Under this collection you will find materials written in languages identifiable with modern Malayalam or obtained from within the geographical boundary of modern Keralam. Physical copies of these materials may be found at various libraries and Museums in Keralam. A list of manuscripts from some of these libraries can be seen here. Granthappura (ഗ്രന്ഥപ്പുര), a digital archive managed by the Indic Digital Archive Foundation, also provides digital copies.

It is well documented that the geographical region identified as modern Keralam had a well-developed mathematical tradition, now known as the Kerala school of mathematics and astronomy. This school is thought to have been founded by a certain Mādhava of Sangamagrāma and developed original concepts akin to modern notions of infinite series and infinitesimals, among others. Its mathematical developments mostly focused on astronomical calculations. However, this tradition was likely rather exclusive and did not circulate widely among the general public. One may read more about this tradition in detail in the third part (Madhava and the Invention of Calculus) of the book by P. P. Divakaran titled The Mathematics of India: Concepts, Methods, Connections.

In parallel, a more accessible tradition of mathematics existed, closely tied to daily lives in both recreational and functional ways. This is particularly evident in the kanakkatikaram tradition, similar to that in Tamil-speaking regions. Additionally, trade relations between Keralam's coastal towns and various global centers likely fostered computational skills, especially for accounting. Sreejith E., in his thesis "Education in Kerala: Transition from Pre-Colonial to the Colonial Phase," speculates that such mathematical abilities and computational skills were present among the general public of medieval Kerala.

In our archive, we seek to curate materials more likely found among the general population. These include prescriptions and methods for calculating metrics and values related to social and public life, such as interest, grain measures, land measures, architecture, carpentry, and so on. How such knowledge traditions related to the rigid jati relations of Keralam society, including practices like untouchability and unapproachability, is something that requires deeper scholarly investigation.

Those would like to read more on history Mathematics within Keralam from this perspective may consult Prācīna Gaṇitam Kerāḷathil by C. K. Musad and Sreejith's thesis.

Our evolving collection is currently quite limited, but we hope it will grow as more people engage with it. Please write to us if you know of any materials that could enrich our collection.