may not be unique has been found from experiments on very small systems — of atoms and their constituent particles. When dealing with such systems the physicist discovered something startling. The behaviour of these systems cannot be predicted definitively even if all the physical laws governing those systems are known.

"Take an example. I fire an electron from a source. Where will it go? If I fire a bullet from a gun in a given direction at a given speed, I know where it will be at a later time. But I cannot make such an assertion for the electron. It may be here, there, anywhere. I can at best quote odds for it being found in a specified location at a specified time."

"The lack of determinism in quantum theory! Even an ignoramus historian like me has heard of it," Professor Gaitonde said.

1 marks · mcq

143. Q1. In the many-world picture, we know which world we are talking about (a) once the observer finds where the electron is (b) when the electron is fired (c) when the atom splits (d) never

"So, imagine many world pictures. In one world the electron is found here, in another it is over there. In yet another it is in a still different location. Once the observer finds where it is, we know which world we are talking about. But all those alternative worlds could exist just the same." Rajendra paused to marshall his thoughts.

"But is there any contact between those many worlds?" Professor Gaitonde asked.

"Yes and no! Imagine two worlds, for example. In both an electron is orbiting the nucleus of an atom..."

"Like planets around the sun..." Gangadharpant interjected.

"Not quite. We know the precise trajectory of the planet. The electron could be orbiting in any of a large number of specified states. These states may be used to identify the world."

1 marks · mcq

144. Q2. Gangadharpant compared the electron orbiting the nucleus to (a) boats on a river (b) birds in flight (c) planets around the sun (d) trains on a track

"So, imagine many world pictures. In one world the electron is found here, in another it is over there. In yet another it is in a still different location. Once the observer finds where it is, we know which world we are talking about. But all those alternative worlds could exist just the same." Rajendra paused to marshall his thoughts.

"But is there any contact between those many worlds?" Professor Gaitonde asked.

"Yes and no! Imagine two worlds, for example. In both an electron is orbiting the nucleus of an atom..."

"Like planets around the sun..." Gangadharpant interjected.

"Not quite. We know the precise trajectory of the planet. The electron could be orbiting in any of a large number of specified states. These states may be used to identify the world."

1 marks · mcq

145. Q3. Rajendra corrected the comparison because, unlike a planet, an electron (a) has no mass (b) could be orbiting in any of a large number of specified states (c) emits no energy (d) moves in a fixed path

"So, imagine many world pictures. In one world the electron is found here, in another it is over there. In yet another it is in a still different location. Once the observer finds where it is, we know which world we are talking about. But all those alternative worlds could exist just the same." Rajendra paused to marshall his thoughts.

"But is there any contact between those many worlds?" Professor Gaitonde asked.

"Yes and no! Imagine two worlds, for example. In both an electron is orbiting the nucleus of an atom..."

"Like planets around the sun..." Gangadharpant interjected.

"Not quite. We know the precise trajectory of the planet. The electron could be orbiting in any of a large number of specified states. These states may be used to identify the world."

1 marks · mcq

146. Q4. Asked whether there is contact between the many worlds, Rajendra answered (a) "Yes, always" (b) "No, never" (c) "It cannot be discussed" (d) "Yes and no"

"So, imagine many world pictures. In one world the electron is found here, in another it is over there. In yet another it is in a still different location. Once the observer finds where it is, we know which world we are talking about. But all those alternative worlds could exist just the same." Rajendra paused to marshall his thoughts.

"But is there any contact between those many worlds?" Professor Gaitonde asked.

"Yes and no! Imagine two worlds, for example. In both an electron is orbiting the nucleus of an atom..."

"Like planets around the sun..." Gangadharpant interjected.

"Not quite. We know the precise trajectory of the planet. The electron could be orbiting in any of a large number of specified states. These states may be used to identify the world."

