Sea of poppies by Amitv Ghosh is an unputdownable novel.I finished it in 4 sittings.I would strongly recommend it to all the readers of this forum.The style and language is very close to our hearts with lots and lots of Hindi as part of the spoken English as spoken by the then Ruling British.
Amitav Ghose weaves so many stories during the course of the novel, you are left wondering about the relevance.Well it all fits in beautifully at the end.
Amitav sure has done loads of painstaking research while compiling this book akin to’ The Last Moghul’ by William Dalrimple.
You are transported to the 19nth century with the slave tranporting schooner’ Ibis’ starting off with Zachary from Baltimore as the ship’s carpenter Ultimately he ends up as second mate when the ship comes for refitting and dry docking to Calcutta.The purpose -to transport a fresh load of slaves to ’mareech’ or Maldives as we know of it now.
We are enlightened about the major opium trade from India to China.How the British enslavened the poor hapless farmer thru advances & contracts to indulge in poppy cultivation only;The farmers live a miserable life with meagre earnings.You are given an intricate view of the cultivation , workers packaging & processing happening at Ghazipur factory.
It’s pathetic to see the plight of Diti and her addict(afimkhor) husband.The plight and sufferings of opium addicts are given in intricate detail.The elaborate process of pipe filling by the addicts’ with all the paraphernalia is intricately explained.
It’s painful to see the plight of Girmitiyas( the contracted slave labour), their horrific fearful rumors
before they reach Mareech.Amitav Ghosh exposes us to beautiful Bhojpuri soul stirring poems, their food, dress etc.You are also exposed to typical Bhojpuri names as you go thru the book.
You are transported to Calcutta as a nerve centre of East india Company in the early ninetenth century, replete with Hindoosthani slangs and expletives as part of the Ghora language.It also reveals the beastly side of the firangs and the police in dealing with the populace. The English
officers have a luxurious life replete with palatial houses , cooks, sweepers, watchmen , bedmakers
horsemen etc etc. Their massive parties with party wear, elaborate courses of dishes & gossip make an interesting reading.The 19nth century Calcutta & waterfront is described in great detail.
You are transported into the innards of the Raskhali zemindary and Neel a wealthy Sunderbans’ zemindar. His superstitions, sexcapades with buxom Elokeshi, pampering by lots of servants, hangers on and retainers, inspite of the massive debt with the company makes an interesting reading.
Sea of Poppies exposes you to lots and lots of sea farers language, British, American and the most
interesting- the language of deck hands( the laskars), It appears to be a mixture of Hindi, Malay, Chinese and pidgin English and is thoroughly enjoyable.The character of Goomustha Baboo Narain is funny, and brings out the trust and dependance of the British on such cranky & turncoat accountants.
The Journey by ’Ibis’ to Maldives with the slave labourers, criminals, Brutal officers and a near mutiny on board make an interesting reading.
A must for those who would like a detailed peek into the 19nth century rule of The Raj and the slavery imposed on the poor people along the Ganges.