Prof. Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan (M.G.S. Narayanan), renowned historian, academic, and former Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), passed away peacefully at his residence ‘Maitri’ in Malaparamba on April 26, 2025, aged 92.
Born on August 20, 1932 in Kerala, Prof. Narayanan pursued his education at Madras Christian College and went on to earn his doctorate with his seminal research Perumals of Kerala, a landmark study on Kerala’s early medieval history. A distinguished scholar of ancient Indian history, Tamilakam, and historiography, he led the Department of History at the University of Calicut and later served as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
On his demise, Pragna Pravah Convenor J Nandakumar paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of MGS Narayanan, an eminent historian who steadfastly upheld truth, academic integrity, and nationalist values. He courageously challenged Marxist historians who promoted fabricated narratives, seeking to undermine Bharat’s Swatva. As Member-Secretary of the ICHR, he exposed the Marxist cabal that had hijacked the institution, turning it into a handmaid of Islamists and an unofficial arm of the Babari Masjid Action Committee. His bold stance against such ideological manipulation remains a defining chapter in the fight for academic integrity. Praying for his moksha.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri MGS Narayanan, an eminent historian who steadfastly upheld truth, academic integrity, and nationalist values. He courageously challenged Marxist historians who promoted fabricated narratives, seeking to undermine Bharat's Swatva. As… pic.twitter.com/YxMM5A672j
— J Nandakumar (@kumarnandaj) April 26, 2025
As Member-Secretary and later Chairman of the ICHR, Prof. Narayanan was widely respected for defending academic autonomy and exposing ideological distortions in historical research. His commitment to scholarly rigour, historical truth, and national values left a lasting legacy.
An author of several acclaimed works, including Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala and Jaalakangal, he was honoured with the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019. He mentored generations of students and remains a towering figure in the field of Indian historiography.
Prof. Narayanan is survived by his wife Premalatha, son N. Vijayakumar, daughter N. Vinaya, and their families.
