Amitav Ghosh is a highly regarded author known for his thought-provoking writings. He often delves into topics like history, culture, colonialism, and the urgent matter of climate change. Born in Kolkata in 1956, Ghosh’s education in India, Oxford, and Alexandria gave him a broad perspective. Some of his famous novels include The Hungry Tide, The Shadow Lines, and the Ibis Trilogy. His stories blend history and literature, weaving in cultural and ecological themes. Ghosh’s non-fiction work, The Great Derangement, challenges traditional storytelling by emphasizing the reality of climate change.
Ghosh has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Jnanpith Award, for his contributions to literature. He offers readers a deeper understanding of our world’s complexities.
In a recent conversation with The Statesman, Ghosh discussed his latest collection, Wild Fictions. This book features his reflections on literature, the environment, human experiences, and the essence of exploration. A key theme in Wild Fictions is how humans relate to and interact with their surroundings. From the commerce of spice trade to the vibrant ecosystems of Bengal, Ghosh addresses issues like empire and the narratives we create to understand our history.
Selected Quotes from the Interview:
Q. How does literature include non-human entities in its narratives?
Literature has long integrated ecosystems into its storytelling. For example, the Manasha Mangal Kabya vividly depicts the Bengal landscape, highlighting floods, famines, and local wildlife. Historically, this connection was more natural. Gopinath Mohanty’s book Paraja focuses on Odisha’s forests and its people, showing the link between literature and the environment. The key is being mindful of one’s surroundings, which naturally reflects in writing.
Q. Are Western ideologies impacting indigenous stories?
Absolutely. Thirty to forty years ago, many Indian writers were closely attuned to environmental issues. Writers like Mahasweta Devi and Gopinath Mohanty were keen observers of the world around them. However, in recent decades, as India engaged more with the global economy, some writers have shifted their focus. Still, some continue to explore environmental themes.
Q. Can mythology drive social activism?
Indeed, mythology and indigenous stories can play a significant role in social contexts, though they may not directly inspire activism. An example is the Rights of Nature movement, which aims to protect environments as sacred entities. In countries like New Zealand and Ecuador, indigenous perspectives helped shape legal recognition of rivers and forests. This shows how traditional views can influence responses to environmental crises.
Q. How can literature help decolonize environmental narratives?
In India, it’s essential to address the colonial narratives around the environment that have marginalized forest dwellers. These communities lived harmoniously with nature and played a vital role in its preservation. Acknowledging their historical significance is crucial in correcting past injustices.
Q. Are recent wildfires in California linked to climate change?
The interaction between natural cycles and human activity complicates this issue. Native Americans lived sustainably in California’s diverse climate for thousands of years, utilizing controlled burns to maintain ecological balance. However, colonization disrupted these practices, replacing them with unsustainable land-use strategies, which worsened wildfire risks. The ongoing impacts of climate change have intensified these problems, creating conditions for more frequent and severe fires.
Q. Has the environment of the Sundarbans changed since The Hungry Tide was published?
Yes, significantly. The changes are more evident each year. Recently, I noticed a drastic decline in bird populations. Tourism has increased, which can boost the local economy, but it also disrupts the environment. Loud tourist boats and music create stress for wildlife, including tigers. It’s essential to manage this tourism effectively to protect the region’s delicate ecosystem.
Q. Is the reality of climate change outpacing fiction?
That’s an interesting point. As a writer, I often see elements from my fiction becoming real. For instance, I wrote about wildfires and extreme weather events that later occurred in reality. It’s a striking reminder of how closely fiction can reflect our changing world.
Book Spotlight:
Wild Fictions (Essays) by Amitav Ghosh
HarperCollins, 2025
469 pages, Rs 799/-
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