Professor Mahmood Kooria, a distinguished academic from Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious Infosys Science Prize 2024 for his groundbreaking contributions to the study of Muslims in the Indian Ocean region, including Kerala. The award, which recognises excellence in scientific and social research, honours Kooria’s work in humanities and social sciences.
A landmark achievement for Kerala
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Kooria, a native of Perinthalmanna in Malappuram, is currently a professor at the University of Edinburgh. At just 36 years old, he is the youngest recipient of the Infosys Science Prize. The award acknowledges his extensive research on the history of sailing across the Indian Ocean and his unique approach to studying the history of Kerala from a global perspective.
In a statement to Mathrubhumi, Kooria expressed joy and surprise, saying, "this is totally unexpected, and I am very happy. This award is a recognition for ocean studies and Kerala studies."
Prize details and award ceremony
The Infosys Science Prize includes a gold medal, a citation, and a cash award of USD 1 lakh (approximately Rs 84 lakh). The award will be presented to Kooria at a special ceremony in Bengaluru on January 11, 2025.
Focus on Indian Ocean history and Kerala’s role
Kooria’s work offers fresh insights into the history of the Indian Ocean region, particularly focusing on Kerala’s crucial role in global trade, cultural exchanges, and the development of Islamic law. His research delves into how the legal traditions of various religious communities shaped the political, cultural, and economic transformations across the Indian Ocean coast.
Professor Kooria’s research also explores the historical role of animals such as elephants, horses, and donkeys in shaping key events, including the Malabar Rebellion. His innovative approach to integrating animals into historical narratives is a notable contribution to contemporary academic thought. Kooria’s work on this subject was published in Mathrubhumi Weekly and later compiled into a book by Mathrubhumi Books.
A leading scholar of Islamic Studies in the Indian Ocean
Kooria is widely regarded as one of the leading scholars of Islamic discourse in the Indian Ocean region. His research highlights the critical role of Islamic law in influencing the region’s political, cultural and economic exchanges. His work also covers the broader impact of Islamic legal traditions on the development of diverse communities along the Indian Ocean littoral, including the cultural and commercial interactions between different religious groups.
Earlier, Kooria was awarded the National Research Fellowship by the Dutch government, worth Rs 2 crore.
Recognition from Infosys Science Foundation
The Infosys Science Foundation, which recognises exceptional contributions in science and research, announced the winners in a statement led by President Kris Gopalakrishnan and Trustees N. R. Narayana Murthy, K. Dinesh, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Mohandas Pai, S. D. Shibulal, and others.
Published: 15 Nov 2024, 11:00 am IST
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