Established in 1998, the Division of Arachnology—one of the most esteemed and valued departments at Sacred Heart College, Thevara—has emerged as a premier center in India dedicated to taxonomic research on spiders. It is fitting to briefly reflect on the remarkable journey of this Division over the years. Founded by the late Dr. P. A. Sebastian, who led the Division until his passing, it continues to be one of the country’s foremost institutions conducting systematic and scientific studies on spiders.

From its inception, the Division has been committed to identifying and cataloguing the rich spider diversity of South India, particularly in Kerala. Equipped with essential infrastructure, the Division is well-prepared to undertake and successfully execute any spider-related research projects. Dr. Sebastian's pioneering efforts resulted in a significant collection of spider specimens housed in the museum, serving as a vital reference for arachnologists and enthusiasts across India. To further its mission, the Division has developed modern facilities, adopted multifaceted strategies, and embraced advanced technologies, especially in identification, cataloguing, and database management. A notable achievement is the publication of the landmark book Spiders of India, which aimed to popularize arachnology, dispel common myths, promote awareness, and provide detailed insights into selected spider species. This work marked the first comprehensive reference on Indian spiders in four decades.