Amitav Ghosh

About

Amitav Ghosh is an Indian novelist and essayist celebrated for his historically rich fiction exploring colonialism, migration, cultural identity, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1956, he grew up across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, experiences that influenced his interest in interconnected histories and cultures. His novels frequently weave together personal stories and major historical events, examining how imperialism, trade, and displacement shape societies. His notable works include The Shadow Lines (1988), The Glass Palace (2000), and the acclaimed Ibis trilogy, beginning with Sea of Poppies (2008). Ghosh has also become a prominent voice on climate change and environmental history, particularly through The Great Derangement (2016). In 2018, he received the Jnanpith Award, one of India’s highest literary honors.