Amitav Ghosh

> Amala: Who is the Indian writer — and who won the award?
The Indian writer in question is Amitav Ghosh. In 2025 he won the Pak Kyongni Prize (also spelled “Park Kyong-ni Literary Award”), which is widely regarded as the highest and most prestigious international literature honour given by South Korea. He becomes the first Indian author ever to receive this award.

Why was he awarded the Pak Kyongni Prize
The Prize jury cited Ghosh for “expanding the frontiers of postcolonial and ecological literature” and for “giving voice to subaltern subjects, including nature itself.”
Their selection recognised not just his storytelling craftsmanship, but his ability to explore global-historical processes, environmental crises, the legacy of colonialism, and identities across cultures — themes deeply embedded in his body of work.

Notable Works by Amitav Ghosh
Some of Ghosh’s most significant works that likely contributed to this recognition:
The Ibis Trilogy (comprising Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, Flood of Fire) — epic historical fiction dealing with colonial history, trade, migration and identity.
The Great Derangement — non-fiction reflecting on climate change and the human relationship with ecology.
Other celebrated novels: The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, among others.
His work spans historical fiction, postcolonial narrative, and ecological consciousness, showing a blend of artistry, social insight, and global relevance.

About the Pak Kyongni Prize
The Pak Kyongni Prize was established in 2011 by the Toji Cultural Foundation in honour of celebrated Korean novelist Pak Kyong‑ni.
It is awarded to “the most writerly writer of our time who preserves the intrinsic value of literature and has made a significant impact on world literary history.”
The award carries South Korea’s largest literary cash prize (100 million South Korean won).
Previous recipients include global literary figures — among them awardees like Ismail Kadare, Marilynne Robinson, and A. S. Byatt.
Because of its international scope and high prestige, many literary critics describe it as “Korea’s Nobel Prize in Literature.” > Amala: 🖼 Photo