Marxist historian K.N. Panikkar (89) dies in Thiruvananthapuram
K.N. Panikkar, a leading voice in modern Indian history and a respected Marxist scholar, passed away at 89 in Thiruvananthapuram due to age-related issues.
His death came just as the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) was preparing to mark his 90th birthday on April 26.
He shaped how India understands its past
Panikkar shaped how India understands its past: he taught at institutions including the University of Rajasthan and the Indian Institute of Public Administration, and joined JNU in 1972, where he led the Centre for Historical Studies and became Dean of the School of Social Sciences.
He also served as vice chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University and chaired KCHR.
Beyond teaching, he wrote influential books like A Concerned Indian's Guide to Communalism and helped launch organizations such as the Kerala History Congress, leaving a lasting mark on both academia and public debates about history.