How Amitav Ghosh’s The Nutmeg’s Curse Inspired a Kerala Maritime Museum Project

Author Amitav Ghosh expressed delight after Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan revealed that policy ideas behind a proposed International Maritime Museum were inspired by The Nutmeg’s Curse.
on Jun 23, 2026

One such unique example where literature has helped shape public policy is that of celebrated Indian author Amitav Ghosh, who says he feels elated to learn that the Kerala government’s proposal for an International Maritime Museum has been inspired by his non-fiction book published in 2021 called The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis.
This happened during a recent “Read with VD” campaign when, according to reports, Kerala Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan informed students that several policy proposals of his are drawn from books that he reads. One of these ideas is the proposal for the establishment of an International Maritime Museum under the Mission Samudra program of Kerala.
Reacting to the news, Ghosh said on social media, "Only in Keralam would a Chief Minister draw policy proposals from a book such as The Nutmeg's Curse!"

Literature and Public Policy

The upcoming museum is one component of Mission Samudra, which the government of Kerala plans to implement with ₹400 crore allocation. Mission Samudra is aimed at utilizing the maritime potential of Kerala.

It is reported that the International Maritime Museum will get a total investment of around ₹50 crores and will be built on the rich maritime legacy of Kerala as well as future developments in the field of shipping and logistics.

As mentioned by Satheesan, it was his interest in the maritime legacy along with the stories written in the book of Ghosh about the Portuguese, Dutch, and British seafarers that fascinated him towards the idea of a museum.

The Enduring Relevance of The Nutmeg’s Curse

Published in 2021, The Nutmeg’s Curse examines the deep historical connections between colonial expansion, environmental exploitation, and the modern climate crisis.

Using the story of the Dutch conquest of the Banda Islands once the world's primary source of nutmeg as a central narrative, Ghosh argues that the extractive mindset that fuelled colonialism continues to shape contemporary attitudes towards nature, land, and resources.

The book challenges readers to reconsider humanity's relationship with the natural world, suggesting that ecological crises cannot be addressed solely through technology or economics but require a deeper shift in worldview.

Its exploration of maritime trade, colonial history, resource extraction, and environmental consequences makes it particularly relevant to discussions about coastal economies and maritime heritage.

A Book That Resonated Beyond Literature

Since its publication, The Nutmeg’s Curse has been widely praised by scholars, historians, environmental thinkers, and writers for its interdisciplinary approach.

The book combines history, mythology, ecology, politics, and storytelling to explore how colonial systems transformed both societies and ecosystems. Its central argument—that the roots of today's climate crisis lie in centuries-old patterns of extraction and domination—has resonated with readers worldwide.

That a contemporary policy initiative should cite the book as an influence reflects the growing role literature can play in shaping conversations around sustainability, heritage, and development.

Reading as a Source of Governance

At the same event, Satheesan reportedly acknowledged other intellectual influences on his thinking, including works on public finance, demographic change, and technological transformation. He also recommended several contemporary nonfiction titles to students, reinforcing the idea that reading remains an important source of policy insight.

For the publishing world, the episode serves as a reminder that books can have an impact far beyond literary circles. While authors often hope their work will shape public debate, instances where a book directly informs government planning remain relatively uncommon.

Why This Story Matters

The story of The Nutmeg’s Curse influencing Kerala's maritime vision highlights the continuing power of books to inspire new ways of thinking about society, history, and the future. It also demonstrates how ideas born in literary and intellectual spaces can travel into governance, policy-making, and public life.

For authors, publishers, and readers alike, it is a compelling example of literature's ability not merely to reflect the world but to help shape it.