Thiruvananthapuram: Dr. M. G. S. Narayanan, a towering figure in Indian historiography, has left an indelible mark on the study of Kerala’s history. Through decades of pioneering research and passionate scholarship, he reshaped the way Kerala’s ancient and medieval eras are understood today.
Fondly known as MGS, the historian, born in 1932, masterfully blended meticulous research with deep cultural insights. His seminal work, “Perumals of Kerala”, remains a milestone in historical studies, offering a profound analysis of the political systems, temple-centered economy, and rich cultural fabric of the Chera Perumal era.
Beyond his scholarly writings, Dr. Narayanan played a transformative role in institution-building, notably serving as the Director General of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). His leadership helped foster a generation of historians committed to rigorous standards, rooted in critical study of inscriptions, literature, and archaeology.
A passionate advocate for situating Kerala’s history within the broader Indian and global context, MGS consistently challenged narrow interpretations and championed a wider, more inclusive vision of the region’s past.
Today, his legacy lives on — inspiring researchers, historians, and students across the world — as a testament to a lifetime devoted to unearthing and illuminating Kerala’s rich historical tapestry.
