Eminent Historian MGS Narayanan Dies at 92

Kozhikode: Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan, popularly known as M G S Narayanan, a renounced Indian historian, a researcher and teacher, passed away on Saturday. He was 92. The death was at 9.52 am at his residence ‘Maitri’ at Malaparamba, Kozhikode. 
Narayanan, popularly known by his initials MGS, was an intellectual who carved his own path in historical research and presentation. He fundamentally changed the course of the study of ancient Kerala history, and tried to reshape the academic understanding of Kerala’s ancient past.
He did not hesitate to openly express his views on history, politics, and society. His stances often led to criticism and controversy. At the same time, the accuracy and fearlessness of his positions also earned him much reputation.
He was the member secretary and chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). He has written over 200 books and articles. 
MGS was born on August 20, 1932, in Ponnani. His father, Govindamenon, was a doctor. He attended BEM School, Ponnani. After completing his intermediate studies at Guruvayurappan College in Kozhikode, he joined Farook College to study for a BA in Economics. However, due to the insistence of his friends, he shifted to Kerala Varma College in Thrissur. Later, he went to Madras Christian College to study MA English. But he got admission in history instead. That's how MGS turned to the path of history studies.

He obtained a PhD from Kerala University. He taught at the Guruvayurappan College and Kerala University. After a 14-year stint (from 1976 to 1990), he retired as the head of the history department at Calicut University.
He wrote poetry and painted during his school days. He was a member of the ‘Ponnani Kalari’ led by poet Idassery. He honed skills under Uroob, Kadavanad Kuttikrishnan, Akkithham, and others. M Govindan published MGS's first poem in the magazine Madras Patrika, which he edited. He wrote under the pseudonyms SM Muttayil and SM Neduva. His poetry won him many prizes.
While studying at Guruvayurappan College, he developed close friendships with NV Krishna Warrier, NN Kakkad, Uroob, Thikkodiyan, and KA Kodungallur. MGS has received training in epigraphy and is proficient in Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Sanskrit, as well as Brahmi, Vattezhuthu and Grantha scripts.
He has served as a Commonwealth Academic staff fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; visiting fellow at the University of Moscow and the Institute of Oriental Studies in Leningrad; professor emeritus at the Institute of Languages and Cultures, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies; and visiting professor at Mahatma Gandhi University and Mangalore University. He was a member of the editorial board of publications such as the Journal of Indian History and the Indian Historical Review.
MGS also worked with the South Indian History Congress, the Epigraphical Society of India, the Place Name Society of India, the Rock Art Society of India and the Numismatic Society of South India. 'Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala', 'Perumals of Kerala', 'Calicut: The City of Truth Revisited', 'Jalakangal: Oru Charithranweshiyude Vazhikal', 'Kazhchakal', 'Charithrasathyangalilekku Thirinjunokkumbol', 'Kerala Charithrathile 10 Kallakkathkal', 'Foundations of South Indian society and culture', 'Charithra Sathyangalilekk Thirinjunokkumpol' and 'Navothanathinte Rashtreeya Manangal' are some of his prominent works. He is survived by his wife Premalatha and children Vijayakumar (Air Force officer) and Vinaya (dancer). The late historian and writer M Gangadharan was his maternal uncle.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences on the passing of MGS Narayanan, stating that in an era marked by organized efforts to distort and manipulate history for narrow interests, his loss is deeply felt. "We share the grief of his relatives and family members," the Chief Minister said.
MGS Narayanan’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian historical scholarship. A fearless intellectual, prolific writer, and devoted teacher, he redefined the contours of Kerala’s ancient history and left an indelible mark on academic and cultural thought. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of scholars, artists, and truth-seekers.