Amitav Ghosh Launches “Smoke and Ashes,” Unveiling Opium’s Impact on India, Britain, and China

Renowned author Amitav Ghosh introduced his latest book, “Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories,” during a book launch event in Chennai. Described as a captivating blend of a travelogue, memoir, and historical exploration, the book delves into the profound influence of the opium trade on Britain, India, and China.

Ghosh expressed his realization of how certain myths have silenced the significance of opium in shaping economic history. He emphasized that opium’s impact, although deeply entrenched in the economic narratives of Eastern and Western India, has been largely overlooked in our understanding of the world.

The new book extensively examines the consequences of the opium trade, focusing particularly on the cities of Kolkata and Mumbai in India. During the book launch, Amitav Ghosh engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with singer and activist T.M. Krishna, shedding light on the hidden histories and far-reaching implications of this historical trade.