Historian MGS Narayanan passes away
The Hindu
Renowned historian M.G.S. Narayanan, known for his scholarly legacy and fearless convictions, passed away at 92 in Kozhikode.
Celebrated for his unflinching confidence, which garnered both laurels and animosity, prominent historian and former chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Muttayil Govinda Menon Sankaranarayanan, better known as M.G.S. Narayanan or simply MGS, died at the age of 92 at his residence in Kozhikode on Saturday (April 26, 2025) morning.
Proficient in Vattezhuthu, the syllabic alphabet of South India and Sri Lanka as well as Kolezhuthu, the syllabic alphabet of Kerala used for writing Malayalam language, he had also possessed a deep knowledge of Sanskrit. In 1996, he had published his laboriously researched thesis titled “Perumals of Kerala,” exploring the complex political and social dynamics of Kerala from 800 to 1124. Often, he had demonstrated his understanding on this subject.
Also read: Windows into the past
His other notable published works include Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala (1972) and Calicut: The City of Truth Revisited (2006). With an admirable scholarly legacy, MGS fearlessly confronted Left-leaning and pro-Marxist historians, resolute in his unshakable convictions, and engraved an indelible mark on the historical narrative at the national and State levels.
Born to Dr. K.P. Govinda Menon and Narayani Amma in Ponnani on August 20, 1932, MGS channeled his early hardships into love for poetry and painting after the loss of his mother at a young age and his father’s remarriage.
His early education took place in various schools and colleges in Kerala and erstwhile Madras, obtaining the first-rank in history from the University of Madras in 1953. Subsequently he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kerala. He headed the Department of History at Calicut University from 1976 to 1990.
Also read: MGS launched new age in Kerala historiography: scholar
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