1 marks · mcq

147. Q5. The phrase "marshall his thoughts" means to (a) arrange his ideas in order (b) march out of the room (c) abandon his argument (d) raise his voice

"So, imagine many world pictures. In one world the electron is found here, in another it is over there. In yet another it is in a still different location. Once the observer finds where it is, we know which world we are talking about. But all those alternative worlds could exist just the same." Rajendra paused to marshall his thoughts.

"But is there any contact between those many worlds?" Professor Gaitonde asked.

"Yes and no! Imagine two worlds, for example. In both an electron is orbiting the nucleus of an atom..."

"Like planets around the sun..." Gangadharpant interjected.

"Not quite. We know the precise trajectory of the planet. The electron could be orbiting in any of a large number of specified states. These states may be used to identify the world."

1 marks · mcq

148. Q1. The two states of the electron that Rajendra describes are (a) rest and motion (b) positive and negative (c) states of higher and lower energy (d) heat and cold

In state no.1 we have the electron in a state of higher energy. In state no. 2 it is in a state of lower energy. It can make a jump from high to low energy and send out a pulse of radiation. Or a pulse of radiation can knock it out of state no.2 into state no.1. Such transitions are common in microscopic systems. What if it happened on a macroscopic level?" Rajendra said.

"I get you! You are suggesting that I made a transition from one world to another and back again?" Gangadharpant asked.

1 marks · mcq

149. Q2. The electron's jump from high to low energy (a) absorbs a pulse of radiation (b) happens only when observed (c) occurs only near absolute zero (d) sends out a pulse of radiation

In state no.1 we have the electron in a state of higher energy. In state no. 2 it is in a state of lower energy. It can make a jump from high to low energy and send out a pulse of radiation. Or a pulse of radiation can knock it out of state no.2 into state no.1. Such transitions are common in microscopic systems. What if it happened on a macroscopic level?" Rajendra said.

"I get you! You are suggesting that I made a transition from one world to another and back again?" Gangadharpant asked.

1 marks · mcq

150. Q3. Rajendra's question "What if it happened on a macroscopic level?" suggests that (a) similar transitions might occur on the everyday, human scale — as between worlds (b) electrons are imaginary (c) the experiment had failed (d) energy cannot change state

In state no.1 we have the electron in a state of higher energy. In state no. 2 it is in a state of lower energy. It can make a jump from high to low energy and send out a pulse of radiation. Or a pulse of radiation can knock it out of state no.2 into state no.1. Such transitions are common in microscopic systems. What if it happened on a macroscopic level?" Rajendra said.

"I get you! You are suggesting that I made a transition from one world to another and back again?" Gangadharpant asked.

1 marks · mcq

151. Q4. A pulse of radiation can knock the electron out of state no. 2 into (a) the nucleus (b) state no. 1 (c) a bullet's path (d) another atom

In state no.1 we have the electron in a state of higher energy. In state no. 2 it is in a state of lower energy. It can make a jump from high to low energy and send out a pulse of radiation. Or a pulse of radiation can knock it out of state no.2 into state no.1. Such transitions are common in microscopic systems. What if it happened on a macroscopic level?" Rajendra said.

"I get you! You are suggesting that I made a transition from one world to another and back again?" Gangadharpant asked.

1 marks · mcq

152. Q5. From Rajendra's explanation, the professor gathers that Rajendra is suggesting he (a) was dreaming throughout (b) imagined the whole adventure (c) made a transition from one world to another and back (d) travelled into the past

In state no.1 we have the electron in a state of higher energy. In state no. 2 it is in a state of lower energy. It can make a jump from high to low energy and send out a pulse of radiation. Or a pulse of radiation can knock it out of state no.2 into state no.1. Such transitions are common in microscopic systems. What if it happened on a macroscopic level?" Rajendra said.

"I get you! You are suggesting that I made a transition from one world to another and back again?" Gangadharpant asked.

