In this story by Jayant Narlikar, an Indian historian “disappears” for three days after a car accident. As he explains to a friend, he spent the time in a different, more advanced reality. Research at a library shows that a change in the outcome of a famous eighteenth century battle had set India on a different course, avoiding British rule. The story uses the scientific concepts of catastrophe theory and quantum physics to explain themes of alternative history and parallel worlds. Other themes include pride, obsession, confusion, colonialisation, scientific enquiry.
