Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which theme is MOST explored in Amitav Ghosh's fictional works?
Which theme is MOST explored in Amitav Ghosh's fictional works?
- The challenges of adapting ancient philosophies to modern life.
- The complexities of national and personal identity, especially in South Asia. (correct)
- The intricacies of interpersonal relationships in urban settings.
- The impact of technological advancements on society.
What was Amitav Ghosh's primary area of academic focus at the University of Oxford?
What was Amitav Ghosh's primary area of academic focus at the University of Oxford?
- Comparative Literature
- Postcolonial Studies
- Environmental Science
- Social Anthropology (correct)
The Ibis trilogy primarily revolves around which historical event and its consequences?
The Ibis trilogy primarily revolves around which historical event and its consequences?
- The Indian Rebellion of 1857
- The Sepoy Mutiny
- The Partition of India
- The First Opium War (correct)
Which of Amitav Ghosh's works directly addresses the issue of climate change?
Which of Amitav Ghosh's works directly addresses the issue of climate change?
Besides writing novels, Ghosh also worked at which of the following?
Besides writing novels, Ghosh also worked at which of the following?
Which theme is primarily explored in Amitav Ghosh's novel, Gun Island?
Which theme is primarily explored in Amitav Ghosh's novel, Gun Island?
In what way does Ghosh's Gun Island challenge its readers, according to the Columbia Journal review?
In what way does Ghosh's Gun Island challenge its readers, according to the Columbia Journal review?
Which of Ghosh's works uses a spice's journey to explore colonialism's impact on indigenous cultures and environmental change?
Which of Ghosh's works uses a spice's journey to explore colonialism's impact on indigenous cultures and environmental change?
What geographical area has consistently been a focal point in Amitav Ghosh's literary works?
What geographical area has consistently been a focal point in Amitav Ghosh's literary works?
How does Ghosh connect historical events to contemporary issues in Smoke and Ashes?
How does Ghosh connect historical events to contemporary issues in Smoke and Ashes?
What is the main argument presented in Ghosh's The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable?
What is the main argument presented in Ghosh's The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable?
How does Jungle Nama (2021) differ from Ghosh's previous works, such as the Ibis trilogy or Gun Island?
How does Jungle Nama (2021) differ from Ghosh's previous works, such as the Ibis trilogy or Gun Island?
What does one blogger suggest that The Shadow Lines reveals about communal violence in the Indian subcontinent?
What does one blogger suggest that The Shadow Lines reveals about communal violence in the Indian subcontinent?
Which of Ghosh's works provides background to his fictional Ibis trilogy by discussing the events leading up to the First Opium War?
Which of Ghosh's works provides background to his fictional Ibis trilogy by discussing the events leading up to the First Opium War?
Why did Ghosh withdraw The Glass Palace from consideration for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize?
Why did Ghosh withdraw The Glass Palace from consideration for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize?
Flashcards
Amitav Ghosh
Amitav Ghosh
An Indian writer born on July 11, 1956, known for his complex narratives.
Jnanpith Award
Jnanpith Award
India's highest literary honor, awarded to Ghosh in 2018.
Ibis Trilogy
Ibis Trilogy
A series of novels by Ghosh focused on the First Opium War.
In an Antique Land
In an Antique Land
Signup and view all the flashcards
Padma Shri
Padma Shri
Signup and view all the flashcards
The Great Derangement
The Great Derangement
Signup and view all the flashcards
Smoke and Ashes
Smoke and Ashes
Signup and view all the flashcards
The Ibis trilogy
The Ibis trilogy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Padma Shri Award
Padma Shri Award
Signup and view all the flashcards
Gun Island
Gun Island
Signup and view all the flashcards
Magical realism
Magical realism
Signup and view all the flashcards
The Shadow Lines
The Shadow Lines
Signup and view all the flashcards
Jungle Nama
Jungle Nama
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Amitav Ghosh
- Born on July 11, 1956, in Calcutta, India
- Indian writer, won the 54th Jnanpith Award in 2018
- Studied at The Doon School, Dehradun, and earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Oxford University
- Worked at the Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi and various academic institutions
- Notable novels include The Circle of Reason, The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, and the Ibis Trilogy (Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, Flood of Fire)
- Also wrote non-fiction works such as In an Antique Land (1992) and The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable (2016)
- Awarded the Padma Shri (India's highest honour) in 2007
- Joint winner of the Dan David prize (2010) with Margaret Atwood
- Awarded the Grand Prix of the Blue Metropolis Festival in Montreal (2011)
- Listed as one of the most important global thinkers of the preceding decade (2019) by Foreign Policy magazine
- Currently lives in New York with his wife, Deborah Baker.
Ghosh's Works
- The Circle of Reason: 1986 debut novel
- The Shadow Lines: 1988
- The Calcutta Chromosome: 1996
- The Glass Palace: 2000
- The Hungry Tide: 2004
- Sea of Poppies: 2008
- River of Smoke: 2011
- Flood of Fire: 2015
- Gun Island: 2019
- Jungle Nama: 2021 (first book in verse)
- Smoke and Ashes: A Writer's Journey Through Opium's Hidden Histories
Awards and Recognition
- Prix Médicis étranger (1986) for The Circle of Reason
- Sahitya Akademi Award and Ananda Puraskar for The Shadow Lines (1988)
- Arthur C. Clarke Award for The Calcutta Chromosome (1997)
- Shortlisted for the 2008 Man Booker Prize for Sea of Poppies
- Vodafone Crossword Book Award (2009)
- Co-winner of the 2010 Dan David Prize
- Shortlisted for the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize for River of Smoke
- Padma Shri (2007)
- 54th Jnanpith Award (2018)
- Erasmus Prize (2024)
Additional Information
- Ghosh's works often explore historical settings, especially the Indian Ocean periphery
- His novels frequently deal with colonialism, climate change, and issues of personal and national identity
- The Great Derangement criticizes modern literature and art for not adequately addressing climate change
- Ghosh's Smoke and Ashes discusses the history of opium, its colonial history in India and China, and its connection to the modern opioid epidemic.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge of Amitav Ghosh's literary themes, academic background, and major works. Explore his focus on climate change, historical events like those in the Ibis trilogy, and his contributions beyond fiction writing.
