The Calcutta Chromosome (1995) is a novel exploring past and future. It has been written by:

Correct option is B

Explanation:

The Calcutta Chromosome is a science fiction novel by Amitav Ghosh, first published in 1995.

It combines history, science, and speculative fiction to weave a complex narrative that questions the nature of reality, medical history, and human ambition.

The novel is set between two time periods: the early 20th century and the future. The story revolves around a mysterious search for a cure for malaria, combining elements of colonialism, technology, and the scientific revolution.

Information Booster:

Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed Indian author, is known for his works of historical fiction that explore themes of colonialism, migration, and cultural exchanges.

Born in 1956, he is one of the most prominent contemporary writers of India, and The Calcutta Chromosome is one of his most celebrated works.

The novel is a fusion of historical fiction and science fiction. It blends real events with speculative ideas about future technologies, creating an interdisciplinary narrative that challenges the boundaries of both genres.

The Calcutta Chromosome delves into the history of malaria research in colonial India. It fictionalizes the life and work of Ronald Ross, a British doctor who discovered the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of malaria.    

The novel portrays a complex tale involving medical experimentation, scientific breakthroughs, and colonialism.

The main narrative follows a character named Murugan, who embarks on a search for the Calcutta Chromosome, a mysterious scientific phenomenon tied to the discovery of malaria.

The story intertwines elements of past and future, with a blend of myth and science fiction.

The plot also explores the speculative notion that human evolution and medical discoveries could be part of a larger, cosmic cycle.

- Ghosh touches on the colonial context of scientific research and the exploitation of local populations for scientific progress.

- The novel critically examines the relationship between science and colonialism, portraying how colonial powers utilized scientific discoveries for their own benefit.

- The concept of time and the manipulation of the human genome are central to the plot, questioning what constitutes human evolution and what it means to control the human body.

Additional Knowledge:

Rabindranath Tagore:

Tagore was a celebrated figure in Indian literature and philosophy. His works, such as Gitanjali (1910), focus on spirituality, humanism, and the intersection of Indian and Western thought.

Raja Rao:

Known for novels like Kanthapura (1938), Raja Rao's works focus on Indian nationalism and philosophy. His writing explore profound spiritual and philosophical themes.

Mulkraj Anand:

Anand was a prominent Indian novelist, He is known for works like Coolie (1936) that critique colonialism and social inequality, particularly the plight of the working class in British India.