Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has called for a comprehensive re-examination of prevailing Indian history narratives, claiming that many accounts were written by invaders to serve their own interests.

The Governor made the remarks after releasing the book ‘10000 Years of Bharatiya History: Truth and Myth’ authored by P Radhakrishnan Nair at the Lok Bhavan.

According to an official statement, Arlekar said much of India’s recorded history reflects the perspectives of invaders, leading to distortions that have been accepted unquestioningly across generations.

“It is common for invaders to write history in a manner that justifies their actions,” he said, adding that India did not traditionally invade other lands or impose its historical narratives.

The Governor noted that such distortions extend beyond colonial accounts and are deeply embedded in academic discourse. He cited widely debated theories such as the Aryan invasion, stating that they were propagated for decades despite insufficient evidence.

Recalling his school education, Arlekar said these interpretations were often taught as established facts, highlighting the long-standing influence of such narratives.

Referring to scholars such as Max Müller, he said interpretations of Indian texts and culture by some foreign historians have later been questioned for inaccuracies and bias.

Arlekar emphasised that independent India had the opportunity to reassess historical frameworks but has often continued to rely on inherited perspectives. He expressed concern that even in the post-independence period, necessary corrections to historical narratives were not adequately addressed.

He added that attempts to revisit historical interpretations are sometimes met with resistance without substantive reasoning.

Highlighting the importance of cultural continuity, the Governor described India as a civilisation rooted in shared cultural and philosophical traditions that transcend religious differences and contribute to national unity.

Drawing comparisons with other countries, he said respect for cultural heritage and national icons is essential for strengthening identity. He cited examples such as Indonesia, where cultural traditions continue to be preserved despite religious diversity.

Arlekar urged scholars, students and the public to actively participate in rediscovering India’s history with clarity, authenticity and evidence-based approaches. He called for a balanced and research-driven understanding of historical narratives.

The event was presided over by Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh and attended by several prominent personalities, including former Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Justice K P Balachandran, historian T P Sankaran Kutty Nair and writer George Onakkoor.

PTI