Eminent historian and academic K N Panikkar passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram due to age-related ailments, family sources said. He was 90.
Panikkar was widely regarded as one of India’s most influential historians and was known for his Marxist interpretation of history. Throughout his career, he strongly advocated secular and scientific approaches to historical research and was also a vocal critic of communalism. His work played a major role in shaping progressive perspectives on modern Indian history.
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After completing his higher studies, Panikkar joined Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi as a faculty member in the history department. Over the years, he rose to become the head of the department. He later served as the vice-chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady, Kerala.
Panikkar also played a key role in the development of historical research institutions in the state. He was the founding chairman of the Kerala Council for Historical Research and led the organisation from 2001 to 2017. In addition to his work in India, he held visiting professorships and fellowships at several universities abroad. In 2008, he served as the president of the Indian History Congress.
The veteran historian authored several influential books and academic works, particularly focusing on colonialism, modernity and the evolution of Indian society.
Panikkar is survived by two daughters. His wife, a native of Rajasthan and a former classmate, had passed away earlier.
Tributes and condolences
Several political leaders and public figures expressed their condolences after his death. Among those who paid tribute were Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan and general education minister V Sivankutty.
In a message, Vijayan described Panikkar as an important cultural figure who consistently defended a scientific and objective understanding of history.
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"Panikkar consistently reminded society, through his writings, speeches and teaching, that India's pluralism had evolved through historical processes and that any attempt to undermine it would weaken the very foundations of the country," he said.
The chief minister noted that Panikkar’s writings and interventions served as a guiding force during times when secular values faced challenges. By presenting India’s historical evolution to younger generations, Panikkar helped create awareness against distortions of history.
Kamal Haasan took his tribute to X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. K. N. Panikkar, one of India’s most respected historians and public intellectuals. A distinguished scholar of modern Indian history, he combined rigorous academic work with a lifelong commitment to secularism and the defence of historical truth."
Vijayan also said the historian had strongly opposed attempts to alter the narrative of India’s freedom struggle and communalise educational curricula, adding that his contributions to protecting secular and democratic values were significant.
