In Conversation with Amitav Ghosh

In a conversation with Amitav Ghosh, the focus is on his book "Smoke and Ashes" and the historical significance of opium. Ghosh delves into the impact of opium on global trade, discussing the concept of Narco colonialism and drawing parallels between historical opium trade and the current opioid crisis. He also explores the influence of China, the balance of power, and the role of dominant discourses in shaping history. The audience engages with questions about Ghosh's writing process, his interest in historical stories, and the erasure of opium history from Indian textbooks. Ghosh emphasizes the importance of researching family history for storytelling and the need to uncover hidden stories. The conversation highlights the complexities of opium trade, its impact on societies, and the lessons that can be learned from history to address current challenges.

Further Discussion

The video delves into the impact of drug trafficking and opioid addiction in India, shedding light on the historical context of Indian soldiers created by the British Empire. It challenges the traditional heroic image of soldiers and emphasizes the need to pay attention to these issues. The conversation also draws parallels between old imperialism and modern imperialism, underlining the significance of Amitav Ghosh's writing in addressing these topics. The video concludes with gratitude towards Ghosh for his insights and wisdom, highlighting the importance of his work in uncovering hidden histories and addressing contemporary challenges.