Kerala History and Studies Journal publishes original scholarly research concerned with the study of Kerala, its people, institutions, historical processes and connections with wider South Indian, Indian and international contexts.
Aims
The journal aims to provide an academic forum for original research in history and related fields of historical study. It seeks to encourage source-based scholarship, critical historical enquiry and informed academic discussion concerning the past.
Particular attention is given to research that examines historical change through the study of people, communities, institutions, economies, political structures, cultures, ideas, environments and material remains.
The journal also welcomes studies that examine Kerala in relation to South India, the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Ocean world and wider historical developments.
Scope
The journal considers original research across a broad range of historical periods and themes. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Ancient, medieval, early modern and modern history
- Social and economic history
- Political and administrative history
- Regional and local history
- Cultural and intellectual history
- Religious and institutional history
- History of communities and social groups
- Gender and family history
- Labour and agrarian history
- Trade, commerce and maritime history
- Indian Ocean and transregional history
- Archaeology and historical archaeology
- Heritage and museum studies
- Environmental and ecological history
- History of education and knowledge
- Historiography and historical methodology
- Sources, archives and manuscript studies
- Oral history and memory studies
- Colonial and post-colonial history
- Comparative and interdisciplinary historical studies
Geographical Scope
While the journal has a particular interest in the history of Kerala, submissions may address wider geographical areas where they contribute to the understanding of Kerala's historical relationships, connections or comparative development.
Studies concerning South India, the Indian Ocean, the wider Indian subcontinent and other regions may therefore be considered where there is a clear historical relevance to the journal's scope.
Sources and Methods
The journal welcomes research using appropriate historical sources and methods. Submissions may draw upon archival records, inscriptions, manuscripts, published documents, archaeological evidence, material culture, oral traditions, interviews, quantitative evidence, visual sources and other relevant materials.
Authors are expected to explain and document their sources and methods appropriately and to engage with relevant scholarly literature.
Types of Contributions
The journal primarily considers original research articles. Depending on the editorial programme, other scholarly contributions may also be considered where they meet the journal's academic standards and editorial requirements.
Interdisciplinary Research
Research drawing upon related disciplines is welcome where historical analysis remains central to the submission. Relevant approaches may include archaeology, anthropology, sociology, economics, political studies, heritage studies, environmental studies, museum studies and other related fields.
Originality and Academic Quality
Submitted manuscripts should present original scholarly work and should not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. Manuscripts are evaluated in accordance with the journal's editorial and peer-review procedures.