The Malabar Archives and Library is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, one of the oldest Catholic jurisdictions in India, with origins dating back to 1657 when it was known as the Apostolic Vicariate of Malabar.
🏛️ Purpose & Mission
The archives exist to preserve, protect, and promote historical records of:
- The Catholic Church in Kerala
- Social and Cultural history of Kerala
- The Malabar (South Indian) Catholic Mission History
- The historical legacy of the Archdiocese of Verapoly
They serve both:
- The Church authorities
- Researchers, historians and the lay people interested in cultural studies
📜 Historical Importance
- The collection dates back to the 17th century missionary period on the Malabar Coast
- It is considered one of the oldest ecclesiastical archives in India
- It holds documents related to Ecclesiastical, Political, Social and Cultural development of Malabar
📂 What the Archives Contain
The archive preserves a wide range of primary resources, such as:
- Portuguese, Dutch and other Civil documents
- Correspondence from Propaganda Fidei
- Rare Manuscripts and printed documents
- Pastoral letters
- Circulars related to Social Life
- Missionary correspondence
- Sacramental registers (baptism, marriage, etc.)
- Church decrees and administrative records
These materials are written in multiple languages:
- Latin
- Portuguese
- Dutch
- Malayalam
- Italian
- English
🌍 Why It Matters
The Malabar Archives & Library:
Provides insight into the development of Catholicism, Education, Printing, Health Care etc. in South India
It welcomes historians, researchers, and students who seek to explore the Ecclesiastical and cultural development in South India
Committed to professional archival practices, the Malabar Archives & Library undertakes systematic efforts in cataloguing, digitization, and conservation to ensure the longevity and accessibility of its collections. Through these initiatives, it aims to preserve the past while contributing to academic inquiry and public understanding
As a custodian of heritage and knowledge, the Malabar Archives & Library stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith, history, and scholarship in the Archdiocese of Verapoly