From the Sundarbans to Venice: Environmental Crisis and Postcolonial Contexts in Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671282
Author(s): Dr. Garima Jain
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671282
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Volume 15 | Issue 3 | June 2024
Pages: 195-203
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The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 15, Issue-III, June 2024 ISSN: 0976-8165
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
From the Sundarbans to Venice: Environmental Crisis and Postcolonial
Contexts in Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island
Dr. Garima Jain
Associate Professor,
Department of English,
M. S. J. Govt. P. G. College, Bharatpur (Rajasthan).
Article History: Submitted-02/06/2024, Revised-20/06/2024, Accepted-26/06/2024, Published-30/06/2024.
Abstract:
Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island discusses how environmental crises intersect with
postcolonial narratives through its vivid depiction of two emblematic locations: the
Sundarbans and Venice. Both regions, integral to the novel’s thematic and narrative structure,
symbolize the global environmental challenges and their deep-rooted connections to colonial
histories. Ghosh intertwines the ecological with the historical, using his characters’ journeys
to explore broader issues of displacement, identity, and cultural continuity in the face of
climate change. The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra,
and Meghna rivers, and Venice, an iconic city grappling with the threat of flooding and
subsidence, are presented not only as physical settings but also as sites of historical and
environmental trauma. Through detailed analysis of these settings, the paper argues that
Ghosh uses these landscapes to critique the colonial exploitation and its ongoing effects on
contemporary environmental issues. Furthermore, the novel incorporates local myths and
legends, linking them to current ecological challenges, thereby enriching the narrative with
layers of historical resonance and cultural significance. By delving into the
interconnectedness of environmental and postcolonial themes, this research article highlights
Ghosh’s approach to addressing global crises, suggesting that the legacies of the past continue
to shape our environmental and cultural realities. Gun Island serves as a compelling narrative
that bridges historical colonial impacts with present-day ecological challenges, offering
insightful reflections on human resilience and adaptability.
Keywords: environmental crisis, myths, reality, postcolonial, exposure.
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671282
From the Sundarbans to Venice: Environmental Crisis and Postcolonial Contexts in Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
I
Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island (2019) intricately weaves a tapestry of
environmental crises and postcolonial narratives, using a global landscape as its backdrop. At
the heart of this narrative are two markedly distinct yet symbolically intertwined locales—the
Sundarbans and Venice. Both places, steeped in rich historical and cultural significance, face
profound environmental challenges that resonate with global ecological concerns today.
Ghosh, known for his profound engagement with complex socio-political themes through a
literary lens, embarks on a narrative journey that not only spans geographical distances but
also traverses through the layers of history, myth, and human migration.
In Gun Island, Ghosh crafts a tale of adventure, myth, and environmental crisis,
centered around Deen, a rare book dealer from Brooklyn who is increasingly disillusioned
with his solitary life. His journey begins with a return to his homeland, Kolkata, where during
a visit to a historical museum, he stumbles upon the legend of the Bonduki Sadagar, or Gun
Merchant. This mythic figure from Bengali folklore, who dealt in arms and faced
supernatural wrath as a consequence, captures Deen’s imagination and sets him on a path that
will drastically alter his life. Spurred by his curiosity and the mystery surrounding the Gun
Merchant, Deen travels to the Sundarbans, the lush, treacherous mangrove forests at the
mouth of the Ganges. The area is as mystic as it is menacing, characterized by its dense fog
and unpredictable tides. Here, he meets Piya, a passionate marine biologist studying the
region’s endangered dolphins, and Tipu, a local entrepreneur who introduces Deen to the
harsh realities and the beauty of life in the Sundarbans. Their discussions and explorations in
the Sundarbans lead to a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing the
region, from rising waters to the increased frequency of devastating cyclones, which are
displacing communities and altering the landscape. The threat of a massive storm eventually
drives Deen and his newfound friends to leave the area, but the seeds of change have already
been planted in Deen’s mind. The group’s next destination is Los Angeles, where Deen
attends a book fair, only to find himself more drawn to the global diaspora’s stories, their tales
of displacement and adaptation reminding him of the interconnectedness of human
experiences across the world. It is in LA that Deen also reconnects with Cinta, an Italian
historian and old friend, who invites him to Venice, drawing a parallel to the Sundarbans as
another iconic location grappling with the impact of climate change. In Venice, the narrative
of environmental degradation and cultural erosion continues. The city, besieged by floods and
sinking into the lagoon, mirrors the ecological and existential crises Deen witnessed in the
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Sundarbans. Here, the legend of the Gun Merchant resurfaces, intertwining with local myths
and highlighting the universal theme of human folly and nature’s retribution.