1 marks · mcq

153. Q1. Rajendra's theory is that catastrophic situations offer (a) only one possible outcome (b) no alternatives at all (c) identical outcomes everywhere (d) radically different alternatives for the world to proceed

"Fantastic though it seems, this is the only explanation I can offer. My theory is that catastrophic situations offer radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. It seems that so far as reality is concerned all alternatives are viable but the observer can experience only one of them at a time.

"By making a transition, you were able to experience two worlds although one at a time. The one you live in now and the one where you spent two days. One has the history we know, the other a different history. The separation or bifurcation took place in the Battle of Panipat. You neither travelled to the past nor to the future. You were in the present but experiencing a different world. Of course, by the same token there must be many more different worlds arising out of bifurcations at different points of time."

1 marks · mcq

154. Q2. According to Rajendra, all the alternatives are viable, but the observer (a) experiences all of them at once (b) can experience only one of them at a time (c) experiences none of them (d) votes on which to live in

"Fantastic though it seems, this is the only explanation I can offer. My theory is that catastrophic situations offer radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. It seems that so far as reality is concerned all alternatives are viable but the observer can experience only one of them at a time.

"By making a transition, you were able to experience two worlds although one at a time. The one you live in now and the one where you spent two days. One has the history we know, the other a different history. The separation or bifurcation took place in the Battle of Panipat. You neither travelled to the past nor to the future. You were in the present but experiencing a different world. Of course, by the same token there must be many more different worlds arising out of bifurcations at different points of time."

1 marks · mcq

155. Q3. The separation or bifurcation between the two worlds took place at (a) the Battle of Panipat (b) the events of 1857 (c) the Azad Maidan lecture (d) the collision with the truck

"Fantastic though it seems, this is the only explanation I can offer. My theory is that catastrophic situations offer radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. It seems that so far as reality is concerned all alternatives are viable but the observer can experience only one of them at a time.

"By making a transition, you were able to experience two worlds although one at a time. The one you live in now and the one where you spent two days. One has the history we know, the other a different history. The separation or bifurcation took place in the Battle of Panipat. You neither travelled to the past nor to the future. You were in the present but experiencing a different world. Of course, by the same token there must be many more different worlds arising out of bifurcations at different points of time."

1 marks · mcq

156. Q4. In Rajendra's view, the professor did not travel to the past or the future; he (a) slept for two days (b) read about another world (c) was in the present but experiencing a different world (d) walked all the way to Pune

"Fantastic though it seems, this is the only explanation I can offer. My theory is that catastrophic situations offer radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. It seems that so far as reality is concerned all alternatives are viable but the observer can experience only one of them at a time.

"By making a transition, you were able to experience two worlds although one at a time. The one you live in now and the one where you spent two days. One has the history we know, the other a different history. The separation or bifurcation took place in the Battle of Panipat. You neither travelled to the past nor to the future. You were in the present but experiencing a different world. Of course, by the same token there must be many more different worlds arising out of bifurcations at different points of time."

1 marks · mcq

157. Q5. The word "bifurcation" most nearly means (a) branching into two (b) union (c) repetition (d) destruction

"Fantastic though it seems, this is the only explanation I can offer. My theory is that catastrophic situations offer radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. It seems that so far as reality is concerned all alternatives are viable but the observer can experience only one of them at a time.

"By making a transition, you were able to experience two worlds although one at a time. The one you live in now and the one where you spent two days. One has the history we know, the other a different history. The separation or bifurcation took place in the Battle of Panipat. You neither travelled to the past nor to the future. You were in the present but experiencing a different world. Of course, by the same token there must be many more different worlds arising out of bifurcations at different points of time."

1 marks · mcq

158. Q1. Asked why the transition happened, Rajendra admits that (a) science already has the full answer (b) the truck driver was responsible (c) it was only a dream (d) it is one of science's unsolved questions, though he can guess

As Rajendra concluded, Gangadharpant asked the question that was beginning to bother him most. "But why did I make the transition?"

