Journal of Literature, Culture and Media Studies A Re-reading of History in the Novels of Amitav Ghosh

Abstract: Ever since the time of chronicles, history has assumed interest-ing dimensions in Western literature and Indian literature alike. Writers brought to life historical figures and events in their works. In the novels of Amitav Ghosh history as an indispensible reality is an integral quality. His projection of history is viewed in two ways: Ghosh's deviation from a conventional reading of the past and his preference to understand history from the points of view of those so far ignored by traditional historiogra-phy. Ghosh debunks monumental historiography when he displays a nar-ration of ordinary individual rather than that of the nation. Where history fails Ghosh compensates through stories of pain and suffering as well as gains and benefits of little people that a public event impresses on an individual's course of life. Amitav Ghosh's approach to woman's history, in the context of his re-examination of conventional history, attempts to map the marginalised histories. Through a re-reading of the past, Ghosh engages in a postcolonial re-interpretation of life itself and the postmodern belief in utter insignificance and ultimate nothingness of life on earth. A re-examination of history widens the historical perspective, attempting a holistic approach to history and literature that deals with history