The climax of the story converges on an intense acqua alta, a high-water event in
Venice that threatens the historical integrity of the city and forces the characters to reckon
with the immediate impacts of climate change. This event parallels a cyclonic storm in the
Sundarbans, tying together the fates of distant communities and emphasizing the global
nature of ecological crises. Throughout the novel, Deen’s experiences lead him from
skepticism to a profound reevaluation of his beliefs about the natural world, history, and the
supernatural. The stories of the Gun Merchant, told and retold in different forms, act as a
metaphor for humanity’s enduring struggle against and within the forces of nature. As Deen
navigates these tales and realities, he finds himself transformed, more connected to the world
and committed to understanding the role of ancient myths in modern contexts. Gun Island
closes on a note of tentative hope, with its characters finding new paths in the wake of
environmental and personal upheaval. Ghosh presents a story deeply embedded in the
realities of our world—where history, myth, and the pressing issues of climate change
intersect, reminding us of the enduring power of stories to connect us to our past, present, and
future.
Amitav Ghosh himself reveals to the journalist and author Raghu Karnad, son of late
Sri Girish Karnad, at the release of this novel Gun Island (2019), “ In this book, I’m dealing
with the violence of a completely different kind, which another thinker calls ‘slow violence’,
because that’s what we are actually experiencing at the moment”………”If you think of a
drought… this prolonged drought that we have in central India and in parts of Maharashtra, it
is displacing hundreds of thousands, may be millions of people, but the way that it unfolds is
not in the sudden violence of, say, a riot. It is the slow violence which eats into people’s lives.
That is the issue at hand.”
II
In the novel, the Sundarbans are depicted not only as a critical ecological zone but
also as a profound cultural symbol, reflecting the intertwined narratives of environmental and
historical significance. This mangrove forest, sprawling across the delta of the Ganges,
Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, serves as a pivotal setting that encapsulates the novel’s
exploration of ecological degradation and its repercussions on local communities and
biodiversity.
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The Sundarbans are presented as a frontline in the battle against climate change. This
region, one of the world’s largest mangrove forests, plays a vital role in regulating
atmospheric conditions and protecting inland areas from storm surges and wind damage.
However, as Ghosh vividly describes, this ecological buffer zone is under threat from rising
sea levels and increasing salinity, which undermine its ability to sustain the rich biodiversity
it harbours. The degradation of this habitat jeopardizes not only the myriad species that it
supports—including the iconic Bengal tiger—but also the human communities that depend
on its resources for their livelihoods. Ghosh delves deep into the cultural fabric of the
Sundarbans, integrating local myths and legends that have been passed down through
generations. These stories, rich with symbolism, often personify nature’s elements, reflecting
the community’s deep-rooted connection to their environment. In Gun Island, the myth of the
Bonduki Sadagar, or the Gun Merchant, becomes a leitmotif that Ghosh uses to link past
calamities with contemporary environmental challenges. This myth serves as a narrative tool
to explore how local populations interpret and respond to the changes in their environment,
framing these responses within a broader historical and cultural context.
The colonial history of exploitation in the Sundarbans is a critical aspect of the novel,
shedding light on how historical interventions have long-term effects on ecological and social
structures. During colonial times, large-scale projects aimed at timber extraction and land
reclamation disrupted the natural balance of the region, leading to significant ecological
changes. These actions, driven by the colonial pursuit of economic gain, not only altered the
landscape but also imposed economic and social hardships on the local communities, whose
survival was intricately linked to the natural environment. Ghosh portrays these interventions
as early forms of environmental exploitation, precursor to the more contemporary forms of
ecological disregard seen in global practices today.
Ghosh’s narrative strategy involves a poignant interplay between the local myths of
the Sundarbans and the stark realities of environmental change. The folklore that once
explained natural phenomena and instilled a sense of awe and respect for the natural world is
juxtaposed with the harsh impacts of climate change, bringing to the fore a narrative of loss
and transformation. This blending of myth and reality shows the shift in human-environment
relationships over time, highlighting how traditional knowledge systems and cultural
narratives are challenged and reshaped in the face of ongoing ecological crises.