"If I knew the answer I would solve a great problem. Unfortunately, there are many unsolved questions in science and this is one of them. But that does not stop me from guessing." Rajendra smiled and proceeded, "You need some interaction to cause a transition. Perhaps, at the time of the collision you were thinking about the catastrophe theory and its role in wars. Maybe you were wondering about the Battle of Panipat. Perhaps, the neurons in your brain acted as a trigger."

"A good guess. I was indeed wondering what course history would have taken if the result of the battle had gone the other way," Professor Gaitonde said. "That was going to be the topic of my thousandth presidential address."

1 marks · mcq

159. Q2. Rajendra guesses that the trigger for the transition may have been (a) the neurons in the professor's brain (b) the librarian's warning (c) the angry audience at Azad Maidan (d) the torn page

As Rajendra concluded, Gangadharpant asked the question that was beginning to bother him most. "But why did I make the transition?"

"If I knew the answer I would solve a great problem. Unfortunately, there are many unsolved questions in science and this is one of them. But that does not stop me from guessing." Rajendra smiled and proceeded, "You need some interaction to cause a transition. Perhaps, at the time of the collision you were thinking about the catastrophe theory and its role in wars. Maybe you were wondering about the Battle of Panipat. Perhaps, the neurons in your brain acted as a trigger."

"A good guess. I was indeed wondering what course history would have taken if the result of the battle had gone the other way," Professor Gaitonde said. "That was going to be the topic of my thousandth presidential address."

1 marks · mcq

160. Q3. At the time of the collision, the professor had been wondering (a) how to reach Bombay quickly (b) what course history would have taken if the battle's result had gone the other way (c) about his son's job (d) about the treaty of 1908

As Rajendra concluded, Gangadharpant asked the question that was beginning to bother him most. "But why did I make the transition?"

"If I knew the answer I would solve a great problem. Unfortunately, there are many unsolved questions in science and this is one of them. But that does not stop me from guessing." Rajendra smiled and proceeded, "You need some interaction to cause a transition. Perhaps, at the time of the collision you were thinking about the catastrophe theory and its role in wars. Maybe you were wondering about the Battle of Panipat. Perhaps, the neurons in your brain acted as a trigger."

"A good guess. I was indeed wondering what course history would have taken if the result of the battle had gone the other way," Professor Gaitonde said. "That was going to be the topic of my thousandth presidential address."

1 marks · mcq

161. Q4. That speculation was going to be the topic of his (a) tenth book (b) lecture at the Asiatic Society (c) farewell speech at Forbes (d) thousandth presidential address

As Rajendra concluded, Gangadharpant asked the question that was beginning to bother him most. "But why did I make the transition?"

"If I knew the answer I would solve a great problem. Unfortunately, there are many unsolved questions in science and this is one of them. But that does not stop me from guessing." Rajendra smiled and proceeded, "You need some interaction to cause a transition. Perhaps, at the time of the collision you were thinking about the catastrophe theory and its role in wars. Maybe you were wondering about the Battle of Panipat. Perhaps, the neurons in your brain acted as a trigger."

"A good guess. I was indeed wondering what course history would have taken if the result of the battle had gone the other way," Professor Gaitonde said. "That was going to be the topic of my thousandth presidential address."

1 marks · mcq

162. Q5. In "You need some interaction to cause a transition", "interaction" refers to (a) a friendly conversation (b) some event or influence that sets off the transition (c) a written report (d) a purely chemical reaction

As Rajendra concluded, Gangadharpant asked the question that was beginning to bother him most. "But why did I make the transition?"

"If I knew the answer I would solve a great problem. Unfortunately, there are many unsolved questions in science and this is one of them. But that does not stop me from guessing." Rajendra smiled and proceeded, "You need some interaction to cause a transition. Perhaps, at the time of the collision you were thinking about the catastrophe theory and its role in wars. Maybe you were wondering about the Battle of Panipat. Perhaps, the neurons in your brain acted as a trigger."

