Kerala Minister Inaugurates Heritage Center to Protect Historical Truths
In a significant move to safeguard historical integrity, Minister of Museums Ramachandran Kadannappalli inaugurated the International Archives and Heritage Center at the Kariavattom University Campus on Thursday. He emphasized that antiquities, archival records, and museums serve as vital beacons of historical truth, especially in an era marked by covert attempts to erase great figures created by history.
Guardians of Kerala's Rich Heritage
Speaking at the inauguration, Kadannappalli highlighted the increasing importance of these institutions in the current times. He stated that the departments of archives, antiquities, and museums are the guardians of Kerala's rich historical heritage. "In the last 10 years, the government has been working diligently to reorganize, expand, and popularize these three departments," he said. This effort aims to provide a proper understanding of history and address the changes of time effectively.
World's Largest Collection of Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Kadannappalli proudly noted that Kerala's archives department holds the largest collection of palm leaf manuscripts in the world. The new center will make a collection of over one crore records accessible to the public, enhancing transparency and historical awareness.
Relocation of Valuable Manuscripts
As part of this initiative, palm leaf manuscripts from the 14th century, currently stored in regional archives in Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, will be relocated to this center. This consolidation aims to preserve and showcase these invaluable documents more effectively.
Intriguing Historical Records
The collection includes a fascinating array of manuscripts that offer unique insights into Kerala's past. Some of the notable records are:
- Records of providing funds to women to start businesses, highlighting early support for female entrepreneurship.
- Land grants by the Pandya king to Malayalam rulers, showcasing historical alliances and governance.
- Fines imposed on government officials for arriving late to the office, reflecting early administrative discipline.
- Orders to pay wages in cash instead of rice, indicating economic transitions.
- Documents related to asking a person's last wish before execution, offering a glimpse into historical justice systems.
By making these records publicly accessible, the center aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Kerala's historical legacy and combat any attempts to distort or erase it.
