Amitav Ghosh has built an extensive body of work that tackles pressing issues such as climate change, migration, colonialism, and cultural dispossession.

In recognition of his impactful contributions, Ghosh was awarded the Erasmus Prize in 2024 for his exploration of 'imagining the unthinkable', particularly in relation to climate change.

His storytelling effectively makes the climate crisis relatable, emphasizing its cultural implications and the urgency of the situation.

Ghosh's narratives challenge stereotypes of the East, presenting both historical and contemporary narratives that highlight the urgency of future challenges.

In his latest work, 'Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey Through Opium’s Hidden Histories' (2023), Ghosh delves into opium's colonial legacy and its connections to modern corporate practices.

His earlier work, 'The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis' (2021), uses the journey of nutmeg to explore the impacts of colonialism on indigenous cultures and the environment.

The Ibis Trilogy—comprising 'Sea of Poppies' (2008), 'River of Smoke' (2011), and 'Flood of Fire' (2015)—charts the socio-political landscape leading to the First Opium War, intertwining personal and historical narratives.

In 'The Hungry Tide', set in the Sunderbans, Ghosh examines rising sea levels and the intersection of conservation and human rights through the experiences of a marine biologist and a translator.

'Gun Island' (2019) presents a fictional narrative about a rare book dealer facing ecological collapse and migration, enriched with elements of folklore.

Ghosh employs polyphonic storytelling in his works, capturing the diversity of human experiences and the societal challenges faced by different communities.

In an interview with The Hindu, Ghosh humbly rejected the title of 'Emperor of the East', asserting instead that 'the east is the emperor of us'.