Coastal Karnataka History Summit Logo Unveiled in Bhatkal; Call for Research Papers Announced
Academic meet scheduled for May 5, 2026, invites scholars to submit abstracts by February 28.
Bhatkal: Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Coastal Karnataka History Summit, with organisers officially unveiling the event logo on February 22, 2026. The logo was released at Dawat Centre by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) Bhatkal unit. The summit is set to take place on May 5, 2026.
The academic initiative is being organised by the Centre for Education and Research & Analysis (CERA). The summit aims to systematically document and analyse the historical development of Coastal Karnataka, covering regions such as Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and adjoining areas of Kasaragod.
During the launch event, organisers issued a formal Call for Papers, inviting scholars, researchers, academicians and students to submit original and unpublished research. Abstracts, limited to 200 words and written in English or Kannada, must clearly outline the research question, methodology and key findings. The deadline for submission of abstracts is February 28, 2026. Selected participants will be notified by March 15, and full papers must be submitted by April 20.
The summit will focus on five major themes. One area of discussion will examine trade and economic networks of the coastal belt, including maritime routes, port towns, fisheries and commodity exchanges such as the pepper trade.
Another theme will explore social structures, caste formations and inter-community relations, along with the influence of Islamic, Arab, Persian and indigenous traditions on the region’s cultural landscape.
A separate section will study the origin and evolution of linguistic communities including Tulu, Konkani, Beary, Moya Malayalam and Navayati. Governance and administrative systems under various rulers — such as the Alupa dynasty, Rani Abbakka, Tipu Sultan and the Nawaith Sultans of Bhatkal — as well as developments after Independence, will also be examined.
The fifth theme will highlight the contributions of prominent social reformers including Narayana Guru, Malik Deenar, Vakkom Moulavi, Sayyid Fazl Pasha and Kudmul Ranga Rao, focusing on their role in education and social transformation.
The logo unveiling programme was attended by senior journalist Dr Haneef Shabab, JIH Bhatkal President Moulana Syed Zubair SM, SIO Bhatkal President Mohammed Zayan Bangali, Unit Secretary Githreef Rida Manvi and Media Secretary Mashaikh Talish.
Organisers said the summit aims to create a structured academic platform to examine the region’s layered history and bring local narratives into broader scholarly and public discussion.
Researchers seeking further information or wishing to submit abstracts can contact coastalkarnatakahistorysummit@gmail.com.
