Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Renowned historian Vikram Sampath emphasised the importance of history, calling it a mirror that reflects a nation’s culture and civilization. He was speaking at the birth centenary programme of late Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat. Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Trust successfully organised a thought-provoking conference at Town Hall, Udupi. The event focused on re-examining and reconstructing historical narratives related to Indian temples and heritage, featuring insightful discussions and expert analysis. As part of the event, Dr. Vikram Sampath was honoured with the Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Centenary Award for his contributions to historical research. Speaking on the occasion, Sampath noted, “History shapes the minds of people, a fact well understood by our colonial masters. George Orwel once said, ‘Those who control the past, control the future.’”
Referring to Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education, Sampath pointed out that the primary objective of introducing English was to create a class of interpreters—Indians who would think and behave like the British while serving as intermediaries. He remarked that Indian history has largely remained Delhi-centric, focusing primarily on the rulers of the capital, while significant parts of South India and the Northeast have been overlooked in mainstream narratives. Sampath highlighted the lack of documented history for a long time. He cited historical accounts such as Italian traveller Pietro Della Valle, who wrote about Rani Abbakka, describing her attire, palace, and legacy. Despite these records, he lamented that many Indians remain unaware of figures like Rani Abbakka. He also recalled how Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Travancore, decisively defeated the Dutch East India Company at the Battle of Colachel in 1741, a historic event that ensured Dutch colonial ambitions in India were crushed. “Had he not triumphed, we might have been speaking Dutch today at a few places,” Sampath remarked, adding that even in Kerala, few people are aware of this chapter of history.
Similarly, he pointed out the forgotten legacy of the Ahoms, who ruled Assam for over six centuries. “How many of us even know about this dynasty?” he questioned. Sampath stressed the need for a comprehensive, inclusive historical narrative that represents all regions of India.
Dr. Surendranath Bopparaju (Internationally Acclaimed Historian) provided an in-depth analysis of temple architecture, intricate carvings, and the artistic mastery of ancient Indian craftsmen, emphasizing their scientific precision and aesthetic brilliance. Padma Shri awardee Mr K.K. Muhammed presented a compelling session on the preservation and restoration of ancient temples. He detailed his efforts in the revival of nearly seventy 7th-8th century Gurjara-Pratihara temples in Bateshwar, Madya Pradesh, which were in ruins due to invasions.
Prof. P. Sripati Tantri, Chairman of the Trust said, “The conference highlighted the evolving perspectives on Indian history post-independence and the need for an unbiased approach to educating future generations. The main aim of the event was to foster meaningful discussions on India’s historical identity and its relevance in contemporary times.” Mr Vishwanath Padur, secretary of the trust said “The Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Trust’s main aim was to create a meaningful dialogue on the preservation of India’s temple heritage, historical truth, and the role of temples in shaping India’s cultural identity. The event served as a meeting point for historians, scholars, architects, and enthusiasts passionate about India’s rich historical past.” Dr. Malathi Krishnamurthy fondly recalled Gururaj Bhat as a teacher and principal known for his humanitarian approach. She emphasized how his scholarly lessons in the classroom were deeply engaging and how his core values—simplicity, hard work, and compassion—left a lasting impression on her. His influence, she noted, greatly inspired students.