Analysis of The Calcutta Chromosome

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Introduction

The Calcutta Chromosome, published in 1995, is Amitav Ghosh’s third novel and a radical departure from his previous works, blending elements of science fiction, medical thriller, and historical mystery. The novel won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1997, a rare achievement for an Indian author. It is a complex and intellectually stimulating narrative that explores themes of scientific discovery, the nature of knowledge, the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events, and the hidden histories of colonial science.

Plot Summary

The novel begins in a futuristic New York, where Antar, an Egyptian-American data entry clerk working for a company that processes old identity cards, stumbles upon a discarded ID card belonging to L. Murugan, an Indian who disappeared in Calcutta in 1995. Murugan was obsessed with the life and work of Sir Ronald Ross, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the malaria parasite in Calcutta in 1898.

Antar’s investigation into Murugan’s disappearance leads him down a rabbit hole of conspiracy and hidden knowledge. He discovers that Murugan believed Ross’s discovery was not a simple scientific breakthrough but part of a larger, secret, and mystical experiment conducted by a clandestine group. This group, led by a mysterious figure named Laakhan, was manipulating scientific research, particularly in the field of malaria, to achieve a form of immortality or spiritual transcendence through the transfer of consciousness.

The narrative shifts between Antar’s futuristic investigation and Murugan’s 1995 research in Calcutta, and further back to Ross’s time in 1898. Ghosh weaves together these timelines, introducing a diverse cast of characters—scientists, mystics, prostitutes, and ordinary citizens—each playing a role in the unfolding mystery. The “Calcutta Chromosome” itself is a metaphorical concept, representing a hidden code or pattern that connects seemingly random events and individuals, suggesting a deeper, non-linear understanding of history and knowledge.

The novel is less about solving a conventional mystery and more about the journey of discovery itself, questioning the nature of scientific truth, the ethics of experimentation, and the boundaries between science, superstition, and the spiritual. It suggests that knowledge is not always what it seems and that there are hidden forces at play in the world.

Major Characters

• Antar: The protagonist in the futuristic timeline. An Egyptian-American data entry clerk who becomes an accidental detective, unraveling the mystery of Murugan’s disappearance and the Calcutta Chromosome.

• L. Murugan: The Indian researcher who disappears in 1995, obsessed with Sir Ronald Ross. He is the catalyst for Antar’s investigation and represents the pursuit of hidden knowledge.

• Sir Ronald Ross: The historical figure who discovered the malaria parasite. In the novel, his scientific work is reinterpreted as being part of a larger, mystical experiment.

• Laakhan: The mysterious leader of the clandestine group, who manipulates scientific research for his own esoteric goals.

Major Themes

• The Nature of Knowledge and Truth: The novel questions the conventional understanding of scientific discovery and historical truth, suggesting that there are hidden layers of knowledge and that reality is more complex and interconnected than it appears.

• Colonial Science and its Ethics: Ghosh subtly critiques the ethics of colonial science, particularly in the context of medical research, and explores the power dynamics inherent in such endeavors.

• Interconnectedness of Events: A central theme is the idea that seemingly random events and individuals are intricately connected by a hidden pattern or “chromosome,” suggesting a non-linear and holistic understanding of history.

• Science vs. Mysticism: The novel blurs the lines between scientific inquiry and mystical beliefs, suggesting that both are different ways of seeking to understand the universe.

• Identity and Disappearance: The disappearance of Murugan and the fragmented identities of other characters contribute to a theme of the elusive nature of self and the difficulty of truly knowing another.

Literary Style

• Non-Linear Narrative: The story jumps between different timelines (futuristic, 1995, 1898), creating a complex and fragmented narrative that mirrors the novel’s themes of interconnectedness and hidden knowledge.
• Genre Blending: Ghosh masterfully blends elements of science fiction, medical thriller, historical mystery, and philosophical inquiry, creating a unique and challenging reading experience.
• Intellectual Density: The novel is rich in scientific, historical, and philosophical details, requiring active engagement from the reader.
• Evocative Descriptions: Despite its intellectual complexity, the prose is vivid and atmospheric, particularly in its descriptions of Calcutta across different eras.
• Symbolism: The “Calcutta Chromosome” itself is a powerful, abstract symbol for the hidden patterns and connections that bind existence.

Critical Reception and Legacy

The Calcutta Chromosome was a critically acclaimed and intellectually stimulating novel, winning the Arthur C. Clarke Award. It was praised for its originality, its ambitious scope, and its unique blend of genres. While some found its complexity challenging, it solidified Amitav Ghosh’s reputation as a writer who pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling and engages with profound intellectual questions. The novel remains a significant work for its innovative approach to history, science, and the nature of knowledge.