| Name
of the Project |
Muziris
Heritage Project
The Muziris Heritage Project is a novel attempt at the behest
of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Govt of Kerala. It aims
at retrieving the historical heritage of the Kodungallur-Paravur
region and plans a combination of heritage management initiatives
in its restoration, conservation and access to the public. KCHR,
identified as the nodal agency for Muziris Heritage Project provides
academic guidance and undertakes archaeological / historical research
in the region. KCHR Chairman Dr. K.N.Panikkar submitted a concept
note on Muziris Heritage Project pointing out the possibilities
and potential of the proposal.
|
Pattanam
Excavations 2007
The Pattanam excavations was the first ever multi- disciplinary
excavation undertaken in Kerala State. The first part of the project
was a surface survey for archaeological and historical evidence
in the region. This was followed by extensive excavations at the
early historic urban site of Pattanam. Pattanam is located in
Chittatukara Panchayat -Vadakkekkara village, lying between Kodungallur
and North Paravur in the Periyar Delta in Ernakulam district,
Kerala. The main objective of the excavation was to search for
archaeological evidence that would help to locate/identify an
early historic urban settlement and the ancient Indo-Roman port
of Muziris or Musiri on the Malabar Coast.
|
‘Charitra-Anweshana
Yathrakal’
‘Charitra-Anweshana Yathrakal’ is a vacation programme
for the school children across the state being organized by KCHR
in association with the Department of Public Instruction. The
programme is planned as a study journey into the environmental
and cultural history of a select location. The project aims to
acquaint the younger generation on the changing dynamics of man-nature
relationship. Literally they will walk down the memory lane of
the elders. At the onset, a three kilometre stretch in their locality
has to be identified by observing closely its natural features.
Students have to figure out the topography of the place, assess
the continuity and change in lifestyles, land use patterns and
the human ecology over a period of past sixty years and prepare
a study report. During this journey, they have to explore into
the history of the land use pattern, agricultural practices, associated
arts and crafts, living memories and a host of other things relevant
to the theme and that suits their interests. The students are
expected to embark on this journey preferably in groups guided
by either an elderly informed person or a teacher
.
|
| Archives
on Malayali Family Histories & Biographies
KCHR has a unique collection of Malayali Family Histories &
Biographies. The collection has unpublished and published manuscripts,
family histories, autobiographies, biographies, souvenirs, monographs,
granthavarees, and nalvazhees. KCHR provides academic
assistance to family history research and writing. The A.M.N.
Chakyar Memorial Award is presented annually to the best Malayali
Biography. The best family histories are also honoured each year
from the books donated to the KCHR archives. |
| Oral
History Project
This is an initiative to collect and compile Malayalam proverbs
and publish a comprehensive Encyclopaedia of Malayalam Proverbs. |
| Digitising
Kerala’s Past
The project proposes to conserve the documents and photographs
relating to the historical, social, scientific and cultural heritage
of Kerala. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and River Valley
Technology Group (RVT), Thiruvananthapuram are collaborating in
the project by offering technological support. |
| Village
Histories/Panchayath Vijnaneeyams
KCHR offers consultancy services to panchayaths and cultural
organisations at the local level, in preparing local histories
and mapping their historical heritage. KCHR published the Panchayath
Vijnaneeyam of Vaniyamkulam Panchayath in Palakkad
District, the first ever in Kerala.As
commissioned by the Information Kerala Mission, KCHR documented
the local history of Vellanad Panchayath. |
| History
of Malayali Migrations and Migrant Communities
The project proposes to collect, compile and study the historical
data (including oral articulations, direct experiences, narratives
and photographs) on Malayali migration. KCHR provides academic
support to individuals and institutions interested in this area.
|
| Biographical
Documentation of Kerala Women, Dalits and Adivasis
This ongoing project was initiated in memory of Barrister G.P.
Pillai, eminent journalist and freedom fighter. |
| Database
on Kerala Social Reformers
The project attempts to create a comprehensive database on Chattambi
Swamikal, Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali in collaboration with
the Bodheswaran Foundation, Thiruvananthapuram. It also seeks
to bring in the contributions of lesser known reformers of Kerala.
Documents, publications, newspaper clippings, photographs and
oral traditions are being collected. |