Internship opportunities at KCHR Headquarters

The KCHR headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram offers internships on the following themes.

Unique codes for each theme are mentioned in brackets (). Please identify the theme code while submitting the application.

Digitizing Kerala’s Past (DKP) Project (TVM001)

This project aims to create a digital archive of rare documents and photographs relating to the social, cultural, historical and scientific heritage of Kerala. After digitization, these documents will be uploaded on the KCHR website and made available for public access. One sub-project for which interns are needed is identifying and digitizing historical records, chronicles, images and documents that are presently in the private custody of a person, family or institution. Moredetails can be found here:  http://dkp.kchr.ac.in/en/

Contemporary History Archives (TVM002)

This archive visualizes the documentation of contemporary aspects of life in Kerala that normally escape direct or indirect efforts of documentation. A day in the life of a person (http://dkp.kchr.ac.in/en/) and the Kamala Surayya Archive (https://kchr.ac.in/kchr6-06-09/website/index.html)are good examples of archiving the lesser-known aspects of anindividual’s life, contacts, visits, friendships, meetings, interviews and casual acquaintances. This project plans to make a comprehensive archive of contemporary Malayali life by recording the lived experiences of contemporary individuals from various parts of the society 

Archives of Family Histories and Biographies (TVM003)

The Archives of Malayali Family Histories and Biographies is an ongoing local history research initiative. KCHR has a unique collection of family histories, autobiographies, grantavaris and nalvazhees, the full list of which is available here:  https://kchr.ac.in/2011pdf/familyhistorylist.pdf

KCHR provides academic assistance to conduct family history research and writing. The KCHR expects prospective interns to enhance this archive by undertaking original research in collecting and archiving Malayali family histories and biographies.    

Writing of local and institutional histories (TVM004)

Academic and organizational support is being offered to Local Self-Government Institutions (LSG) and cultural organizations in Kerala to undertake research by writing and mapping the local history and cultural heritage of a village/Panchayath or institution. Prospective interns are required to plan and participate in related activities such as LSG advocacy, survey, data collection, analysis, compilation, editing, and publication.

Historical Atlas of Kerala (TVM005)

This project envisages the documentation of and database creation for the archaeological/ historical sites, artifacts and monuments of Kerala. Prospective interns are expected to locate and document existing information on archeologically and historically significant sites, artifacts and monuments and help to create a comprehensive database.

Archaeological Explorations and Surveys (TVM006/PTM002/PTM003)

The project plans to utilize the available archaeological, historical and geological data from the Pattanam site to launch systematic explorations in and outside of Kerala (through surface survey and scientific documentation). The purpose of these explorations will be to identify and document potential archaeological sites contemporary to Pattanam.

Documentation of the Buddhist and Jain Vestiges of Kerala (TVM007)

This project aims to locate, document and help conserve the archaeological, archival, oral historical and other sources that are indicative of pre-9^th century CE Kerala history and society.

Prospective interns participating in this multi-disciplinary exploration are expected to prepare data on the Jain and the Buddhist vestiges of Kerala for publication online and in print.

History of Malayali Migrations and Migrant Communities (TVM008)

This project proposes to collect, compile, comprehend and publish the oral histories, lived experiences, narratives, photographs and other relevant documents of the Malayali diaspora. KCHR proposes to build a resource base on this theme with online facilities for the submission and dissemination of assembled datasets. KCHR interns can engage in the project by collecting data from individuals or institutions who are interested in contributing to this project.