Empire
224. Empire in Your Garden
Jan 28, 2025
Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireworld, joins the hosts to discuss the complicated legacy of British imperialism in gardening. They explore how the obsession with exotic plants fueled environmental destruction while also sparking early conservation efforts. Topics include the role of monocultures and invasive species in ecological harm, the imperial roots of plant classification, and the racial implications woven into botanical history. Ultimately, they advocate for honest conversations about colonial impacts on our environment.
46:32
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals that plants played a significant role in imperialism, with invasive species and monocultures leading to severe ecological degradation.
- It highlights the paradox of imperialism, where those causing environmental destruction also initiated early conservation efforts, creating National Parks and wildlife protection schemes.
Deep dives
The Jaipur Literary Festival
The Jaipur Literary Festival is celebrated as one of the greatest literary festivals globally, showcasing a rich variety of speakers, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners. It has been hosted for 18 years by Teamwork Arts, emphasizing its commitment to literature, arts, and cultural exchange. Besides the main festival in Jaipur, it also features numerous satellite events in cities like Valladolid, Seattle, and New York, with JLF London set for its 12th year at the British Library. The festival's next dates in June promote early ticket booking for attendees eager to engage with renowned authors and cultural discussions.
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