Kerala has a distinguished mathematical heritage, with significant advancements emerging during the era of Madhava of Sangamagrama. This intellectual tradition thrived in the Malabar region—particularly in the historical Muziris area, encompassing Thrikkandiyur, Thirur, Alattiyur, and Tirunavaya. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics developed pioneering work in infinite series, calculus, and trigonometry, leaving a lasting imprint on the global history of mathematics.
In homage to this remarkable legacy, the Kerala School of Mathematics (KSoM) was conceived in the early 2000s as a modern research institute aimed at revitalizing the region’s mathematical tradition. The proposal took concrete shape in 2004, championed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, in collaboration with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Government of Kerala. The objective was to create a centre of excellence for research and higher learning in mathematics.
The initiative received institutional support from Dr. Anil Kakodkar (then Chairman of DAE) and Dr. M. S. Valiathan (then Executive Vice President of KSCSTE), with academic guidance provided by eminent mathematicians such as Prof. M. S. Raghunathan, Prof. Rajeeva Karandikar, and Prof. Alladi Sitaram. The foundation stone was ceremoniously laid in 2004 by then Chief Minister Shri A. K. Antony.
KSoM began operations in 2007 and formally launched its academic programmes in 2009. Its initial academic focus was on doctoral training, with a structured PhD programme aimed at fostering original research in mathematics. The institute offered an intellectually rigorous environment, supported by a small yet dedicated faculty and frequent visits from leading mathematicians in India and abroad.
The institute was formally inaugurated in 2008 by then Chief Minister Shri V. S. Achuthanandan. Prof. Parameswaran A. J. was appointed as the founding director and played a pivotal role in establishing the academic and institutional foundations of KSoM. He was joined by Prof. A. K. Vijayarajan, the first faculty member to be appointed. Together, they carried forward the academic mission of the institute during its formative years. The arrival of Prof. M. Manickam soon thereafter marked the beginning of a gradual faculty expansion.
KSoM was initially envisaged along the lines of the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach (MFO) in Germany — as a residential, research-intensive centre promoting deep collaboration among mathematicians — while being thoughtfully adapted to the Indian academic landscape and regional context.
In the following years, KSoM steadily expanded its academic footprint through advanced colloquia, seminars, international conferences, and specialized workshops. It attracted mathematicians and researchers from across India and abroad, and established a reputation as a serious centre for mathematical research and training.
In 2019, the institute undertook a significant faculty expansion, strengthening its core academic team and enhancing its capacity to support doctoral supervision and research-based teaching. This marked an important step in scaling up academic activity and broadening the scope of in-house expertise.
In 2020, KSoM launched an Integrated MSc–PhD programme in Mathematics. Introduced as an expansion of its academic offerings beyond the existing doctoral programme, it was designed to attract talented undergraduates and provide them with a structured path from foundational coursework to advanced research. The programme also includes an MSc exit option after two years.
In the same year, Prof. Kalyan Chakraborty assumed directorship of the institute. During his tenure, KSoM undertook several key structural and academic reforms aimed at long-term growth. His leadership marked a phase of institutional consolidation and policy transition, laying the groundwork for future autonomy.
In 2024, Prof. Ratnakumar P. K. joined as Director of the Kerala School of Mathematics, bringing renewed administrative focus as the institute entered a phase of transition. The period marked important groundwork toward enhancing institutional identity and academic independence.
A major milestone was reached in April 2025, when KSoM was granted autonomous status under the Science and Technology Department of the Government of Kerala. This autonomy provides the institute with greater academic and administrative flexibility and is expected to further strengthen its mission of excellence in mathematical research and education.
As part of its autonomous vision, a significant expansion of KSoM’s faculty is planned. This is aimed at deepening academic expertise across a wider range of mathematical disciplines and supporting the growth of research programmes, student intake, and international collaborations in the years ahead.