III
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In the novel, environmental degradation acts as a catalyst for migration, reflecting a
pattern that extends beyond the narrative to encompass global and historical phenomena. The
novel interlaces personal stories with larger socio-environmental dynamics, illustrating how
ecological crises can precipitate significant shifts in human populations. Through the lens of
the Sundarbans and its connection to other parts of the world, Ghosh explores the forced
migrations that result from the escalating impacts of climate change, positioning these
movements within the broader context of postcolonial history and environmental
mismanagement. The region is increasingly battered by cyclones and rising sea levels—a
direct consequence of global warming. These environmental stressors not only diminish the
area’s natural resilience but also erode the socio-economic stability of the communities that
depend on its resources. As traditional livelihoods become untenable, inhabitants are
compelled to migrate, often to urban areas or overseas, in search of stability and
opportunities. This migration is portrayed not as a choice but as a necessity born out of an
urgent need to escape environmental catastrophes.
Ghosh does not confine his exploration of migration to the Sundarbans alone; rather,
he expands the narrative to include global destinations like Venice and Los Angeles, where
migrants seek refuge and prospects. This dispersal is indicative of a larger pattern where
environmental migrants, often from former colonies, move towards more developed regions,
which are themselves not immune to ecological challenges but offer more robust
infrastructures to cope with them. The novel subtly draws parallels between these migrations
and the broader diasporic movements that have shaped the postcolonial world, suggesting a
continuity of displacement influenced by both historical and environmental factors.
The migration narratives in Gun Island also resonate with postcolonial critiques of
global inequalities and the legacies of colonialism. The novel suggests that the burdens of
environmental degradation are disproportionately borne by those in formerly colonized
nations, who are often the least responsible for the conditions driving climate change. This
disparity highlights the need for addressing environmental issues through a postcolonial lens,
recognizing the historical injustices that exacerbate current vulnerabilities. Ghosh’s
characters, many of whom are engaged in scholarly or activist pursuits, embody this
awareness and advocate for a more equitable consideration of global environmental policies.
Moreover, as Rajender Kaur also observes, in Gun Island, Amitav Ghosh approaches the
topic of climate change not through a scientific lens—which he critiques in The Great
Derangement (2017) for its inability to effectively communicate the urgency of the issue and
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inspire policy and mindset changes—but through elements of magic and the uncanny.
Building on this premise, Ghosh suggests that the world is dominated by a sense of paranoia
and a fatalistic acceptance of climate change, rather than a belief in our collective ability to
actively address and potentially reverse its effects. (95)
IV
Venice, in the novel, is not merely a scenic backdrop but a critical narrative parallel
that complements and contrasts with the environmental and historical narratives of the
Sundarbans. Renowned for its architectural marvels and historical significance as a maritime
republic, it is presented in Gun Island as a symbol of the vulnerability of human
achievements to the forces of nature. This city, which once dominated trade routes and
cultural exchanges between the East and the West, now faces existential threats from rising
sea levels and sinking foundations. Ghosh uses Venice’s current predicament to mirror the
environmental issues faced by the Sundarbans, yet in a context that is markedly different in
terms of geography, development, and historical trajectory. Venice’s struggle against water,
which once made it a powerful entity, now renders it helpless, symbolizing the irony of
historical progress being undone by environmental neglect.
The environmental challenges faced by Venice include frequent flooding, exacerbated
by the phenomenon known as “acqua alta” (high water), and the gradual subsidence of the
city’s foundations. These issues are compounded by the large number of tourists the city
attracts, which places additional pressure on its infrastructure and environment. Similarly, the
Sundarbans are subjected to increasing salinity, cyclonic storms, and erosion—challenges that
are intensified by the area’s socio-economic vulnerabilities and the ongoing impacts of
historical land use policies dating back to colonial times.
The parallel Ghosh draws between these two regions highlights the global nature of
ecological crises. Both Venice and the Sundarbans are experiencing the adverse effects of
human-induced environmental changes, yet their stories are manifestations of a broader
narrative concerning global warming, sea-level rise, and unsustainable development
practices. This juxtaposition reiterates the novel’s theme that environmental crises are
universal, transcending local boundaries and requiring a collective human response.
