MGS Narayanan | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
The extinction of MGS Narayanana is really a big loss. The world -renowned historian of Kerala, who conducted a radical shift in the historiography of early South India in general, and in particular Keraral, died and left a permanent gap that is not easily bridged. He was able to place the Ministry of the University of Calicut, where he served as a head for more than 15 years, on the map of academic research in history.
He was a nationally emulated historian of a left -wing perspective who followed Marx’s theory, but at the same time a true liberalist opposed to communalism of all types. He is known for his thesis at the Perumals of Kerala, which Al Basham, a renowned Indologist, appreciated as a strongly documented amazing thesis full of knowledge, which is usually unusual in regional history.
He did not publish many books, but everything he brought is key works containing the interpretation of a broken path that shook the historiography of South India. In historical craft, methodology and erudition MGS contributed with a permanent contribution.
MGS, teacher
As a MGS teacher in the classroom, he taught the source creation of historical knowledge, but outside the classroom he made his involved teachings credible through arguments and self -criticism. It was his passion for guessing with his students without being subject to the prejudices of their knowledge or experience, which gave students a challenging task of engaged learning. I remember the opportunities of unquestionable acceptance of his opinions by students who excite in him. He questioned his own opinions quoted by his students. It would not leave them unless it captures the thought process behind its ideas.
He was a central voice at the Indian history congress during the first controversy of the Ncert textbook during the reign of Janata (1977-79). The community of historians in the country honors him for his fearless criticism of power. Its extinction thus draws attention to nationwide attention.
(As mentioned by G. Krishnakumar)
Published – April 26, 2025 20:14
