About Archives Department

The State Archives emerged as an independent department in 1962.  The accession and conservation of all non-current records of enduring value of the State Government for future reference is the basic function of the department.
The department caters to the intellectual needs of a large number of scholars, mostly scholars in history.  This department is able to aid scholars in their academic research.
Even since the formation of the department the officers of the department conducted appraisal work in various Government offices and collected huge volumes of records of immense historical value in which remains a great treasure to posterity.
The conservation section of the department has succeeded in preserving records enhancing their longevity through scientific methods. This department has a reference library which houses research journals and other rare records and books, which help the scholars. This department is a member of the International Council of Archives and Association of Indian Archivist.  The journal and deliberations of these bodies are available in our reference library.  They throw light on the innovations in Archives across the globe.

The basic function of the Department is the Preservation of the Archival wealth of the State. This include collection Conservation, publication, Research and Preservation of public Records, Semi public Records and Private records of the State. Exhibitions, Seminar etc are organised to arouse Archival consciousness. Training programmes are organised to those working in record rooms to increase the efficiency.

The Kerala State Archives is a A Category member in the International Council on Archives which is an International body of about 170 member countries in the world which is aimed to promote the Archival Heritage in the world.

The Kerala State Archives is institutional member in the National level associations like Association of Indian Archivists, Indian Historical Records Commission, National Museum Association etc.

The Director, Kerala State Archives is a member of the grant Committee of the Govt. of India for allotting Grant in aid to various states/UTs in India for the Preservation of the records.

Mission and Vision  of the department

1. To receive and preserve all non-current records of permanent value of the (a) State Government Secretariate, (b) various departments of state Governments, (c) all commodities and commissions set up by Government, (d) The State Public Service commission (e) any records or papers of historical value with private individuals and institutions

2.  To organise professional training/re-orientation programmes for the officers in charge of Department and officers of the various departmental record rooms.

3.  To assist departmental record officers to prepare €˜Retention Schedules for the records kept by them.4.  To render technical advice to various departments and institutions on management of records and their proper conservation.

5.  To attend ancilliary duties such as archival committies, commissions and creating archival consciousness in the state by conducting archives exhibition, seminars and workshops.

6.  To make records available for administration and historical research.