The Union Cabinet’s decision to rename Kerala as Keralam brings closure to a demand rooted in language, history, and identity. Although the Kerala Assembly had already passed resolutions in 2023 and 2024, the state moved the proposal again to fix a technical gap and ensure constitutional precision.
Why the Kerala Assembly Passed the Resolution Again
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan introduced both resolutions. However, the first proposal went beyond what the Constitution required. It asked for changes not only in the First Schedule, which lists Indian states, but also across all languages in the Eighth Schedule.
Later, officials reviewed the proposal closely. They found that only the First Schedule needed correction. As a result, the government placed a fresh resolution in 2024. This time, it focused solely on changing the state’s name from Kerala to Keralam in the First Schedule. Therefore, the Assembly ensured clarity and avoided future legal disputes.
Moreover, the Assembly unanimously requested the Union government to act under Article 3 of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to alter state names and boundaries.
Linguistic Roots and Kerala Piravi and Keralam
In Malayalam, the official language of the state, people have always called the region Keralam. Meanwhile, the Constitution used the English form “Kerala.” This mismatch stood out, especially because India reorganised states on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956.
That date holds special meaning. People celebrate it as Kerala Piravi, or Kerala Formation Day. Consequently, lawmakers argued that the constitutional name should reflect the language-based identity of the state.
Importantly, the move gained rare political unity. Leaders across party lines, including the BJP’s Kerala unit, publicly supported the renaming.
Origins of the Name Keralam
Several theories explain the origin of the name. One of the earliest references appears in Rock Edict II of Ashoka, dated to 257 BCE. The edict mentions Keralaputra, which many scholars link to the Chera dynasty.
Additionally, German scholar Herman Gundert traced Keralam to Cheram. He explained that cher means “to join,” while alam refers to land or region. Together, the word suggests a unified territory.
The Demand for a Unified Kerala
Historically, Malayalam-speaking regions remained divided among Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore. During the 1920s, the Aikya Kerala movement gathered strength. Activists demanded one state for Malayalam speakers.
After Independence, integration moved faster. Travancore and Kochi merged in 1949 to form Travancore-Cochin. Later, the State Reorganisation Commission, led by Syed Fazl Ali, recommended the creation of Kerala. The new state included Malabar and Kasargod, while southern taluks joined Tamil Nadu.
How India Renames a State
Changing a state’s name requires a constitutional amendment. First, the proposal must come from the state government. Next, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs examines it and seeks clearances from several agencies. Finally, Parliament debates and passes the Bill. Once notified, the new name takes effect.
Earlier, a 2018 proposal to rename West Bengal as Bangla stalled due to international concerns. In contrast, Keralam faced no such obstacle.
Ultimately, the renaming aligns the Constitution with the language and history of the land.
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