The historical exploitation of Venice and the Sundarbans provides a deeper
understanding of their current ecological crises. Venice’s history as a trade hub during the
Renaissance made it a city wealthy in cultural exchanges but also led to extensive
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manipulation of its lagoon environment to suit commercial and defensive needs. Similarly,
the Sundarbans were historically exploited for their natural resources during the British
colonial period, with vast areas cleared for timber and agricultural land. These historical
interventions have left both regions more susceptible to environmental threats, illustrating
how past human actions continue to influence present-day vulnerabilities.
V
Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island artfully blends myth and reality, using folklore to deepen
the narrative’s connection between past and present environmental and cultural challenges.
Through the strategic use of myths like that of the Bonduki Sadagar, or the Gun Merchant,
Ghosh not only enriches the storyline but also offers insightful commentary on human
interactions with nature, particularly within a postcolonial framework. This fusion of the
mythical with the real allows for a multilayered exploration of the themes central to the
novel. In the novel, myths serve as a bridge between historical and contemporary issues,
allowing characters and readers alike to navigate the complex interplay of culture and
ecology. Ghosh employs these stories not as mere embellishments but as fundamental
elements that inform the characters’ perceptions and responses to their environments. Myths
in the novel function on multiple levels: they are cautionary tales, historical records, and
symbolic representations of human fears and hopes. Through these narratives, Ghosh
connects the dots between past atrocities and present calamities, suggesting that myths are not
static relics but dynamic elements that evolve and adapt to new realities.
The myth of the Bonduki Sadagar is central to Gun Island, encapsulating the essence
of the novel’s exploration of the links between human destiny and environmental forces. The
legend tells of a merchant who, in his dealings, inadvertently disturbs the ecological and
supernatural order, leading to a series of events that reflect the real consequences of human
greed and interference with nature. This myth resonates with the modern-day protagonist,
Deen, who finds himself confronting similar themes in his travels from the Sundarbans to
Venice. By paralleling the myth with Deen’s experiences, Ghosh emphasizes that the
ecological and social challenges faced today are not isolated or new but are deeply rooted in
human history and behaviour.
The use of myth in the novel is particularly poignant in a postcolonial context. The
stories that Ghosh reiterates and reimagines are not only pre-colonial in their origins but also
carry the scars of colonial interventions. Colonial histories have often disregarded or
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misinterpreted indigenous knowledge and myths, resulting in a loss of heritage and ecological
wisdom. By reclaiming these myths and placing them at the forefront of a narrative about
global environmental crises, Ghosh shows the importance of indigenous perspectives in
understanding and combating these crises. The Bonduki Sadagar, and other similar myths, act
as repositories of a deeper understanding of nature, serving as guides in a world where
postcolonial states are often at the front lines of climate impact. In the novel, myths also
provide a unique lens through which to view human interaction with the environment. They
reflect the age-old human struggle to coexist with nature, often highlighting the consequences
of imbalance and disrespect towards natural forces. By weaving these tales into the fabric of
his narrative, Ghosh not only pays homage to these ancient wisdoms but also critiques
modern disregard for them. The environmental issues—rising seas, extreme weather, loss of
biodiversity—depicted in the novel are thus given a deeper historical and cultural context,
linking them to long-standing human attitudes and actions.
To conclude, we see that this novel does more than depict environmental degradation as a
backdrop to its narrative; it actively engages with these crises, drawing a parallel to the
colonial exploitations of the past and their lingering effects on contemporary settings. The
environmental crises depicted in Gun Island are not isolated phenomena but are deeply
woven into the fabric of historical and ongoing socio-political injustices. Through the dual
settings of the Sundarbans and Venice, Ghosh provides a canvas to explore the
interconnectedness of history, environment, and identity. Rita Joshi rightly writes about the
novel, “In depicting a wide range of diverse characters from various countries and subtly
invoking myth and history, fact and fiction, Ghosh has created a work that contrasts nostalgia
for a lost past with concerns for the contemporaneous.”
Works Cited:
Ghosh, Amitav. Gun Island. London: John Murray. 2019
Ghosh, Amitav. The Great Derangement. Chicago: University Press. 2017
Joshi, Rita. World Literature Today, vol. 93, no. 4, 2019, pp. 98–98. JSTOR,
https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7588/worllitetoda.93.4.0098.
Kaur, Rajender. Modern Language Studies, vol. 50, no. 1, 2020, pp. 94–95. JSTOR,
http://www.jstor.org/stable/45388470.
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https://youtu.be/r5RbdchKMv4 conversation on Gun Island between Amitav Ghosh and
Raghu Karnad at the release of the book.
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Dr. Garima Jain