Amitav Ghosh

Novelist and historian Amitav Ghosh explores the influence of the opium trade on colonial history, its connection to the world's biggest corporations, and its relevance to America's contemporary opioid crisis.

Join acclaimed writer Amitav Ghosh as he discusses the opium trade, colonial legacies, and the rise of realism in fiction. Explore themes of plant intelligence, climate change, and the intertwining history of opium trade and resource exploitation. Discover the parallels between historical events and modern challenges, and the role of writers in addressing urgent environmental issues.

Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed scholar and author, delves into the intersections of history, culture, and environmental issues. He discusses his latest work, highlighting the insidious belief that the Earth is inert, which has fueled violent colonial projects and capitalism. Ghosh emphasizes the importance of storytelling in recognizing the Earth as sacred and alive. He critiques modern myths of independence from nature, connects colonial legacies to today’s environmental crises, and advocates for inclusive narratives that foster a deeper relationship with our world.

Amitav Ghosh discusses the planetary crisis and climate change, focusing on destabilization in countries like Britain, India, Myanmar, and Egypt. He talks about a revolution from the right, the risks of global conflicts, and offers advice to younger generations in a bleaker world.

Renowned writer Amitav Ghosh discusses his childhood in Bengal, the influence of the sea on his writing, and his latest novel completing the Ibis trilogy based on the First Opium War. He shares a playlist reflecting his cultural influences, including Bengali boat songs, Hindu dance music, and collaborations between Philip Glass and Ravi Shankar. The podcast also delves into the fusion of East-West music, historical accuracy in Ghosh's novels, and his experiences hitchhiking across the Sahara desert.