"A good guess. I was indeed wondering what course history would have taken if the result of the battle had gone the other way," Professor Gaitonde said. "That was going to be the topic of my thousandth presidential address."

1 marks · mcq

163. Q1. Rajendra says the professor is now in the happy position of (a) speculating about history (b) writing a new book (c) recounting a real life experience (d) presiding at the seminar

"Now you are in the happy position of recounting your real life experience rather than just speculating," Rajendra laughed.

But Gangadharpant was grave.

"No, Rajendra, my thousandth address was made on the Azad Maidan when I was so rudely interrupted. No. The Professor Gaitonde who disappeared while defending his chair on the platform will now never be seen presiding at another meeting — I have conveyed my regrets to the organisers of the Panipat seminar."

1 marks · mcq

164. Q2. The professor insists his thousandth address was made (a) at the Panipat seminar (b) in the library reading room (c) on the train to Bombay (d) on the Azad Maidan platform when he was so rudely interrupted

"Now you are in the happy position of recounting your real life experience rather than just speculating," Rajendra laughed.

But Gangadharpant was grave.

"No, Rajendra, my thousandth address was made on the Azad Maidan when I was so rudely interrupted. No. The Professor Gaitonde who disappeared while defending his chair on the platform will now never be seen presiding at another meeting — I have conveyed my regrets to the organisers of the Panipat seminar."

1 marks · mcq

165. Q3. By conveying his regrets to the organisers of the Panipat seminar, the professor shows that he (a) will never preside at another meeting (b) has fallen seriously ill (c) is angry with Rajendra (d) has moved away from Pune

"Now you are in the happy position of recounting your real life experience rather than just speculating," Rajendra laughed.

But Gangadharpant was grave.

"No, Rajendra, my thousandth address was made on the Azad Maidan when I was so rudely interrupted. No. The Professor Gaitonde who disappeared while defending his chair on the platform will now never be seen presiding at another meeting — I have conveyed my regrets to the organisers of the Panipat seminar."

1 marks · mcq

166. Q4. While Rajendra laughed, Gangadharpant was (a) amused (b) grave (c) relieved (d) asleep

"Now you are in the happy position of recounting your real life experience rather than just speculating," Rajendra laughed.

But Gangadharpant was grave.

"No, Rajendra, my thousandth address was made on the Azad Maidan when I was so rudely interrupted. No. The Professor Gaitonde who disappeared while defending his chair on the platform will now never be seen presiding at another meeting — I have conveyed my regrets to the organisers of the Panipat seminar."

1 marks · mcq

167. Q5. The contrast between Rajendra's laughter and the professor's gravity highlights (a) their quarrelsome friendship (b) Rajendra's rudeness (c) the professor's poor health (d) the professor's serious, principled acceptance of the experience as real

"Now you are in the happy position of recounting your real life experience rather than just speculating," Rajendra laughed.

But Gangadharpant was grave.

"No, Rajendra, my thousandth address was made on the Azad Maidan when I was so rudely interrupted. No. The Professor Gaitonde who disappeared while defending his chair on the platform will now never be seen presiding at another meeting — I have conveyed my regrets to the organisers of the Panipat seminar."

2 marks · short

168. Q1. Who was Professor Gaitonde, and why was his name also given as Gangadharpant?

2 marks · short

169. Q2. What plan of action did Professor Gaitonde arrive at during his train journey to Bombay?

2 marks · short

170. Q3. Who was Khan Sahib, and what did Gangadharpant learn from him?

2 marks · short

171. Q4. What was written on the imposing building that Gangadharpant faced outside Victoria Terminus, and why did it shock him?

