Eminent Historian MGS Narayanan Passes Away at 93 in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE:
M.G.S. Narayanan, renowned historian and former Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), passed away here on Saturday after battling age-related ailments. He was 93. His final rites are scheduled to be held later today.

Born on August 20, 1932, in Ponnani near Kozhikode, Narayanan pursued his early education across Kozhikode and Thrissur, later completing his Master’s degree in History from Madras Christian College. He earned his PhD from the University of Kerala in 1973, with a thesis that meticulously reconstructed Kerala’s history between 800 and 1124 CE—a work widely praised by scholars for its rigor and depth.

Narayanan served as the Head of the History Department at Calicut University from 1976 to 1990, and later chaired the ICHR between 2001 and 2003. He also held the role of General Secretary of the Indian History Congress from 1982 to 1985 and was a visiting fellow at Moscow University’s Institute of Oriental Studies in 1991. Additionally, he served as the Member-Secretary of the ICHR from 1990 to 1992.

Throughout his illustrious career, Narayanan was acknowledged as a specialist in ancient Indian history. A proud Hindu and a staunch believer in the cultural traditions he inherited, he authored over 200 books and was proficient in English, Tamil, and Sanskrit.

Affectionately known as “MGS,” he was not only a historian but also an accomplished poet and painter, although history always remained his foremost passion. His outspoken views on politics and cultural matters earned him both devoted admirers and sharp critics.

M.G.S. Narayanan leaves behind a rich legacy in Indian historiography. He is survived by his wife and two children.