Research Methodology Workshop 2025

Call for Participation 

 Exploring Methods, Sources, and Contemporary Trends in Historical Research

Venue: Trivandrum
Dates: 19–21 May 2025

The Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) invites applications from PhD scholars for participation in the upcoming residential Research Methodology Workshop, to be held in Trivandrum from May 19 to 21, 2025.

Designed as a dynamic space for methodological training, interdisciplinary exchange, and critical reflection, this three-day residential workshop is intended for PhD scholars working in the fields of history, the social sciences, and allied disciplines, with a specific interest in Kerala. Bringing together historiographical review, source-based inquiry, and thematic exploration, the workshop aims to foster methodological rigor and interdisciplinary approaches in the practice of contemporary historical research.

Key Focus Areas for Paper Presentations

Participants are invited to submit proposals that engage with one or more of the following themes:

I. Historiography and Sources

  • Review of Research in Kerala Society and History
  • Overview of Sources in Modern History 
  • Overview of Sources in Pre-Modern History

II. Themes in Contemporary Historical Inquiry

  • Economic Change and Political Formation
  • Caste and Community 
  • Bondage and Slavery
  • Gender and Sexuality: Feminist and Queer Interventions in History
  • Orality, Performance, and Memory as Historical Sources
  • The Malayali Overseas: Migration, Diaspora, and Transnational Networks
  • Literary Expressions and the Role of Media 
  • Environment and Climate Change  

Submission Guidelines

  • PhD Research Proposal (1500-2000 words) must clearly outline the research question, methodological approach, and relevance to one or more workshop themes.
  • Submissions are welcomed in English or Malayalam.
  • Include a short bio (100 words), institutional affiliation, and contact details.

Email submissions to: kchrtrivandrum@gmail.com

Submission of Research Proposal: May 5, 2025
Deadline for Final submission : May 7, 2025 - 5:00 pm
Notification of selection: May 10, 2025

Selected participants will present their work during the Project Clinic (Day 3) and receive feedback from peers and senior scholars. The workshop will provide an opportunity to revise and refine methodological frameworks and theoretical orientations.

Travel and accommodation support will be provided for selected participants.

For queries and clarifications:
Ph:  8448508859 - Pooja, Project Assistant, KCHR
Email:  kchrtrivandrum@gmail.com

Join us for three days of deep engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative learning as we explore what it means to do historical research today.