2 marks · short

172. Q5. Why did Gangadharpant go to the Forbes building, and with what result?

2 marks · short

173. Q6. How did Gangadharpant locate the precise moment where history had taken a different turn?

2 marks · short

174. Q7. What were the immediate consequences of the Maratha victory at Panipat in the alternate history?

2 marks · short

175. Q8. Why did the Peshwas keep the puppet Mughal regime alive in Delhi?

2 marks · short

176. Q9. What were the terms on which the British retained Bombay in the alternate India?

2 marks · short

177. Q10. What is a Bakhar, and why did Gangadharpant read one despite his reservations?

2 marks · short

178. Q11. What did the three-line account in Bhausahebanchi Bakhar reveal?

2 marks · short

179. Q12. What happened when Professor Gaitonde occupied the empty chair at the Azad Maidan pandal?

2 marks · short

180. Q13. What evidence did Professor Gaitonde produce before Rajendra Deshpande, and why was it vital?

2 marks · short

181. Q14. How did the two accounts of Vishwasrao's fate differ in the two copies of the Bakhar?

2 marks · short

182. Q15. According to Rajendra, why did the Marathas lose the Battle of Panipat in the professor's world?

2 marks · short

183. Q16. What example does Gangadharpant give to show that "it might have been" is a common speculation?

2 marks · short

184. Q17. What did Rajendra mean by saying the professor had passed through a "catastrophic experience"?

2 marks · short

185. Q18. How did Rajendra explain the professor's ability to experience two worlds?

2 marks · short

186. Q19. What guess did Rajendra offer about why the professor made the transition?

2 marks · short

187. Q20. Why did Professor Gaitonde decide never to preside over meetings again?

3 marks · short

188. Q1. Explain the statement: "You neither travelled to the past nor to the future. You were in the present but experiencing a different world."

3 marks · short

189. Q2. Explain the statement: "You have passed through a fantastic experience: or more correctly, a catastrophic experience."

3 marks · short

190. Q3. Why could Gangadharpant not help comparing the country he knew with what he was witnessing around him?

3 marks · short

191. Q4. Explain the statement: "The lack of determinism in quantum theory!"

3 marks · short

192. Q5. Explain the statement: "You need some interaction to cause a transition."

3 marks · short

193. Q6. How does the story "The Adventure" try to relate history to science?

3 marks · short

194. Q7. Draw a brief character sketch of Professor Gangadharpant Gaitonde.

3 marks · short

195. Q8. Draw a brief character sketch of Rajendra Deshpande.

3 marks · short

196. Q9. What role does the Battle of Panipat play in the story?

3 marks · short

197. Q10. How did the audience at the Azad Maidan treat Professor Gaitonde, and why?

3 marks · short

198. Q11. "A single event may change the course of the history of a nation." Discuss with reference to the story.

3 marks · short

199. Q12. How does the author use the device of the parallel world to comment on the idea of self-respect and freedom?

3 marks · short

200. Q13. What does the episode of the empty chair at the Azad Maidan reveal about changing social customs?

3 marks · short

201. Q14. Justify the title "The Adventure".

3 marks · short

202. Q15. What does the meeting between Gangadharpant and Khan Sahib reveal about life in the alternate India?

5 marks · broad

203. Q1. The story is called "The Adventure". How does it justify its title? Elaborate with close reference to the text.

5 marks · broad

204. Q2. Professor Gaitonde's experience teaches us the value of a rational, scientific temper. Discuss.

5 marks · broad

205. Q3. "A single event may change the course of the history of a nation." Elaborate this statement in the light of the story "The Adventure".

5 marks · broad

206. Q4. Imagine an India that was never colonised, as depicted in the alternate world of the story. What values does this India stand for, and how does it contrast with the professor's own world?

5 marks · broad

207. Q5. How does Jayant Narlikar blend history and science in "The Adventure" to make it a thought-provoking story?

5 marks · broad

208. Q6. "Facts can be stranger than fantasies." How is this idea illustrated in the story?

5 marks · broad

209. Q7. The episode of the Azad Maidan can be read as a satire on empty formalities in public life. Comment.