Noted historian and public intellectual K. N. Panikkar, aged 90, passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. He died at a private hospital where he was receiving treatment for age-related illnesses.
Panikkar was highly esteemed as one of India’s most respected historians and a prominent advocate for secular and progressive scholarship. His influence extended beyond academia, as he was also known for his cultural activism, educational contributions, and public intellectualism, shaping discussions on history, society, and politics in contemporary India.
Throughout his extensive career in academia, Panikkar held significant roles in Kerala’s higher education and research institutions. He notably served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, the Chairman of the Kerala Council for Historical Research, and the inaugural Chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council.
Born in Guruvayur, Panikkar completed his education at Government Victoria College and the University of Rajasthan, where he earned his postgraduate and doctoral degrees in history. He authored several impactful books exploring themes such as colonialism, religion, culture, and politics in India.
Survived by his wife Usha, daughters Ragini and Shalini, and sons-in-law Peethambar and R. V. Raman, Panikkar leaves behind a legacy of scholarly contributions that have left a lasting impact on historical discourse in India.
