Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Call for greater initiatives to study Kerala history

Special Correspondent

Romila Thapar underscores role of regional histories

Romila Thapar, historian Photo: S. Mahinsha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Underscoring the complementary role that regional histories played in the writing of national history, eminent historian Romila Thapar has called for greater initiatives in the study of Kerala history using inter-disciplinary tools to take scholarship in national history forward.

Inaugurating an international seminar on `Kerala history,' organised by the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) here on Thursday, Ms. Thapar said that scientific and critical enquiries were essential in historical research as history and legends tended to get mixed up in debates on issues relating to history.

A closer and intensive study of the history of Kerala had great relevance when viewed against the context of Indian sub-continental and regional history, she said.

Chairing the inaugural ceremony, renowned historian and KCHR chairman K.N. Panikkar said there was a perceptible momentum in the study of Kerala history at a time when originality of historical studies was faced with major challenges at the global level.

He underscored the importance of syllabus revision and greater effort to take researchers to the sources in enhancing the relevance of historical research.

KCHR director P.J. Cherian welcomed the gathering and historian Rajan Gurukkal proposed a vote of thanks.

Noted scholars C.R. Whittaker, R. Champakalakshmi and M.S.S. Pandian also attended the inaugural ceremony of the seminar. As many as 400 delegates from within and outside the State are attending the seminar.

Presenting the theme paper at the session on political history that followed, Kesavan Veluthatt said the history of Kerala between 12th and 18th centuries called for closer and detailed study.

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