Mysuru: History is not merely a chronicle of wars and imperial expansions. It is also the study of cultural traditions, agriculture, trade and the rhythms of everyday life, said historian and columnist Anirudh Kanisetti.

He was speaking at a session titled ‘Battles and Bloodbaths of Yore, Mystical Magic of Historical Fictions’ during the Mysuru Literature Festival yesterday. The session was moderated by Arun Krishnan.

Emphasising that history cannot rest on speculation alone, Kanisetti noted, “If one examines Chola history solely through the lens of royal power and military conquest — without considering the geographical context of the era — the study remains incomplete.”

He cautioned against uncritically accepting historical narratives advanced by modern-day politicians. “What is presented may not always be factual. It’s important to examine how much truth their claims hold,” he said, underlining the importance of critical inquiry in historical writing.

Kanisetti stressed that history must be grounded in rigorous research and analysis. “It is a discipline that demands investigation, not imagination,” he said.

Pointing to the long-standing roots of democratic values in South India, he observed that there is growing interest among scholars from North India in exploring the region’s rich historical past. He explained that many dynasties in Karnataka balanced royal authority with democratic elements, fostering systems that promoted agriculture, trade and civic life.

Disputes among villages and communities during those times were addressed through structured mechanisms, revealing a mature and thoughtful approach to governance. He also highlighted how rulers of the time showed a keen interest in archaeology and the study of human history, indicating a deep intellectual engagement with their society.

In conclusion, Kanisetti reiterated that historians must look beyond mere events to understand the cultural, social and geographical contexts that shaped them.