Final answer:
There are between 25 and 30 years between Indian independence on August 15, 1947, and the events depicted in "The Riddle of Midnight" chapter of Salman Rushdie's novel 'Midnight's Children.' The correct answer is option b) 25 years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how many years there are between the date of Indian independence and the events depicted in Salman Rushdie's novel Midnight's Children, specifically the chapter titled "The Riddle of Midnight." Indian independence was officially proclaimed at midnight on August 15, 1947. This is also the moment depicted in Rushdie's book when the protagonist, Saleem Sinai, is born, symbolizing the birth of a new nation. Since the novel's protagonist lives through around 30 years of India's post-independence history, the answer would be closest to 30 years, falling within the 25-30 year range provided in one of the options presented in the background information.
The correct answer is therefore between 25 and 30 years, which aligns with option b) 25 years.
It's important to note that the novel provides a magical realist account of history and the protagonist, Saleem, not only grows up along with the young nation of India but also, unlike what is suggested by one of the options, shares a telepathic connection with other children born at the stroke of Indian independence, contradicting the statement that he is the only person with magic powers.